Decatur Public Schools Foundation

08/10/2022

Welcome back to school, DPS teachers and staff! Our students and community are SO lucky to have you! The Decatur Public Schools Foundation is here to help support you and your students during the school year. One way the DPS Foundation can support you is through the Ellyn Spycher Teacher Fund. This fund is designed to assist teachers in District 61 with out-of-pocket expenses that occur during the course of the school year. Twenty-five winners will be awarded $125.

Ellyn recognized the importance of supporting those already working directly with younger learners. She realized that teachers are expected to deal with a multitude of issues above and beyond instruction. Every student carries something different in their figurative backpacks; effective educators feel a yearning to address it all, but often lack the resources to do so.

All current DPS K-12 teachers are encouraged to apply today! https://www.dps61.org/Page/12861

If you would like to donate toward the fund, please visit our website. https://www.schoolpay.com/pay/for/Ellen-Spycher-Teachers-Fund/SbK6N0F?mip=Mdy7

08/02/2022

Do you know any first-year teachers in Decatur Public Schools?

The Decatur Public Schools Foundation is committed to supporting newly graduated teachers (and support staff) in District 61 through a grant of $50. These small grant checks are sent directly to the new teacher to assist in setting up their first classroom. New teachers can apply by filling out the grant application, calling our office at 217-362-3042, or emailing Zach at [email protected].
https://www.dps61.org/cms/lib/IL01000592/Centricity/Domain/24/First-Year%20Teacher%20Grants.pdf

07/25/2022

Our next Foundation spotlight is on the Jerry J. Dawson Civic Leadership Institute (DCLI). This program was created and funded through the Howard G. Buffett Foundation in 2020, and is coordinated by Dr. Juanita Morris. DCLI seeks to ensure that DPS students develop a deeper understanding of how democracy functions and how to contribute their talents to impact their community. A primary program component is encouraging students to pursue careers in fields that serve the needs specific to our community. These careers are represented through three pillars: 1) Law Enforcement and Social Justice; 2) Healthcare; 3) Politics and Local Governance. If you would like to learn more about DCLI, visit their page (Civic Leadership 101) or their website: https://www.civicleadership101.com/?fbclid=IwAR2snL0z7icUn1OJIF9keO3lDn02PpJbkSUQwfIpk1hsYhunPhJpOB9ZirA

07/20/2022

In case you missed it...check out this great article highlighting our newest building project for the Dwayne O. Andreas Ag Academy. We look forward to moving into the center and starting classes in the fall of 2023!

BREAKING: The DPS Foundation announced a $9 million dollar commitment from the Howard G. Buffett Foundation to build the FFA Agriculture Education Center.

This investment in infrastructure, unique among high school ag programs in the United States, will establish the Dwayne O. Andreas Ag Academy as one of the country’s premier dedicated Ag education sites and supplement the coursework and National FFA Organization programming available to Decatur Public School students enrolled in the program.

https://nowdecatur.com/2022/02/09/howard-g-buffett-foundation-commits-9-million-to-dps-foundation-to-establish-ffa-ag-education-center/

07/14/2022

🦅 Calling all Johns Hill Magnet School alumni and friends 🦅

Inscribed bricks and pavers are now available for purchase for the Alumni Walk that will be installed in front of the newly built JHMS. Buy one now to honor or remember a favorite teacher, classmate, or family member! A dedication is scheduled for the Fall of 2023. Visit our webpage to place your order today. https://www.dps61.org/Page/17555

Once an eagle, always an eagle!

07/06/2022

Don't forget to nominate outstanding DPS Alum and current educators! We will accept nominations through the beginning of September.
Alumni Nominations: https://forms.gle/qwEdaaRp3sUg2BRr5
Current Educator Nominations: https://forms.gle/Ppw2enzCGcBVdQDM7

Do you know an outstanding DPS alum or current educator?
We are now taking nominations for our 2022 Legacy of Learning celebration! The event will take place November 4th and 5th. Please submit your nominations through our online google forms provided below. Paper nomination forms are available upon request.
Alumni Nominations: https://forms.gle/qwEdaaRp3sUg2BRr5
Current Educator Nominations: https://forms.gle/Ppw2enzCGcBVdQDM7

06/29/2022

Over the next few weeks, the Foundation would like to highlight the grants and scholarships that we offer to DPS 61 students. This week we would like to recognize the Billy “BJ” Guyse Scholarship Fund.

This fund was created by BJ’s friend, Adrian Walker, and the Guyse Family as a memorial to his life and his dedication to helping the youth further their athletic ambitions and education. During his lifetime, BJ dedicated time to helping youth athletes develop their skills in soccer, basketball, and baseball. At the time of his passing, he was an Assistant Baseball Coach at MacArthur High School and his son’s sports teams. His legacy lives on through his favorite saying: “We Ain’t Done Yet.”

For the last two school years, MacArthur male and female student-athletes have been chosen by school counselors and each awarded a $1,000 scholarship.

Scholarship qualifications include being a minority student-athlete with a positive attitude and community involvement. The 2022-2023 scholarship selection process will also include an essay. Students must be accepted into a college or university to continue their athletics and education.

If you would like to donate to the scholarship fund, please visit our website: https://www.schoolpay.com/pay/for/BJ-Guyse-Jr-Memorial-Scholarship/SRcVcz?mip=Mdy7

06/24/2022

Do you know an outstanding DPS alum or current educator?
We are now taking nominations for our 2022 Legacy of Learning celebration! The event will take place November 4th and 5th. Please submit your nominations through our online google forms provided below. Paper nomination forms are available upon request.
Alumni Nominations: https://forms.gle/qwEdaaRp3sUg2BRr5
Current Educator Nominations: https://forms.gle/Ppw2enzCGcBVdQDM7

06/23/2022

“What is the Decatur Public Schools Foundation?”
We’re so glad you asked!
Please take a moment to check out our comprehensive report to donors:https://www.dps61.org/cms/lib/IL01000592/Centricity/Domain/1/2020%20Foundation%20Report%20to%20Donors.pdf