Valpo Schools Foundation

08/31/2026

We’re thrilled to see the Hovercraft Project soaring! We’re especially grateful to the teachers, administrators and PTO/community partners who worked together to make this experience possible. We’re honored that VSF could proudly support it!

If you’re a VCS teacher or staff member with an idea for your classroom, now is the perfect time to apply for a VSF grant. Applications are due October 30!

08/31/2026

How much fun is this?! We love supporting teachers who bring learning to life through exciting, hands-on experiences for students. The Hovercraft Project is a perfect example of STEM learning in action!

Teachers & staff: Have a fun idea for your classroom? VSF grant applications are open now. Applications are due October 30!

08/31/2026

Learning by doing! We’re thrilled to have played a part in making this hands-on Hovercraft Project possible for Memorial Elementary 5th graders. Experiences like this are exactly why we love supporting our teachers and classrooms!

Teachers & staff: Don’t forget...VSF grant applications are open, with applications due October 30!

08/31/2026

Hands-on learning makes an impact! We’re so proud to support projects like The Hovercraft Project! Thank you to the teachers and staff who continue to find creative ways to engage their students.

VSF classroom grant applications are now open! Applications are due October 30.

08/31/2026

Big ideas start with great teachers! We’re so proud to highlight Flint Lake Elementary STEM teacher Mrs. Gudenschwager, who applied for a VSF classroom grant to help bring the Hovercraft Project to her students.

We love supporting teachers who turn creative ideas into hands-on learning experiences!

VCS teachers & staff: Have an idea for your classroom? Valpo Schools Foundation grant applications are now open, with applications due October 30!

08/31/2026

This is what community support looks like! We’re proud to help make innovative, hands-on learning opportunities like the Hovercraft Project possible for ALL Valparaiso Community Schools 5th grade students.

Have an idea for your classroom? VSF grant applications are open now and are due October 30!

07/24/2026

The Valpo Schools Foundation is excited to welcome Dr. Brian Smith, Superintendent of Valparaiso Community Schools!
VSF Board President Dr. Natalie Krivas and Executive Director Molly Phelps were pleased to attend this week’s welcome reception and hear Superintendent Smith share his commitment to communication, collaboration, and creating opportunities for all students. We look forward to working together to support the students and staff of VCS!
We also extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Jim McCall for his leadership and partnership with the Valpo Schools Foundation. We are grateful for his support and wish him all the best in his next chapter.
Welcome to Valpo, Dr. Smith!

New Valparaiso Community Schools Superintendent Brian Smith has been going out into the community to become more familiar with it.

06/03/2026

06/03/2026

What a fantastic day on the course!

Thank you to everyone who came out and supported the Valpo Schools Foundation Golf Outing. From our golfers and volunteers to our generous sponsors, your support made this event a tremendous success.

A special thank you goes to our sponsors whose partnership helps make opportunities like this possible and directly supports the teachers and students of Valparaiso Community Schools.

We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to the incredible staff at Valparaiso Country Club for their hospitality, professionalism, and hard work in helping make the outing such an enjoyable and successful event.

Because of your support, we are able to continue investing in innovative classroom grants, scholarships, and programs that benefit VCS students and staff.

Thank you for helping us make a difference…we can't wait to see you next year!

05/28/2026

On this last day of school, the Valpo Schools Foundation is proud to recognize our High School Most Valuable Viking winner...Susan Hoffman of Valpo HS 411!

Mrs. Hoffman has spent the past 13 years at VHS making an extraordinary impact both inside and outside the classroom. As a Team LEAD Ambassador, she helps mentor students, supports tutoring and lunch groups, assists new students in adjusting to high school life, and works to ensure every student feels supported and successful. She also serves as the award-winning yearbook and newspaper advisor, helping students create memories and develop lifelong passions.

What stands out most about Susan is her kindness and unwavering positivity. Her students describe her as caring, joyful, funny, supportive, bright, kind, and selfless. Many shared how she creates a classroom where students feel safe, encouraged, and valued and where they are inspired to grow and believe in themselves.

Susan says she is motivated by the impact she has on others, and the heartfelt notes from students displayed on her “warm and fuzzy wall” remind her daily that she is making a difference. That difference is felt throughout VHS and our entire school community.

Presenting the award were VCS Administrator Dr. Nick Allison and VSF Board Members Jon Hildebrand, Annie Schoenfelt, and Dave Howlett.

As we close out another school year, we are grateful to celebrate educators like Susan Hoffman who make Valparaiso Community Schools such a special place. Congratulations, Susan, and thank you for being a truly Most Valuable Viking!