She Inspired Him Then He inspired Her

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RELEASE DATE: June 15, 2022 —Last spring, wrapping up her 18th year teaching, Billi Bergman was wrung out and wondering if it was time to retire.

“Teaching through covid was, well, just wow,” said the Meadow Lark second-grade teacher.  Even as she adjusted to remote teaching, her students struggled.  She didn’t know if she had more to give, and she considered submitting her retirement letter.

A week before the deadline, something changed. …

She Inspired Him Then He inspired HerRead More »

She Inspired Him Then He inspired Her Read More »

GFH Student Videos Tell Our Story

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RELEASE DATE: May 18, 2022 — When the Great Falls Public Schools Foundation wanted to share information about recent grant-sponsored projects with our donors and supporters, we turned to Great Falls High teacher Kelly Wiles and his students.

They created videos highlighting the positive impact that innovative classroom grants have on student learning. At the same time, the video students received real-world production and editing experience, along with feedback from an outside client. …

GFH Student Videos Tell Our StoryRead More »

GFH Student Videos Tell Our Story Read More »

Teacher Involvement Benefits Foundation Programs

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RELEASE DATE: March 23, 2022 – Dawn Reitz (pictured here with student Piper Denno) has her hands full as a German teacher and head of the Global Languages department at Great Falls High School. Yet her commitment to public education extends beyond the school. She’s currently volunteering on a project to streamline the scholarship application process at the Foundation for graduating seniors and the teachers who help them. …

Teacher Involvement Benefits Foundation ProgramsRead More »

Teacher Involvement Benefits Foundation Programs Read More »

$20,000 Donation to Support Indigenous Education Programs

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RELEASE DATE: February 8, 2022 – This spring raised garden beds will be built at every public school in Great Falls. The first plantings will be sweetgrass, a plant held sacred by many Native American tribes. The project kicks off a multifaceted partnership between a creative educator and generous donor. …

$20,000 Donation to Support Indigenous Education ProgramsRead More »

$20,000 Donation to Support Indigenous Education Programs Read More »

New Ken Maddox Scholarship and Others Available January 1st

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RELEASE DATE: December 29, 2021 – Just over a year ago, Great Falls lost a beloved educator and coach to Covid-19. Ken Maddox spent his career teaching, starting at Lincoln and Chief Joseph elementary schools, then spending a combined 17 years at Paris and East middle schools. Great Falls High (GFH) basketball fans knew him as the longtime assistant basketball coach.(Photo Credit Great Falls Tribune/Rion Sanders) …

New Ken Maddox Scholarship and Others Available January 1stRead More »

New Ken Maddox Scholarship and Others Available January 1st Read More »

Thank You for Placing Your Trust in The Foundation

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RELEASE DATE: December 13, 2021 – As 2021 comes to a close, we invite you to review highlights of just some of this year’s successes. For the past decade, the Foundation has enthusiastically worked to provide scholarships, teacher grants, building enhancements, student and teacher recognition and equity efforts. Our success depends on the generosity of our donors. Your willingness to partner with us remains our greatest asset and we thank you. If you would like to contribute a year-end gift, please click here. …

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Thank You for Placing Your Trust in The Foundation Read More »

Record Setting Truck Raffle Raises $161,000

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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. …

Record Setting Truck Raffle Raises $161,000Read More »

Record Setting Truck Raffle Raises $161,000 Read More »

Six New Scholarships Available Through the Foundation

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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 »

Six New Scholarships Available Through the Foundation Read More »

Holocaust Compassion Project Art and Video at Paris Gibson Square

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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. 

…

Holocaust Compassion Project Art and Video at Paris Gibson SquareRead More »

Holocaust Compassion Project Art and Video at Paris Gibson Square Read More »

Donate A One Time Or Ongoing Scholarship For High School Graduates

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 Becker at [email protected] or call (406) 268-6021.

(406) 268-6021