School District 51 Foundation

06/17/2026

Creating calm, supportive spaces for students can make a world of difference—and that's exactly what Robyn Carmine, 2nd Grade Teacher at Chatfield Elementary, is doing with the help of a 2026 Student and Staff Wellness Grant from the D51 Foundation.

Grant funding will support the creation of a calming corner in Ms. Carmine's classroom, providing students with a dedicated space to regulate emotions, refocus, and return to learning ready to succeed.

"Thank you so much for awarding me the Staff and Student Wellness Grant. The items for my calming corner will provide my students with a quiet, supportive space to regulate their emotions and calm their bodies. I truly appreciate your support in helping create a more positive and peaceful learning environment."

The D51 Foundation is proud to invest in projects that support the well-being of both students and staff across D51 schools. In this third round of Student and Staff Wellness Grants, more than $10,500 was awarded to 13 D51 staff members. Since 2024, the Foundation has provided over $34,000 in funding to 37 D51 educators and staff members, helping bring meaningful wellness resources to schools throughout the district.

Congratulations, Robyn, and thank you for creating a classroom environment where every student feels supported, valued, and ready to learn!

A big thank you to Monument Health for generously sponsoring D51F's Student and Staff Wellness Grants!

Chatfield Cheetahs
Mesa County Valley School District 51

06/16/2026

Applications are now open for Mesa County Valley School District 51 staff for the D51 Foundation's 18th round of Professional Learning Grants!

Whether you're interested in attending a conference, participating in specialized training, earning an advanced certification, or pursuing other professional growth opportunities, we want to help support your journey.

This round, the D51 Foundation has $10,000 available to invest in D51 staff professional learning.

Since 2018, the D51 Foundation has awarded more than $180,000 to 638 D51 staff members, helping educators and staff expand their skills, grow their expertise, and bring new ideas back to their schools and students.

Don't miss this opportunity to invest in yourself—and the students you serve. Applications are due August 31, 2026.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdF5OX2PSS5d9m03ByRdLu-FNrp_g7FB8CduUIwv0p7wQo40Q/viewform?usp=header

06/15/2026

What does the D51 Foundation do?

We invest in the people who make a difference for D51 students every day. Through grants, partnerships, and community support, the D51 Foundation helps provide opportunities that enhance student success and strengthen our schools.

One of our key funding areas is professional learning. Since 2018, the D51 Foundation has provided more than $180,000 in grants to 638 Mesa County Valley School District 51 staff members for professional learning opportunities. By supporting educators as they grow their skills, knowledge, and leadership, we help create even greater learning experiences for students across District 51.

When we invest in educators, we invest in student success.

06/12/2026

Want an easy way to stay connected with the D51 Foundation and help bring valuable opportunities to your school?

Become a D51 Foundation Ambassador!

Our Ambassador Program is designed to strengthen the connection between D51 schools and the D51 Foundation. Ambassadors help share information about grants, programs, events, and resources available to students and staff throughout the district.

The best part? Ambassadors only meet twice each school year, and each gathering takes place at a fun local venue where participants can connect with colleagues from across D51, learn about Foundation initiatives, and take information back to share with their school communities.

Whether you're a teacher, staff member, administrator, or simply someone who wants to help strengthen the partnership between your school and the D51 Foundation, we'd love to have you involved!

Interested in becoming a D51 Foundation Ambassador? Send us a DM to learn more!

06/10/2026

Congratulations to Amie Schraeder, Principal at Wingate Elementary, on receiving a 2026 Student and Staff Wellness Grant from the D51 Foundation!

Through this grant, Ms. Schraeder will receive funding to support Wingate's Inclusive Playground Project, helping create a more welcoming, accessible, and engaging space for all students to learn, play, and connect.

"Thank you so much for supporting the Wingate Playground Project through the Staff and Student Wellness Grant program. Your generosity brings us one step closer to creating an inclusive playground where all students can play, connect, and belong together. We are incredibly grateful for your investment in our students and school community. Your support will have a lasting impact on the children and families we serve." — Amie Schraeder

The D51 Foundation is proud to support innovative wellness initiatives across Mesa County Valley School District 51. In this third round of Student and Staff Wellness Grants, the Foundation awarded more than $10,500 to 13 D51 staff members.

Since 2024, the D51 Foundation has granted over $34,000 to 37 D51 staff members, helping provide wellness resources and opportunities in schools throughout the district.

A big thank you to Monument Health for generously sponsoring D51F's Student and Staff Wellness Grants!

To learn more about this and the D51 Foundation's other grant-making programs, please visit https://d51foundation.org/apply-for-grants/


Monument Health

06/09/2026

06/08/2026

Ever wonder what the D51 Foundation does?

Think of us as a bridge between community generosity and student success!

Through grants, partnerships, and community support, we help bring opportunities to life across District 51 to support academic growth and achievement.

Our funding priorities focus on:
🍎 Professional Learning for Educators
💡Technology and Innovation in the Classroom
🌟 Student and Staff Wellness

From classroom innovation and teacher learning to student enrichment and wellness initiatives, we're proud to support programs that help D51 students thrive.

Together, we're creating opportunities, removing barriers, and investing in the future—one student at a time.

06/06/2026

2 pieces of great news here!

1) D51F and Elevate Kids raised $8,730 in The Elevate Kids Fun Run to go toward Mesa County Valley School District 51 physical education (P.E.) programs.

2) The D51 Foundation has received a Gary Community Ventures grant to explore new strategies to expand access to after- school and summer enrichment programs for Mesa County students.

D51F is proud to work on projects like these as part of our commitment to student and staff wellness.

The Elevate Kids Fun Run in late May raised $8,730 in donations to go toward Mesa County Valley School District 51’s physical education (P.E.) programs.

06/04/2026

Today is Dr. Angela Christensen’s final day as Executive Director of the D51 Foundation as she begins her well-earned retirement.

For 15 years, Angela has led the Foundation’s efforts to raise funds, strengthen community partnerships, and support the students and schools of Mesa County Valley School District 51.

She has done it all with joy, compassion, unwavering dedication, and a deep belief in the power of public education.

Please join us in thanking Angela for her extraordinary service and lasting impact on our schools, students, and community. We wish her all the best in retirement!

06/04/2026

D51F is excited to receive a grant from Gary Community Ventures as part of a statewide effort bringing together six Colorado organizations to develop sustainable, community-driven approaches to ensuring more kids — especially those from lower-income families — can participate in the programs that interest them most.

District 51 students could see expanded access to afterschool and summer programs ⬇️📚