Millard Public Schools Foundation

The first round of the Classroom Innovative Grant review is complete. Out of 22 project proposals, our Innovation Committee selected five finalists, and voting is now underway among members of our Make a Difference Committee. The competition is incredibly close - the difference between projects is literally just a few points. We are truly impressed by the creativity, passion, and dedication reflected in every proposal. Thank you to all who participated this year. If your project is not selected this time, please remember: “not this time” does not mean “never.” We encourage you to apply again next year! #classroominnovationgrant #mpsfoundation

We’re incredibly grateful to have Sodexo as part of our community once again. This is not their first year supporting the Millard Public Schools Foundation Golf Tournament - and partnerships like this truly make a difference.   When organizations continue to show up, year after year, it means something. It means they believe in our students, our schools, and the impact we’re creating together.   Thank you for staying on this journey with us and helping us drive opportunity for Millard students - both on and off the course ⛳️ #mpsfoundation #mpsfgolf

Sometimes the best way to say thank you to your community… is to show up and give back. This week, our team at the Millard Public Schools Foundation had the opportunity to volunteer at the Mobile Food Pantry in Millard Public Schools. We distributed food through a drive-thru model - helping ensure families could quickly and easily access what they need. There’s something powerful about moments like this. You see the impact. You feel the gratitude. And you’re reminded why this work matters. Every day, we talk about supporting students, families, and educators. But being on the ground, brings it all full circle. Because when a community supports you… you don’t just say thank you. You show up. You give back. Proud to be part of a community that takes care of each other💚 #mpsfoundation #volunteer

What is the Women’s Giving Circle? Each year, a group of dedicated women in our community comes together with one shared goal - to make a meaningful impact in Millard Public Schools. Through collective giving, members support innovative projects that benefit students across the district. Schools submit project ideas, the committee selects three finalists, and at the annual gathering, members vote to fund one project. This year, the following projects have advanced to the final round: 💚 Millard North High School Mental Health Micro-Library & Wellness Wall 💚 Millard North Middle School Every Body Moves: Inclusion in Action 💚Millard South High School P.A.L.S. – Patriots Accessing Language Support On April 2, Women’s Giving Circle members will gather to hear presentations from each school’s principal before voting to fund one of these impactful projects. Join Women Giving Circle here mpsfoundation.org/events/event-o…. Stay tuned as we approach the final vote. #millardwomengivingcircle #mpsfoundation

Our Foundation Fanatics 💚 Behind every strong community organization are people who believe in the mission and help share it with others. We proudly call them our Foundation Fanatics. These are the people who champion the work of the Millard Public Schools Foundation, help spread the word, and remind others why supporting Millard students and educators matters. A few times each year, we gather with this incredible group to connect, share updates, and talk about what’s happening across our schools. These meetings are always special - not only because of the conversations, but because of the honest feedback and ideas they bring. At our latest gathering yesterday, we had meaningful discussions about what’s working, what we can improve, and how we can continue making an impact in our schools. We also shared how many of their suggestions have already inspired new initiatives and ideas we are bringing into Millard classrooms. Their perspective helps us grow, improve, and stay focused on what matters most. Thank you to our Foundation Fanatics for believing in our mission, supporting our work, and helping us move forward together. 💚 P.S. Yesterday’s gathering brought together part of our incredible group of 36 Foundation Fanatics - and these are the faces who joined us for meaningful conversations and big ideas 💚

We didn’t find a pot of gold. And no, we didn’t spot any leprechauns hiding around the office either… 🍀 But we did discover something just as fun - St. Patrick’s Day fortune cookies! Inside each one is a little prediction, and apparently, good news is on the way. We’ll take that kind of luck any day. So today we’re sharing a little bit of Irish-inspired fortune with you. Who knows… maybe a leprechaun is still nearby, making sure the good news comes true. 🌈✨ Happy St. Patrick’s Day from all of us at Millard Public Schools Foundation! #mpsfoundation

Sometimes the best volunteers show up when you least expect them. 💙 Today we had some very special guests at the Foundation. One of our board members reached out to share something wonderful: her children were celebrating their birthdays and decided that instead of gifts, they wanted to give back. They asked what The Caring Closet need the most. One of the items we hear about again and again from our schools counselors and social workers is headphones for iPads. So the kids made a decision - no presents this year. Instead, they collected headphones and donated them to help students across Millard. And they didn’t stop there. They also asked if their birthday celebration could include volunteering. As it turned out, we were preparing 1,200 welcome kits for incoming kindergarten students - small gifts with crayons, stickers, and notes to help our youngest learners feel excited about starting school. So the kids got to work. Stickering. Sorting. Packing. Helping. And they finished the entire project in just 1 hour and 5 minutes. Kids helping kids. ❤️ Moments like this remind us what community is all about. When children choose kindness and generosity, we know the future is in good hands. Happy Birthday, Sophie and Dash! 🎉 Thank you for your kind hearts and for turning your celebration into something meaningful for other students. #mpsfoundation #thecaringcloset #volunteering

Why would the Millard Public Schools Foundation need this many pieces of candy? 👀 Any guesses? Are we: ? opening the sweetest office in Omaha? ? preparing for a serious sugar rush? ? or working on something fun behind the scenes? We’ll give you a hint… Every year, our team keeps a small tradition that brings a little extra joy to our staff's children. And let’s just say - a lot of candy is involved. Stay tuned… #mpsfoundation #spark

Foundation Fanatic Spotlight.  This week, we’re celebrating Marsha, a 4th-grade teacher at Aldrich Elementary and one of the most dedicated supporters of the Millard Public Schools Foundation. Marsha has been teaching in Millard - and at Aldrich - for many, many years. In fact, when we recently tried to figure out just how long she’s been part of our Foundation family, we couldn’t find a single person who didn’t say, “Oh, she’s been involved since before me!” And considering how little staff turnover we have, that says a lot! Marsha truly loves the Foundation and has always made it clear that she wants to serve as an ambassador for our staff campaign. Her dedication to MPS, her school, her students, and her colleagues is remarkable. She works tirelessly to support her classroom and her team, and her commitment shines through in everything she does. Marsha, thank you for believing in our mission and for being such a steady, enthusiastic partner over the years. We are incredibly grateful for you. #MPSFoundation

Is it just us… or is the grass getting greener and golf balls starting to appear? 👀⛳ That can only mean one thing - preparations for our annual MPSF Golf Tournament are officially underway! Stay tuned… Registration is open. June 4 will be here before we know it. events.golfstatus.com/event/16a9f485… #mpsfoundation #mpsfgolf

The Young Adult Program Coffee Cart is spreading a little St. Patrick’s Day magic across our schools. ☘️ We’re proud to support this program, but honestly, the best moments happen when teachers reach into the "wish ball" or now the "luck pot" and pull out a surprise. A kind note. A fun little prize. And almost every time someone says: “I never win anything!” Careful… with a little Irish luck in the room, the next pull might just be the pot of gold. 🌈✨ A big thank you to the donors who make moments like this possible. Thank you to our Young Adult Program students who bring kindness, smiles, and joy wherever the Coffee Cart goes. And thank you to the school staff who welcome this program and support it every day. This is what community looks like - kindness, opportunity, and a little bit of luck, all working together. #mpsfoundation #yapcoffeecart

Thank you to the Millard Business Association for spending time with us this week! We are always grateful for opportunities to share the work of the Millard Public Schools Foundation and talk about the projects that help strengthen our schools and community. Everything we do is possible because of the support of our community. As the long-standing partner of Millard Public Schools, the Foundation returns more than $1 million each year directly back into our schools - supporting students, educators, and innovative programs across the district. The more our community knows about these opportunities, the more impact we can create together. One thing we are always proud to share is that donor gifts directly support our mission and programs for Millard students and educators. Contributions are not used to fund the Foundation’s operational expenses, allowing community generosity to go where it matters most - into our schools. Thank you to everyone who continues to learn about our work, share our story, and support Millard. Together, we can do even more. #mpsfoundation

We don’t talk about The Caring Closet very often. Around here, we call it “quiet help.” Because that’s exactly what it is.  Thanks to your financial support - and thanks to those of you who donate personal hygiene items, laundry pods, and household cleaning supplies - we are able to respond when a need arises. Most of the time, we fulfill requests within 24 hours. Every situation is different. Every request is personal. And we approach each one individually. We are deeply grateful to the school social workers and counselors who reach out to us when families need support. Through them, we are able to help quickly and thoughtfully.  What matters most is this: the dignity of the child is always protected. There are no public names. No details shared. No spotlight. Only support. The social workers coordinate directly with families, ensuring that children receive what they need without embarrassment or stigma. That’s why we call it quiet help. Because of your support, we can help… quietly, respectfully, and when it matters most. #mpsfoundation #thecaringcloset

Sometimes the smallest gestures make the biggest difference. 💚 At Montclair Elementary, Wish List donors helped launch a staff snack cart designed to brighten teachers’ days. Stocked with drinks, grab-and-go snacks, and sweet treats, this cart is more than convenience - it’s a visible reminder that someone in the community appreciates the work happening inside those classrooms every single day. Whether it’s a quick boost between lessons or a long afternoon pick-me-up, these small moments of care matter. Because when we support educators, we support students. To donors who made this possible: thank you for investing in the people who show up for children every day. This is how Wish Lists strengthen school culture - one thoughtful act at a time. ✨ #mpsfoundation #schoolwishlists

A heartfelt thank you to our Gathering Sponsor - Kayla from Grapes + Gouda! We are so grateful for Kayla’s generous support of the Women’s Giving Circle. Not only does she believe in our mission, but she also helps create such a beautiful and welcoming atmosphere at our gatherings. Her charcuterie boards are truly works of art - thoughtfully designed, incredibly delicious, and crafted with so much care. From the presentation to the flavor combinations, every detail reflects her passion and creativity. Kayla, thank you for supporting women coming together to make an impact in our schools. Your partnership means so much to us, and we are thankful to have you as part of our community. 💚 If you haven’t experienced Grapes + Gouda yet - you’re missing out! #millardwomensgivingcircle #mpsfoundation

Thanks to the generosity of an MPSF donor, Andersen Middle School staff started their morning not with emails or lesson plans… but with community. Your support funded a staff breakfast that brought the entire team together before the school day began - a chance to relax, connect, and simply enjoy being colleagues and friends. And the best part? The breakfast was served by the Principal’s Kindness Club students. Students greeted teachers, served plates, and helped create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. For them, it was a leadership opportunity and a moment of pride. For the staff, it was a powerful reminder of why they do this work every day. “Thank you so much for getting our wish granted! We had an amazing staff breakfast - catered by Jimmy’s Egg and served by our Principal’s Kindness Club students. It was such a great morning of camaraderie and fun for our staff!” - Heather Spessard-Schroer, Principal, Andersen Middle School Wish Lists don’t just provide items - they create experiences, relationships, and school culture. To our donors: thank you for turning a simple morning into something meaningful for both students and educators. This is the impact of community support in Millard Public Schools. ✨ #mpsfoundation #schoolswishlists

🎓 We’re currently at the UNO All Majors Career Fair - today and tomorrow! If you see us, stop by and say hello and learn more about Spark💚 Students often ask: “Why start with Spark if I want to work with kids later?” Because Spark isn’t just a part-time job - it’s a real, hands-on youth development experience. Here’s what you actually build: 👉 Daily experience working with elementary students 👉 Classroom management and group leadership skills 👉 Communication with parents and school staff 👉 Problem-solving and behavior guidance 👉 Teamwork and leadership 👉 Confidence leading activities and thinking on your feet If you’re studying education, psychology, social work, counseling, therapy, healthcare, coaching - or simply want meaningful experience - this is exactly the background schools and graduate programs value. Many of our staff started in Spark while in college… and later became educators in Millard - some even returned to work with us again 💛 You don’t have to know your long-term plan yet. You just need to enjoy working with kids and be willing to learn. We’re hiring - come grow with us and make a difference every day mpsfoundation.org/careers.  #mpsfoundation #spark #job

Want to stay connected with us? You can subscribe to our emails right on our website. Just scroll to the bottom of the homepage - you’ll find the sign-up form there. #mpsfoundation  We promise - we don’t send messages often, and we don’t flood your inbox. But when we do write, it matters. We share moments of impact, milestones we celebrate together, and times when your support can help move our mission forward. You’ll hear about the work happening across our schools and community - and how you’re part of it. Visit our site, scroll down, and sign up to stay connected 💙 mpsfoundation.org  #mpsfoundation #spark #greenstatemillardactivitycenter

We’d challenge anyone to find a child in Omaha who hasn’t been to the zoo - or one who doesn’t love it. And let’s be honest: once you visit, you’re already planning your next trip back. At the Millard Public Schools Foundation, we’re proud to celebrate and support community partners that create meaningful experiences for our students. Through Spark summer programming, many of our students have the opportunity to visit Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium as part of their experience - exploring, learning, and making memories that last far beyond the day. We love our zoo. We value this partnership. And we’re proud to be part of a community that invests in opportunities for kids to discover the world around them. If you share that pride - cast your vote and show your support 💙 omahazoo.com/10Best  #mpsfoundation #omahazoo

Due to winter weather ❄️ The MPSF office is closed on Friday, Feb. 20. Our team is working remotely and remains available by email. Stay safe and warm, Millard 💚 #mpsfoundation #spark