Our Stories

GIPS Foundation Invites Teachers to Swim with the Sharks in the New Innovation Tank! As Grand Island Public Schools kicks off another exciting year, the GIPS Foundation is reminding teachers about our brand-new grant experience: The Innovation Tank! Announced this past May, this upgraded program replaces our traditional Classroom Grants to give you bigger resources, higher impact, and a fresh way to fund your vision.

Grand Island Public Schools and Grand Island Public Schools Foundation kicked off the new school year by celebrating staff at their annual Welcome Back ceremony on August 5. A highlight of the event was the presentation of the 2026 Teacher of the Year awards, honoring six outstanding individuals across the district.

Welcome to the July 2026 edition of Rise, the voice of Grand Island Senior High alumni and friends. We show up every other month in over 11,000 in-boxes bringing you news, views, and memories of GISH. This is Issue #4 of our eleventh year of publishing the only consistent connection for alumni and friends of Grand Island Senior High.

At the GIPS Foundation, the mission extends beyond supporting students—it is also deeply committed to empowering the educators and staff who shape their success. This year, the GIPS Foundation is proud to invest in the continued growth and excellence of the district’s professionals by awarding three Professional Development Grants.

At Knickrehm Elementary, science is moving out of the textbook and into the soil. Thanks to the collaborative vision of educators Chelsi Christensen and Amanda Julesgard, thirty students are embarking on a hands-on journey to become stewards of the environment through the Milkweed Planting Project.

This initiative was recognized by the Grand Island Public Schools (GIPS) Foundation, which provided a $500 Classroom Grant to bring the vision to life. Each year, the Foundation celebrates dedicated teachers by supporting their most innovative ideas—special projects that move beyond the chalkboard to offer students real-world experiences.

Welcome to the May 2026 edition of Rise, the voice of Grand Island Senior High alumni and friends. We show up every other month in over 11,000 in-boxes bringing you news, views, and memories of GISH. This is Issue #3 of our eleventh year of publishing the only consistent connection for alumni and friends of Grand Island Senior High.

Imagine standing on your school playground, releasing a small balloon, and watching it catch the wind until it disappears into the blue. Now, imagine that same balloon traveling thousands of miles, crossing vast oceans and continents, all while funneling data back to you from the very edge of space. For the students at Walnut Middle School, this isn't a scene from a sci-fi novel—it is a real-world experience taking place in the classroom.

Thanks to the GIPS Foundation Classroom Grant and the Janeth Davis Memorial Grant, teachers Benjamin Marten and Tyler Madison have launched the "Circumnavigate the Globe" project. Together, they’ve transformed traditional science lessons into a global adventure that proves the sky isn't the limit.

For a first grader, the scale of the solar system can be difficult to grasp through a textbook alone. While we often look up at the night sky, light pollution and early bedtimes can make it hard for young students to truly witness the splendor of the Milky Way Galaxy that they learn about in class.

Recently at Newell Elementary, the gymnasium was transformed into a gateway to the cosmos. Thanks to a collaborative effort by first-grade teachers Asia Thoene, Abby Elsbury, and Renee Sutherland, the universe is now a down-to-earth adventure. The Grand Island Public Schools Foundation was proud to award these stellar educators a $475 Classroom Grant, bringing the Edgerton Explorit Center’s portable planetarium directly to their students.

Grand Island Senior High’s Show Choir program has built a reputation on musical excellence, but the secret weapon behind their success is the unmatched professionalism and precision of their student-led stage transitions.

To elevate this competitive edge, dedicated GISH educators Abigail Bloom and Jesse LaBrie sought support from the Grand Island Public Schools (GIPS) Foundation. The Foundation answered the call, granting $2,000 toward a Pageantry Innovations DK-20 Drum Kit Workstation—a total game-changer for the percussionists.

Chandra Kosmicki, a teacher at Engleman Elementary, always knew her media team had "star power"—they just needed the right gear to showcase their talents. Thanks to a $931 Classroom Grant from the Grand Island Public Schools Foundation, the Wildcat Way Webcast has officially leveled up, evolving from a simple school project into a professional-grade production.

This is your chance to shine a spotlight on the educators and staff who go above and beyond, igniting curiosity and changing lives inside and outside of the classrooms every single day. We are looking for those visionary mentors who inspire our students to reach further and dream bigger.

Don't let their hard work go unnoticed! Help us celebrate the heart and soul of our schools by submitting your nomination. Deadline for nominations is April 29, 2026.

Welcome to the March 2026 edition of Rise, the voice of Grand Island Senior High alumni and friends. We show up every other month in over 11,000 in-boxes bringing you news, views, and memories of GISH. This is Issue #2 of our eleventh year of publishing the only consistent connection for alumni and friends of Grand Island Senior High.

Our surroundings speak to us through our senses, and our emotions answer back. In the classroom, when we fill a student's world with thoughtful and gentle experiences, we're much more likely to hear a happy, confident echo in return.
Lisa Allen, a Special Education teacher at Shoemaker Elementary, understands the power of the human senses and how the right environment can impact a student’s mood and coping ability.

Engleman Elementary students are taking hands-on learning to the next level thanks to the "Safe Saws for Creative Minds" project. Led by SECA Instructor Megan Danner and funded by a Grand Island Public Schools Foundation grant, the initiative introduced child-safe electric ChompSaws to the classroom. These tools allow K–5 students to apply math, science, and literacy skills as they design and build 3D projects from cardboard. This week, the project came full circle as students hosted an art show during Parent/Teacher conferences, giving families a chance to see the impressive sculptures created through this collaboration. It’s a great example of how Foundation-funded resources are helping our educators personalize learning and spark student engagement across the district.

Becoming an Eagle Scout is far more than leadership learned in the outdoors applied to the real world; it is a prestigious testament to one's leadership and character. To join this elite rank, a scout must possess a tenacious spirit to venture into the unknown, dedicating themselves to the mastery of new disciplines.

Following its January 20 meeting, the Grand Island Public Schools (GIPS) Foundation Board of Directors is pleased to announce it’s 2026 executive officers and the election of its newest board member, Marci Tompkins. The Board has elected Paul Hoos to serve as President, Diana Kellogg as Vice-President, and Shane Wissmann as Secretary/Treasurer. During the transition, the Board extended its sincere gratitude to Kelly Enck for her dedicated service as Board President throughout 2025. As she passed the gavel to Paul Hoos, Enck remarked that the Foundation is fortunate to have such accomplished individuals whose diverse experiences and commitment to education will help ensure all GIPS students thrive.

Welcome to the January 2026 edition of Rise, the voice of Grand Island Senior High alumni and friends. We show up every other month in over 11,000 in-boxes bringing you news, views, and memories of GISH. This is Issue #1 of our eleventh year of publishing the only consistent connection for alumni and friends of Grand Island Senior High.

The Bill and Bea Southard Endowed Fund is breaking down financial barriers and fueling opportunities for Walnut Middle School students. Thanks to the fund, 3 members of the Walnut DC Diplomats are pursuing their HAM amateur radio licenses.

The GIPS Foundation is offering Major Saver digital cards through participating elementary schools. Students will receive their sales information packets on January 8 and 9 and sell the $15 discount cards until January 23. Profits from the Major Saver cards directly support the participating schools. Grand Island Public Schools has received over $221,000 in proceeds from these sales since 2016.

Stolley Park Elementary Kindergarten teachers Becky Waind and Katrina Moseman have been recognized for their commitment to personalized learning, securing a Classroom Grant from the Grand Island Public Schools (GIPS) Foundation. This significant funding will introduce cutting-edge Apple technology—including Apple TVs, iPads, and Apple Pencils—into their classrooms to support their belief in differentiated instruction.

Thanks to the generous support from grants, students from Barr Middle School had an unforgettable opportunity to bring their English Language Arts lessons to life by attending a rehearsal performance of Grand Island Senior High's (GISH) production of "Suzie Scrooge," a modern take on the classic "A Christmas Carol." The trip, made possible by funding from the Clark W. Reese Memorial Endowed Fund and the Gloria and S.N. "Bud" Wolbach Student Kindness Grant, ensured that all 7th graders had the transportation needed to experience live theater and deepen their understanding of the play's timeless themes.

The holidays are here, and just around the corner is the most anticipated annual visit from that jolly bearded man in a red coat. Santa Claus is a staple of the winter season, and has been for a very long time. But what do we really know about this legend? Today, we’re going to find out. Check out these fun facts, figures and folklore about the man, the myth, the legend—Santa Claus.

Dreaming of your next step after high school, but worried about the cost? Whether you're aiming for a university, a community college, or a trade school, scholarships can help you get there! The GIPS Foundation is here to help you make those dreams a reality.

The best news? The GIPS Foundation Scholarship Application is officially OPEN!

Volume 10 | Number 6

Welcome to the November 2025 edition of Rise, the voice of Grand Island Senior High alumni and friends. We show up every other month in over 11,000 in-boxes bringing you news, views, and memories of GISH. This is Issue #6 of our tenth year of publishing the only consistent connection for alumni and friends of Grand Island Senior High.

Second-grader Alex needed a critical tool for communication: a specialized device crucial for overcoming barriers posed by his Autism diagnosis. Before the grant, frustration often led to challenging behaviors, and his ability to communicate was severely limited.

Thanks to the Embree “Em” Learned Memorial Fund, Alex now has a voice that has dramatically improved his classroom engagement and independence. Read how this investment in technology transformed his communication from simple phrases to detailed expressions, and why his Speech/Language Pathologist calls the impact "immeasurable."

This year, the Foundation awarded 8 Classroom Grants totaling $10,371 for the 2025-2026 school year. These exciting new projects are expected to directly benefit 2,429 students across the district. Generous funding from sources like the Foundation's Harvest event, Community Campaign, Staff Giving Campaign, the Richard "Dick" Nabity Memorial Fund, and the Janeth Davis Memorial Fund made this impact possible.

The GIPS Foundation announced that its 2025 Harvest Event was a monumental success, shattering previous fundraising records by raising an incredible over $177,000. The record-breaking achievement reflects an inspiring commitment from the community to the Foundation. The GIPS Foundation’s mission is all-encompassing for our Students, Teachers, Administration, Staff, and the all-important supportive community. Together, we share one foundational vision: ALL STUDENTS MATTER!

In a world of instant gratification and technology answering many of our wants, there are still needs for our local students. Katie Lofing and Lauren Anderson, both inductees of the GISH National Honor Society where members are challenged every year with developing and executing a service project. Lofing and Anderson set their sights on Shoemaker Elementary, a non-Title I school with limited federal funding. Lofing and Anderson identified that having the proper supplies helps ensure a successful learning environment while easing financial stress for teachers and families. Lofing and Anderson enlisted the help of the GIPS Foundation. Their guidance provided security and exposure to propel Lofing and Anderson’s fundraising project, reaching above their goal to $2,025.

Volume 10 | Number 5

Welcome to the September 2025 edition of Rise, the voice of Grand Island Senior High alumni and friends. We show up every other month in over 9,000 in-boxes bringing you news, views, and memories of GISH. Leading the news this issue is Walnut’s celebration of 100 years as a school. That’s our “At the Top” piece, which includes photos and a list of events to mark the milestone.

Thanks to a GIPS Foundation Classroom Grant, students at Grand Island Senior High (GISH) are getting a chance to create custom items at school. The grant was used buy a DTF (Direct-to-Film) printer for the student-run GISH School Store and the Academy of Business and Communications. The printer can be thought of as a hybrid between a Cricut and a screen printer. It prints designs on a transfer paper, then the design can be applied to various products.

The Grand Island Public Schools (GIPS) Foundation is excited to announce its annual fundraiser, Harvest, a special evening dedicated to cultivating incredible opportunities for GIPS students. The event will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Riverside Golf Club, beginning with a cocktail hour at 5:30 PM.

Harvest is more than just a fundraiser; it's a celebration of community, generosity, and the shared commitment to investing in the future of GIPS students. Funds raised at the event provide vital resources and learning experiences for students, extending beyond the traditional classroom setting. These opportunities help students expand their horizons, discover hidden talents, and build a strong foundation for a successful future.

Thanks to a GIPS Foundation Classroom Grant, students at Stolley Park Elementary are taking their morning announcements to the next level. The Picture Perfect Productions project is bringing professional media tools to the classroom, giving students hands-on experience in video production while transforming how the school shares news each morning.