The grants are for musical instruments, stand-up desks, smart cutting machines, and microscopes.

The first grant, called “Glockenspiels for All” was submitted by district music teachers Madeline Cacciatore-Warta and Kim Horning. The grant will provide glockenspiels for students at Jefferson Elementary, in 1st through 4th grade. The instruments will energize the classroom and increase students’ musical knowledge in the concept areas of beat, rhythm, melody, harmony, form and expression. With the instruments, students are shown a pattern before playing, which helps them translate it into musical patterns.

Jennifer Brooks, a first-grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary School, was the winner of a 2025 ISD 88 Foundation Grant, which she is using to create an innovative seating and learning environment for students. Brooks was able to purchase five stand-up desks and stability balls for her classroom with funds provided by the ISD 88 Foundation.

In applying for the grant, Brooks wrote, “I currently see many students standing at their desks and leaning over (which is bad for their backs). It would be beneficial for them to have a real, stand-up desk to work at. I want all students to be comfortable while they’re working, whether they’re sitting on the floor with a clipboard, standing up, or sitting at a desk on a stability ball, wobble stool, or a chair with a kick-band. Innovative seating is our future. I want to embrace the future and bring it to my first graders. Stand-up desks are especially beneficial for students with diverse medical needs such as ADHD and ASD.”

A Jefferson Elementary student practices on a glockenspiel provided through the “Glockenspiel for All” grant awarded to the district.

Two more grants were awarded but did not arrive in time before school ended for the year.

A grant for business basics at New Ulm Middle School was submitted and received by STEM teacher Amber Gremmels. The grant allows middle schoolers to gain an introduction to the business world with items designed using Cricut brand machines, along with current 3D printers.

“Tinkercad,” a free online design and modeling tool will be used to improve design skills and “test the market” with products. This will be done by featuring items in the school’s PBIS store. Students will gather feedback from their current and potential “customers’ for future designs.

The last grant provides the middle school with microscopes. The grant application was submitted by middle school science teacher Molly Kaiser. This grant was funded by Pete and Linda Neigebauer. Microscopes purchased with this grant are cordless, allowing for easier access in our classrooms, and will be shared throughout the middle school in all grades in science and STEM departments. The purchase of new microscopes would allow more access for growing class sizes and provide introductory training that would transfer to their future high school classes.

All grants are submitted by ISD 88 teachers or staff members, who advocate to enhance the quality of education in New Ulm Public schools, aligning with the ISD 88 Foundation’s mission. To submit a grant, teachers or staff must fill out a letter of intent online. With approval of the school’s principal and superintendent, grants are reviewed prior to Eagles Extravaganza by the ISD 88 Foundation Scholarship/Grant Committee and approved by our board. ISD 88 Foundation allocates approximately $10,000 annually for grants submitted by teachers and staff.

Independent School District 88 Foundation Director (left) presents music teachers Madeline Cacciatore-Warta (center) and Kim Horning (right) with a check for the Glockenspiel for All program at the school. The grant will provide students in 1st through 4th grade with instruments to learn the fundamentals of music.

The Foundation’s Board Members extend a sincere thank you to our donors, sponsors, and ISD 88 Staff who continue to allow us to fund grants to support all ISD 88 schools.