RELEASE DATE: November 22, 2021 – Riverview Elementary PTA is putting its truck raffle earnings into new playground equipment; the Great Falls High football team will purchase new equipment and pay athletic camp fees for students who cannot afford them; and Valley View PTA will purchase a school reader board. These represent just a sampling of the projects that are being funded by Great Falls Public Schools (GFPS) Foundation Win This Truck Raffle. …
RELEASE DATE: October 14, 2021 — Four years ago, Great Falls pediatrician Deb Garrity transitioned from caregiver to patient with the diagnosis of stage 4 breast cancer that had spread to her bones. She saw firsthand how that diagnosis also impacted the lives of her children and others close to her.
In recognition of the hardship an ill parent poses on families–and in continuing her lifelong history of caring for others–Deb and her family created the DM Garrity MD Scholarship. Two $1,000 scholarships will be offered for students graduating from any Great Falls high school who have, or are currently, navigating the chronic or terminal illness of a parent or caregiver. …
Six New Scholarships Available Through the FoundationRead More »
RELEASE DATE: September 9, 2021 — Oftentimes a child first learns about the Holocaust from a textbook or as part of a larger lesson on World War II. But those students who hear actual stories from a Holocaust survivor can gain a much deeper level of understanding and empathy.
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Holocaust Compassion Project Art and Video at Paris Gibson SquareRead More »
RELEASE DATE: September 9, 2021 — As students and teachers gear up for a new school year, the Great Falls Public Schools Foundation has distributed $122,462 in grants to assist classrooms and programs across the district. …
Teachers Awarded $122,462 in Grants by the FoundationRead More »
RELEASE DATE: July 22, 2021 — Here’s a fun, easy way to support public schools and their students – buy a truck raffle ticket! Every dollar spent directly benefits a student organization or a classroom grant. The Win This Truck Raffle is the most popular fundraiser for the Great Falls Public Schools Foundation. …
RELEASE DATE: June 5, 2021 — As the Great Falls Public Schools Foundation celebrates our 10th birthday, we give special recognition to our founding Executive Director, Dave Crum. In the past decade he built the Foundation from merely a good idea to the largest public schools foundation in Montana. …
RELEASE DATE: May 26,2021 — As students, teachers and families navigated the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, an 18-month transformation took place behind the scenes. The historic stage and auditorium at Great Falls High School were renovated and completely updated. This video shows the extensive improvements made and the importance of this heartfelt gift to our community.
The project was made possible by the largest gift ever administered by the Foundation. It was funded by Ian and Nancy Davidson, longtime community and education supporters. As Covid-19 restrictions ease, the public will soon be able to enjoy this state-of-the-art venue.
RELEASE DATE: April 29, 2021 — Teacher Appreciation Week is next week, May 3 – 7. If you’re grateful to any teachers for the work they’ve done in a tough year, consider letting them know. We can help!
The Great Falls Public Schools Foundation’s Gold Star Awards are a way for parents, grandparents or anyone in the community to recognize teachers and school staff members who’ve made a positive impact. Those wishing to honor the educator can make a donation of any amount to the Foundation, then the teacher is presented a special card and recognition in front of his or her class and school principal. …
RELEASE DATE: March 30, 2021 — Have you ever bought a $10 Win This Truck raffle ticket? Or have you honored a school employee with a Gold Star Award? If so, thank you for contributing to students and classrooms across Great Falls. In the past 10 years your contributions allowed the Foundation to award teacher grants worth over $906,000!
RELEASE DATE: February 26, 2021 — Getting pandemic-stressed schoolchildren outside for fresh air and exercise is a given at our public schools. But just as classroom instruction poses new challenges, so do playgrounds.
At West Elementary, for example, Principal Lyndsey Stulc explained that each class is kept separate from others to maintain distance and reduce possible exposure to illness. With six different classes on the playground for each recess, that meant dividing the playground into six separate spaces. …
Setting up an educational scholarship fund can be a meaningful way to give back to your community or to honor a loved one. There are a number of things to consider when planning a scholarship. Please contact the Foundation for assistance, we are happy to help you. Contact Stephanie Schnider at stephanie_schnider@gfps.k12.mt.us or call 406-268-6021.