Foundation Awards Annual Excellence Grants!
November 2024
The Cedar Falls Schools Foundation is pleased to announce the following Excellence Grants for the 2024-2025 School Year. Focusing on the areas of innovation, memorable experiences and wellness, 34 grants, amounting to almost $48,000, will expand opportunities for students and staff. Thank you alumni, staff, businesses and organizations, community members, and parents for making these grants possible!
2024-2025 Excellence Grants:
- LEGO My WeDo and EV3; Get Up to Speed with SPIKE, All Elementaries | $5,000
Grant made possible in part by Jack Henry - True Mathematical Problem Solving, All Elementaries & High School | $1,916
Grant made possible in part by Legacy of Learning Fund - All Students are Rockstars!, Aldrich, Cedar Heights and Southdale Elementaries | $3,000
Grant made possible by CF Rock & Roll Revue - Authentic Learning 3D Printers, Aldrich Elementary | $1,200
- Best Practice in Phonics Instruction, Cedar Heights Elementary | $583
- Pathways to Reading Proficiency, Cedar Heights Elementary | $1,000
- Fine Motor Fitness, Cedar Heights Elementary | $1,000
- Durable Vertical Thinking Classroom Boards, Hansen Elementary | $1,620
- Bringing Knowledge to Life, Hansen Elementary | $1,000
- Decodable Texts, Hansen Elementary | $2,000
- Integrating Science and Social Studies into CKLA Knowledge, Lincoln Elementary | $1,000
- Preschool Literacy Center, Lincoln Elementary | $524
- Camera Traps and Biodiversity, North Cedar Elementary | $770
Grant made possible by Skogman Homes - Sensory and SEL Classroom, North Cedar Elementary | $1,076
- Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes, North Cedar Elementary | $1,316
Grant made possible by the Class of 1974 - Unplugged Adventures in STEM, North Cedar Elementary | $997
Grant made possible by Amazon - All About Balance Materials, North Cedar Elementary | $393
- Soft Start for First Graders, Southdale Elementary | $500
Grant made possible by Amazon - Science Enrichment: Geology – Rocks and Minerals, Southdale Elementary | $1,434
Grant made in memory of Pat Lyman, former Lincoln Elementary volunteer - Film Production and Media Literacy, Holmes Junior High | $2,000
Grant made possible in part by AECOM - Driving Innovation with 3D Printing, Peet & Holmes Junior Highs | $1,600
- Guitar Club Enrichment, Peet Junior High | $375
Grant made possible by CF Rock & Roll Revue - BLT Culture Team School, Holmes Junior High | $1,000
Grant made possible by Tony’s Plumbing & Heating - 7th Grade Class Microscopes, Peet Junior High | $3,175
Grant made in memory of John Hartman, former Peet Junior High Science Teacher - Building Thinking Classrooms, Peet Junior High | $750
- Real Care Babies, Peet Junior High | $2,000
Grant made in memory of Jim & Karen Bolger, Karen was a former P.E. Teacher at Peet Junior High - 3D Printer for Science Club, High School | $890
- Volunteer Club, High School | $500
- Physics Go-Direct Lab Equipment, High School | $2,000
Grant made possible by the Class of 1974 - Bike Safety and Education, High School | $1,500
Grant made possible in part by the Class of 1970 - Empowering STEM Students, High School | $3,000
Grant made possible by Amazon - Scholastic Action Magazine, High School | $100
- Your Rainforest Mind Talented and Gifted Book Club, High School | $516
- 2025 Summer CF Spanish Trip to Spain, High School | $2,000
Grant made possible by the Class of 1968
Click here to l earn more about CFSF Excellence Grants!
Foundation makes $120,000 Gift to Manufacturing Engineering Program
September 2024
Cedar Falls Schools is excited to enhance the student learning experience with SME PRIME 2.0, to evolve with the changes in education and meet the needs of their students and community. Partnership Response in Manufacturing Education (PRIME) was originally created in 2012 and Cedar Falls High School was designated as one of 15 schools identified in the United States. PRIME was developed as a response to the growing skills gap crisis in our nation along with the greater mission to inspire, prepare and support STEM-interested students.
Dr. Andy Pattee, Cedar Falls Schools Superintendent stated “as a District we continue to explore work based learning opportunities to maximize students' passion and purpose in a career pathway. SME PRIME 2.0 allows for deeper opportunities for students throughout our region to help them long term and to explore multiple opportunities here in the Cedar Valley.”
“The engineering program at Cedar Falls High School has connected me closely with other content areas and has given me more opportunities to bring rigor and relevance to my curriculum. I feel like great strides are underway in making the students and their futures the most important focus of the educational process. Students are able to leave this program with an immeasurable amount of direction,” said Dirk Homewood, PLTW Instructor.
Cedar Falls High School offers a comprehensive STEM education based on student inquiry through problem-solving and practical experience alongside career certifications, college partnerships, and technology to prepare students to lead productive and rewarding careers in an ever-changing world. In the fall of 2024 a new high school building will open with two dedicated STEM classrooms and a makerspace between the two rooms.
“We will be partnering with the SME (Society of Manufacturing Engineers), University of Northern Iowa, and local businesses to create pathways directly into the workforce, 2-year degree programs, or 4-year degree programs. With community partnerships, the opportunity to take career certifications, college-level courses, and receive on the job training through our CAPS program will be available to our students. SME PRIME 2.0 will provide the platform for funds and curriculum to ensure students have access to state of the art technology and educators the necessary professional development in engineering, computer science, welding, and metal technology,” said Dirk Homewood, PLTW Instructor.
The Cedar Falls Schools Foundation (CFSF) is PRIME 2.0’s first sponsor. “We feel very fortunate to be in a position to help,” stated Monica Boyer, CFSF Executive Director. “Innovation is one of our focus areas when we consider projects to fund within the school district. Our support gives students an opportunity to work with the latest technologies, helping them be that much more prepared as to enter the workforce or pursue post-secondary education.”
Numerous additional partners have added their support:
“Power Engineering and Manufacturing is excited about the implementation of PRIME 2.0 in the Cedar Falls School District, as it brings advantages to both the students and the local manufacturing companies. Power Engineering and Manufacturing is dedicated to investing in our youth and the future of manufacturing careers. By working together with these students, they can acquire insights into our company and the custom gearbox solutions we provide to different industries globally, while also exploring potential career paths. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this program will have on our industry and our community,” said Dennis Schilling, CEO of Power Engineering and Manufacturing.
“Advanced Heat Treat Corp. (AHT) is pleased to be involved with PRIME 2.0 and educate students on heat treatment - a process not often talked about in everyday life, but so important to manufacturers in industries such as agriculture, aerospace, automotive, etc.,” said AHT President Mikel Woods.
“Viking Pump has been a proud supporter and host site for Cedar Falls CAPS students. As a key employer in the Cedar Valley we understand the important role the CAPS program plays in introducing students to future career opportunities and allowing them to interact with a wide variety of businesses in the area. Viking Pump looks forward to the evolution of our partnership through PRIME 2.0!” said Chad Wunderlich, Distributor Development Manager at Viking Pump.
Front row: Monica Boyer, CFSF Executive Director; Jessie Sorensen, CFSF Board President; Kathy Butler, CFSF Board Member; Dirk Homewood, Project Lead the Way Instructor; Amanda Finck, CFHS Junior; Hunter Russell, CFHS Senior; Susie Hines, CFSF Board Member
Back row: Eric Rosburg, Executive Director of Secondary Education; Dave Vandeventer, CFSF Board Member; Andy Pattee, Superintendent
Give Back at Jack Campaign Supports Foundation
August 2024
During the month of August, local Jack Henry employees participated in a Give Back at Jack Campaign to support Cedar Falls Community Schools. Employee contributions were generously matched by the company making their total impact $2,125!
Jack Henry is a well-rounded technology provider serving community and regional financial institutions with a wide offering of capabilities.
Foundation Welcomes One New Board Members and Celebrates Two Retiring Board Members
August 2024
The Cedar Falls Schools Foundation Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of one new Board Member – Susie Hines. Ms. Hines will fill a community member seat on the board. She has been deeply involved in District activities in the past, most recently completing her tenure as a school board member and President of the Booster Club. In addition to joining the Foundation, she also serves on the SCHEELS Tiger Performance Fundraising Committee. She and her husband reside in Cedar Falls, and both of her children have graduated from Cedar Falls Schools.
With Ms. Hines appointment, the Foundation is also celebrating two retiring board members – Jim Sprau and Megann Tresemer. Mr. Sprau, a retired district teacher, served on the board for nine years, holding a community member seat. Ms. Tresemer, a current district teacher, served on the board for six years holding a district staff seat. Both served their maximum terms and provided great leadership during their time on the board.
CFHS Class of 1974 Celebrates 50th Reunion with Gift to CFSF
July 2024
Leading up to their 50th Class Reunion, organizers from the Cedar Falls High School Class of 1974 asked classmates to consider giving back to their alma mater, through a gift to the Cedar Falls Schools Foundation (CFSF). Their initial goal was $5,000, to support Excellence Grants next school year. Excellence Grants are available to all Cedar Falls Community Schools District staff each fall, and support the purchases of learning materials and opportunities for students outside of the district’s budget. The initial goal was quickly met, then raised to $10,000. The additional $5,000 would name a classroom at the new high school in honor of their class.
Classmates celebrated their 50th reunion June 28-30 during Sturgis Falls weekend, as well as the accomplishment of raising $13,347 for Cedar Falls Community Schools! Monica Boyer, CFSF Executive Director commented, “I’m always amazed by the support of alumni. This gift shows that the Class of 1974 is grateful for the educators who invested in them, the experiences they had here and their desire to support future Tigers.”
CFHS Alumni Hold Fundraiser Concert to Support Cedar Falls Community Schools Music Programs
July 2024
Eleven Cedar Falls High School alumni from the Classes of 1977 and 1978 performed on June 29, over Sturgis Falls weekend, at the Oster Regent Theatre in Cedar Falls. Their band, CF Rock & Roll Revue, played hits from the seventies to celebrate alumni and their reunions. The event was free and open to the public.
The band volunteered their time and although admission was free, attendees were invited to make a donation to the Cedar Falls Schools Foundation (CFSF) to fund Music Excellence Grants. Excellence Grants are offered by the CFSF each year to any staff member who has an idea to expand learning experiences for students. Since band mates were thankful for their music education while attending Cedar Falls Schools, they elected for funds raised to support music-focused grants.
Prior to the event, the band secured over $10,000 in business sponsors and individual donations. Those dollars, combined with event-day fundraising, amounted to $13,632 total! Monica Boyer, CFSF Executive Director remarked, “Working with this group has been a joy! They took a chance on a fundraiser idea that turned out to be incredibly successful. It shows that philanthropy can be more than writing a check – it can be sharing your gifts and passions.”
Special thanks to:
- CF Rock and Roll Revue band members: Dani Duke, Richard Potter, Scott Kunkle, Dave Link, Mark Kittrell, Kevin Masters, Carl Smith, Corey Hansen, Laurie Landt, Lisa Mueller and Holly Postel
- Business Sponsors: Ag & Truck, Community Chevrolet of Cedar Falls, Jacobson Financial Services, West Music, B & K Lawn Care, Iron Workers, Magee Construction Company, Glass Tech and Lucky Me Mercantile
- Volunteers: Rona Duke, Leonard Landt, Jessica Zimmerman, Daryl Sanders, Denise Link, Carol Meggers, Andrea Sanders, Sue Kunkle, Jean Hansen, Tracy Potter, Colleen Masters, Lori Litterer, Connie DeHaan, Denise Brown, Nolan Meggers and Marty Postal
“Wow, what an amazing adventure! The audience was so ready to rock and stepped up even more with their donations at the gig. Supporting CF Schools student musicians is such a joy for our band and collaborating with Monica and team at CFSF made the whole process so easy and fun. Sending our thanks to all who attended and supported this groovy experiment!” concluded Corey Hansen, Creative Producer and Keyboardist.
Nero Memorial Grants Awarded During Teacher Appreciation Week
May 2024
The Cedar Falls Schools Foundation celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week with three surprise visits to support new teachers pursuing additional education. Grants were made possible from the generous memorial donations made to the Nero Memorial Grant Fund.
John and Doris Nero dedicated their careers to education as teachers and guidance counselors. After John's passing in 2011, Doris established the fund to continue John’s passion for helping and encouraging new teachers, especially to pursue professional development. “The chance to remember these wonderful past educators, while supporting some of our newest educators is a win-win. We feel privileged to get to be a part of it,” stated Monica Boyer, Foundation Executive Director.
Three Nero Memorial Grants in the amount of $575 each have been awarded this year to:
- Avriel Ryan, 4th grade teacher at North Cedar Elementary, who is pursuing her Principalship M.A.E. at the University of Northern Iowa.
- Sarah Venem, 5th grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary, who is in the Curriculum Studies Master’s Program at Morningside University.
- Hannah Bustamante, science teacher at Cedar Falls High School, who is taking a course called, The History, Philosophy, and Nature of Science at the University of Northern Iowa.
Awarded annually, 21 Cedar Falls Community School District teachers have been supported through this fund so far.
Supporting Seniors with Scholarships
May 2024
On May 7, at the Cedar Falls High School Honors Convocation, our donors made a very special impact and investment to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of our 2024 scholarship recipients. The following 19 scholarships, amounting to $32,000 total, were awarded. Scholarships were from $1,000 each, unless otherwise noted.
Bill Close & Ron Streed smARTstart Scholarship: Ljiljana Anderson
Bill Ellinger Memorial Scholarship: William Pease
Cedar Falls Rough Risers Kiwanis Club Scholarship: Henry Wiering
Dan and Bea Brown Memorial Scholarship ($4,000): Amaiyah Korf
Do Better. Be Better. Scholarship: Maddie Gallagher
Elsa Roberts Memorial Scholarship: Evan Myers
Frank and Dorothy Horn Memorial Scholarship: Tate Bakula
Janelle Wilks Memorial Scholarship: Ava Davis
Kathy Bunger Memorial Scholarship: Sriya Kalala
Kristine Martinson and Family Scholarship: Abigail Dvorak
Lauterbach Memorial Scholarship ($4,000): Maddie Gallagher
Lauterbach Memorial Scholarship ($4,000): Ava Davis
Lauterbach Memorial Scholarship ($4,000): Abigail Dvorak
Rick VerHeul Memorial Scholarship ($2,000): Ethan Beneke
Robert and Hazel Messer Scholarship: Anna Berger
Ronald E. Juhl Memorial Scholarship: Luke DeGabriele
Sandy Remmert Memorial Scholarship: Amelia Bryant
Scott Sterrett Memorial Scholarship: Adalie Carlson
Todd Blanford Memorial Scholarship: Lily Myers
To read more about our scholarships, click here.
Best wishes Class of 2024!
Scott Sterrett Memorial Scholarship Fund Established
February 2024
At their February Board Meeting, Cedar Falls Schools Foundation board members and staff accepted a donation from Paul Rae and Alex O’Connell, Fast Track Racing co-owners and Steve, Teresa and Todd Sterrett to establish the Scott Sterrett Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Scott Sterrett was a 1987 graduate of Cedar Falls High School who had a passion for serving his community as a reserve officer with the Cedar Falls Police Department. He was an avid runner, participating in 23 marathons – the Boston Marathon twice, and the Chicago and Dallas Marathons multiple times and was a member of Nazareth Lutheran Church. In 2018, Scott passed away after a fight with pancreatic cancer. A race is held annually in his memory, with proceeds now supporting this scholarship.
The first Scott Sterrett Memorial Scholarship will be awarded this May to a student pursuing a degree in the public safety field.
Click here to complete our scholarship application online.