3 SPS teachers receive $1,000 each from Silver Dollar City
This fall, Silver Dollar City launched a "Dream Big, Do Good" campaign, where the amusement park would award $1,000 to 10 teachers. Of the 10 winners, Springfield Public Schools had three grant recipients.
SPS "Dream Big, Do Good" campaign winners:
- Tabitha Eutsler, third grade, Jeffries Elementary School
- Kim Patterson, speech language pathologist, Kickapoo High School and Harrison Elementary School
- Laura Schulteis (above), community engagement coordinator, Robberson Community School
"I was probably nominated by Dr. Huffman, our principal, because of the work I do with students as the community engagement coordinator and library at Robberson," said Schulteis. "I have a lot of after-school programs, a lot of innovative programs that are either happening for the first time or haven't happened for a long time, so I'm helping to provide and give students opportunities they might not otherwise have."
Patterson received a grant for her work with Succulent Enterprises, a school-based enterprise that is in coordination with a number of other special education team members at Kickapoo High School and Harrison Elementary School.
The program provides hands-on opportunities for students to learn relevant job skills to combat the overwhelming unemployment rate for special needs adults. Last year, the program was so successful it hosted three plant sales, with students selling out all the arrangements they created, she says.
"It was so much wonderful work, so I think this year, we're going to build up our greenhouse," said Patterson. "We're passionate about the growing process and building up our hub, which is at Harrison. So that $1,000 will go toward the greenhouse. Every single penny needs to go to that program and cultivating its rich experiences for students."
Patterson's students were thrilled to hear that Silver Dollar City not only knew about their business, but chose to fund their work.
"They were out of their minds with excitement because Silver Dollar City recognized them," said Patterson. "To hear that Silver Dollar City believed in them, it was one of the most exciting moments of celebration for our students. It was so exciting, and we can't wait to get started."
Eutsler was named the 2016 Springfield Teacher of the Year. At Jeffries, her $1,000 will go to supporting student experiences at Jeffries. Each winner was nominated by students, parents or others in their school communities.