Tahlequah Public Schools Benefits from Generous Grant Support
Tahlequah Public Schools (TPS) continues to thrive thanks to the generous support of community partners and multiple grant-funded initiatives that help eliminate obstacles and create meaningful opportunities for students and educators. These resources—awarded both to individual teachers and to the district as a whole—play an essential role in strengthening academic programs, enhancing classroom environments, and supporting TPS’s mission of providing high-quality education for all students.
TPS extends its sincere appreciation to the Tahlequah Community Fund for awarding an impressive $33,814.09 to support classrooms across the district. This contribution directly benefits students by providing teachers with the tools and materials they need to enhance instruction and spark creativity.
We congratulate the following educators whose classroom grant proposals were selected for funding: Mandi Jordan, Amanda Harris, Ellie Vega, Allison Collins, Laura Rogers, Melissa Harris, Gina Fisher, Stevie Leatherman, Melissa Corn, Kevin Benson, Lori Robertson, Tiffany Cacy, Carl Wallace, and Sinea Girdner. These fourteen teachers will implement a wide variety of impactful projects, ranging from flexible seating options and classroom libraries to math manipulatives, cameras for the yearbook program, curriculum resources for special education, important FFA initiatives, a kiln for art classes, and additional art supplies for high school students. Each of these projects represents a meaningful investment in student engagement and innovative learning.
In addition to this support, the Tahlequah Public Schools Foundation awarded $9,668.70 in grants to district educators. Grant recipients included Jasmine Smith, Gabby Veith, Delaney Wallace, Charity Bardell, Yazmin Quezada, and Deena Jones, each of whom will use the funds to enhance their instructional programs. The Foundation also contributed $1,000 to Tahlequah High School to support the Nashville trip—an enriching experience for participating students.
Beyond individual classroom grants, TPS is also fortunate to benefit from several districtwide initiatives designed to improve school climate, safety, literacy, and student wellness.
A key example is the Project Prevent Grant, a five-year award from the U.S. Department of Education. This grant focuses on building safer, more supportive school environments by reducing violent or disruptive behaviors, increasing access to mental health services for students exposed to trauma, improving overall student engagement, and providing specialized training for school staff. TPS looks forward to continued progress toward these goals in the coming years.
The STOP School Violence Grant, now in its final year, also plays a vital role in maintaining safe learning environments. Through threat assessments and trauma-informed, evidence-based training for staff, this grant strengthens the district’s ability to prevent and respond to potential threats. TPS continues to work closely with local law enforcement partners to ensure that schools remain secure, welcoming places for learning.
Literacy support has also been significantly enhanced through the Innovative Approach to Literacy Grant, a five-year initiative designed to improve reading instruction districtwide. This grant funds reading teachers at the middle and high school levels, literacy paraprofessionals across all grades, elementary library assistants, and a Parent Engagement Specialist. It also supports ongoing professional development to ensure high-quality literacy practices. A highlight of this grant is the annual distribution of two free books to every student, as well as partnerships with healthcare providers to give books to families with young children from birth to age four. TPS is now in the final year of this impactful program.
This year, TPS also received the TSET Discovery Grant, which supports farmers markets at all elementary schools and expands these opportunities to surrounding districts. Additionally, the district was awarded the Opioid Abatement Grant, a three-year grant focused on drug prevention. Through this program, TPS will implement the Botvin LifeSkills curriculum for third graders and STAP students.
These grants represent just a portion of the tremendous support that helps Tahlequah Public Schools fulfill its vision of Tigers ROAR: Removing Obstacles, Achieving Results. With continued community partnership and grant-funded innovation, TPS remains committed to providing every student with the opportunities and support they need to succeed.
Submitted by Lacie Wilson, Federal & State Programs and Grants Director