Blue Valley Educational Foundation

BVEF is having a birthday! Mark your calendars now and plan to join us in August as we kick off a new school year, new leadership, and new programs and grants to support students and teachers! #BVEFStrong

😁HOORAY! That's a wrap on a wonderful school year! Thanks to all who supported BVEF events, fundraisers, and campaigns, and we wish you a safe and happy summer!🌻

💥Did You Know that BVEF awarded 29 scholarships for a total of $33,000 to graduating seniors this year? Congratulations to all graduates of the Class of 2026! #BVEFStrong

In the words of the late educator Rita Pearson, “Every child deserves a champion.” This BVEF award, created and underwritten by the Sharma Family, recognizes exceptional staff members who demonstrate kindness and compassion, foster authentic connections, and empower positive growth in students. Honorees receive a generous gift to be utilized as a $2,500 cash prize, a $2,500 grant for their learning environment or a $2,500 tuition reimbursement for continuing education/graduate credit hours. Congratulations to the 2026 Champion for Students winners and thank you to the Sharma family! Anna Porter, Intensive Resource Teacher at Blue Valley North High School Sarah Babkin, 7th Grade ELA Teacher at Oxford Middle School Sara Byrd, 3 d Grade Teacher at Oak Hill Elementary School

#MotivationalMonday 🌻Spring is the perfect time to slow down, step outside, and find joy in your surroundings. At the Blue Valley Wilderness Science Center, behind Blue River Elementary, the Wellness Walk offers a peaceful trail designed for reflection, mindfulness, and renewal. Created through a partnership between the Blue Valley Educational Foundation and Keep The Spark Alive, the path features guided prompts along the way that invite visitors to pause for breathing exercises, grounding techniques, and moments of calm. We invite you to take a walk, slow your pace, and take care of your well-being as the weather warms. Learn more at fundbv.org/wellness-walk #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth

🎉HappyBVEFriday! And A Fond Farewell to Dr. Katie Collier 🩷With grateful hearts and many thanks, we salute Blue Valley Schools Deputy Superintendent Dr. Katie Collier for her years of service to the district, students, teachers, and especially the Foundation, as she served for several years on our Board. 📚Although Dr. Collier is retiring from the BV district- she is not retiring from her role in education- and we wish her all the best as she assumes the position of Superintendent of Auburn-Washburn schools this July. Thank you, Dr. Collier, for your extraordinary work on behalf of the Blue Valley community and your support of the Blue Valley Educational Foundation! We will certainly miss you and wish you all the best!

Commerce Bank is on a 22-year Winning Streak with Blue Valley Educators! The Blue Valley Educational Foundation is pleased to once again thank Commerce Bank for ensuring the Foundation’s ability to recognize and support the 2026 Teacher of the Year and Master Teacher of the Year award recipients. Since 2024, Commerce Bank has provided a generous $5,000 gift to fund classroom grants for these outstanding educators. This year’s Teacher of the Year recipients are: •Kimberly Thompson, social studies teacher at Blue Valley High School •Madison Cundiff, kindergarten teacher at Lakewood Elementary School The 2026 Master Teacher of the Year recipients are: •Heather Hall, science teacher at Blue Valley West •Abby Buser, library media specialist at Harmony Elementary School Congratulations to these exceptional members of the Blue Valley community and thank you to Commerce Bank for investing in the educators who inspire and support Blue Valley students every day. #BVEFStrong #CommunityPartners

🎉Raffle for a Reason Winner Announced! 🌻Each year, the Blue Valley Educational Foundation’s Raffle for a Reason helps fund classroom grants, wellness programs, and district-wide initiatives that enrich educational excellence across our schools. 📚This year, 100% of raffle proceeds will support literacy grants in Blue Valley Schools. In 2026, BVEF awarded 39 literacy grants totaling $55,000, impacting more than 11,000 students. From Tonie boxes for our youngest learners at Aspen Grove Elementary to a visiting graphic novelist for all nine middle schools and a new biography collection at Blue Valley High School, these funds ensure educators have the tools to inspire a love of reading and strengthen student achievement. 🤸‍♂️💜🤩And the winner is…. Eric Cohen, a Lead Custodian at Blue Valley Northwest High School! Congratulations to Eric and stay tuned to find out what prize package he selects. Thanks to all who purchased tickets and continue to support BVEF!

Women’s Giving Circle Awards Spring Grant & Celebrates an Inspiring Evening On Thursday, April 16, nearly 70 Blue Valley women gathered for a truly special evening at our Spring Women’s Giving Circle. It was a celebration of connection, generosity, and the powerful impact of collective giving. Thanks to our friends at OakStar Bank, the event was hosted in a beautiful setting where guests enjoyed light bites, and conversation on a rooftop terrace. Guests also had fun connecting through a round of “Get to Know You” Bingo and playing the “Real Women of Blue Valley,” with a chance to win $200 gift cards to BVEF Partner in Education, Discover Strength. The atmosphere was perfect as attendees heard from three outstanding grant finalists: •Blue Valley Publishing •Hands-On Physics •Future Threads: Modernizing a Middle School Sewing Program for 21st Century Education After thoughtful presentations and member voting, the Spring 2026 Women’s Giving Circle grant was awarded to Blue Valley Publishing! This innovative program creates a supportive, project-based environment where students can explore the full writing process from idea development to publication. With access to professional editing and publishing resources, students across all five Blue Valley high schools will have the opportunity to become published authors. This April's Women’s Giving Circle was a wonderful reminder of what’s possible when women come together with a shared purpose, to support innovative ideas that enrich learning across Blue Valley. Interested in being a part of this awesome Party with a Purpose? Save the Date – Fall Women’s Giving Circle is scheduled for November 12. More info will be shared soon.

#MotivationalMonday When school communities face unexpected challenges, the Blue Valley Flight Team is there to help. This District Crisis Response Team brings together counselors, social workers, psychologists, district leaders, and school police to provide immediate, coordinated support for students and staff. Their work is grounded in Psychological First Aid, an approach focused on helping individuals feel safe, supported, and connected while beginning to heal and regain stability. A strong school community is defined not by avoiding challenges, but by how it responds to them. BVEF is proud to support the training and readiness that helps the Flight Team serve Blue Valley schools with care and compassion when it matters most. #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth

Happy BVEFriday!🎉 Congratulations to Jannie Cubbage- BVEF's Volunteer of the Year 🎸Each year since 2006, the Foundation recognizes someone who goes above and beyond expectations as the Volunteer of the Year. Our 2026 Volunteer of the Year began her role as a volunteer around 2008 - and just for reference- helped launch our very first Battle of the Bands when it was a small gathering at a local restaurant. 🥰Her day job is with the BV District Office as an administrative assistant in Academic Services. For years, Jannie has been a constant presence behind the scenes of BVEF’s most important events. Whether she is welcoming guests at registration for our annual Community Breakfast, greeting attendees and managing check-in at Battle of the Bands, or helping ensure our Surprise Squad celebrations end with a gracious gathering, Jannie shows up with a smile and a servant’s heart. 🩷She has a remarkable way of making guests and volunteers feel valued and appreciated. It’s the smallest interactions that leave the biggest impressions, and Jannie understands that deeply. Her kindness, reliability, and genuine enthusiasm elevate every event she touches. 💸In addition to giving so generously of her time, Jannie is also a committed financial supporter of BVEF through our employee giving campaign and the Women’s Giving Circle, demonstrating her belief in our mission in every possible way. Simply put, Jannie helps us do what we do better. 💥We are incredibly grateful for her years of dedication and the spirit of hospitality she brings to BVEF. It is our honor to celebrate Jannie Cubbage as our Volunteer of the Year!

📣 Registration is open! As you complete your K-8 student’s registration, don’t miss the opportunity to make an even bigger impact right from the same screen. When you reach “Optional Fees,” you can easily include your BV Ed Foundation Parent Membership in just a few clicks. It’s a simple way to support innovative classroom grants, student programs, and enhanced learning experiences across all Blue Valley schools. Choose the level that’s right for your family: • Supporter – $35 • Partner – $100 • Champion – $300 Each level offers meaningful ways to stay connected, with added perks as you go. Thank you for being part of a community that champions students and supports educators! ow.ly/H4Rt50YVzI5

Happy School Nurses Day to all of our amazing and dedicated medical professionals who keep our BV students and staff safe and healthy! BVEF loves our school nurses! 💝🌻🩹

Honoring Excellence in Innovation: BVEF Announces 2026 Award Winners Celebrating its 20th year, BVEF’s Innovative Educator Award was presented earlier this month. Our sincere thanks to Ken Selzer and Deb Grimes, who have personally funded these special awards recognizing Blue Valley educators who use innovative practices to ensure student success. We are proud to announce Mission Trail Elementary’s Abby Jones and Blue Valley Northwest High School’s Jeremy Mohn as the 2026 recipients of the Blue Valley Educational Foundation (BVEF) Innovative Educator Award. This award honors teachers who go above and beyond to apply creative teaching methods in the classroom, developing or using new strategies, tools, and ideas to engage students and drive meaningful results. Each recipient receives a $1,250 grant to support their classroom initiatives. Jones, a library media specialist for the Bulldogs, is in her 21st year with the district. Mohn, a science teacher for the Huskies, is in his 26th year with Blue Valley. The excitement and enthusiasm during these surprise announcements made these recognitions even more memorable. Congratulations to these two outstanding educators! BVEF is proud of your good work on behalf of Blue Valley students.

#MotivationalMonday In Blue Valley, some of the most powerful mental health support comes from students themselves. Through the Sources of Strength program, peer leaders across our middle and high schools are supporting one another, promoting mental wellness, and creating a school culture rooted in resilience. By encouraging one another to lean on their “sources of strength,” these students are creating a ripple effect, reminding their peers that no one has to face challenges alone. “It’s powerful to see students from all backgrounds come together with a shared goal: making sure everyone feels seen, supported, and that no one is invisible,” shared Blue Valley Sources Trainer. #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth

💸🌄🏖️Are YOU the Raffle for a Reason WINNER!?!?! 🥰Join us LIVE on Facebook at 11: 30 a.m. today and see whose name we call! 🎟️Thanks to all who entered and support BVEF and BV district initiatives for our teachers, students, and families! #BVEFStrong

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and BVEF is all in on mental health. 🩵 Why? Because bright futures start with healthy minds. When students feel safe and supported, they’re better able to learn, grow, and thrive. All month long, we’ll be highlighting the many ways BVEF supports mental health and wellness across Blue Valley, from student groups and parent trainings to crisis response and beyond. Stay tuned every Monday morning on BVEF social media and learn more about these programs and resources and the generous organizations and donors that make them possible.

🤩SOLD OUT! Thanks to ALL who purchased a ticket or made a donation to BVEF's Raffle for a Reason supporting literacy in BV schools! 🎉ARE YOU THE WINNER? Tune in tomorrow live on Facebook at 11:30 a.m. as we pull the lucky ticket and announce the lucky winner:) Good luck!

💃Did you know it's International Dance Day and YOU could be doing a happy dance if you are the lucky Raffle for a Reason winner, which supports literacy programs in BV schools! 😮But tomorrow (Thursday) at midnight is the DEADLINE to enter. Don't let your chance for cash, trips, and great memory-making and pass you by! 🎉Good luck and thanks for supporting BVEF! The winner will be announced on Facebook Live Friday, May 1 at 11:30 a.m. ow.ly/AVrH50YRiFO

🎉Don't Miss Your Chance! Have you bought your ticket for Raffle for a Reason? 📚Check out ALL the prize options and support literacy in our @BV_Schools classrooms! One lucky winner will choose one of five amazing prize packages with multiple options within: ⛷️Ski Package 🏖️Beach Getaway 🌟Entertainment Escape 🌄Great Outdoors Package 💸$1,990 in Cash 🎟️There are only 40/150 tix left so purchase a ticket (or several!) today! Raffle for a Reason closes at midnight April 30 and winner will be drawn live on Facebook May 1, 2026! ow.ly/TG6z50YP5Ri

🎉It's #MotivationalMonday! Have you bought your ticket for Raffle for a Reason? 📚Check out ALL the prize options and support literacy in our schools, like this grant from BVEF to @BVH! One lucky winner will choose one of five amazing prize packages with multiple options within: ⛷️Ski Package 🏖️Beach Getaway 🌟Entertainment Escape 🌄Great Outdoors Package 💸$1,990 in Cash 🎟️There are only 50/150 tix left so purchase a ticket (or several!) today! Raffle for a Reason closes at midnight April 30 and winner will be drawn live on Facebook May 1, 2026! ow.ly/a35u50YP5Rg