Golden Apple Foundation

06/07/2026

Aubrey Barnett, who teaches at Thurgood Marshall Middle School, received a Collins STEM grant through us for "Solving the Future: Building a STEM Legacy through Future Problem Solvers." The FPS program was expanded. Students applied a structured problem solving process to real-world challenges including aerospace topics while developing skills in research, critical thinking and collaboration.
The team earned four first place awards at the state competition. The grant allowed Aubrey to increase student and coach participation and for students to compete and succeed in state and international competition. 28 students in grades 2-10 collaborated in cross-grade FPS. More students are expected to participate next year.

06/06/2026

Crystal Ellis and Tierra Vich of Stone Creek School received a Golden Apple grant for SEL picture books. The books help second and third grade students develop strategies to better understand and manage their emotions through relatable stories and characters and meaningful discussions. Topics covered included anger management, grief, growth mindsets, tattling versus reporting, friendship challenges and self-regulation. These books benefitted 360 students this year and will continue to be used for several years.

06/05/2026

06/05/2026

Get your applications in for the Golden Apple Don Zimmerman scholarship TODAY! The selection committee is ready to start reviewing applications and scheduling interviews to choose a FT teacher in Boone or Winnebago County to receive this scholarship for FULL PAID TUITION at this fall. The scholarship is to help a teacher earn his or her first master's degree in education to grow in knowledge and skill to take back to the classroom. Join Meghan Baylor, Brenda Estrada and Brooke Harp as a recipient of this amazing opportunity. See https://goldenappleofrockford.com/scholarships-and-awards/don-zimmerman-teacher-scholarship/ for the application and more information.

06/04/2026

This!

Join RPS 205 staff, administrators & Teacher Academy members on June 25 from 4-7 p.m. @ Ernie’s Midtown Pub! Fill the tip jar, enjoy great food & drinks, & support local teachers through Golden Apple. A percentage of sales will be donated. You might even be served by Dr. Jarrett!

06/04/2026

Mary Hunter, who teaches special education Kindergarten at Donald C. Parker Early Education Center, received a Golden Apple Foundation grant with funding from the family of Ann Dooley to buy a sensory tools, soft furnishings and calm visuals for a Calm Down Corner. This quiet corner provides a safe, comforting space for young learners to regulate emotions, reduce stress and re-engage positively in learning. The corner and its materials will be used for several years, benefitting hundreds of students. Without it, the children would have trouble regulating big emotions, disrupting learning for themselves and others.

06/03/2026

Another deadline is rapidly approaching! Please get your applications in for the Golden Apple Don Zimmerman scholarship if you'd like to start earning your first master's degree in education in the fall TUITION FREE at ! Applications are due Friday, June 5. You must be a current full-time teacher in a Boone or Winnebago County school and accepted into the program. See https://goldenappleofrockford.com/scholarships-and-awards/don-zimmerman-teacher-scholarship/ for more information and the application.

06/02/2026

Learn on your own terms this summer! You can earn PDHs at your own pace with one of our budget-friendly (or FREE) online courses!

Whether you prefer to learn from a pool-side lounge chair or under a comfy pile of blankets, we've got you covered. Link in the comments!

06/02/2026

Irene Lee, who teaches at Cherry Valley Elementary School received a Blazer Foundation special education grant through us for decodable readers, sensory sand and timers. Her goal was to teach reading using a structured, multisensory approach. She used IMSE’s decodable readers in print, which include full-color illustrations to support students with special needs to build background knowledge, learn and stay engaged. She used IMSE’s sensory sand during a three-part drill to support kinesthetic learning and reinforce phonics through touch. The timers were used for students to practice fluency, encourage self-monitoring and improve reading fluency. These materials will continue to benefit students for at least five more years.