The Warrensburg Schools Foundation announced the recipients of its Fall 2026 Classroom Impact Grants at schools across the district on Monday, Sept.14 and Monday, Sept. 21.
Foundation board members visited Warrensburg High School, Martin Warren Elementary, Maple Grove Elementary, and Ridge View Elementary to present five surprise grants totaling $6,732.00. This fall’s Classroom Impact Grants are supported through the Bruch Family Fund, honoring the legacy of the late John and Clydine Bruch, long-time Warrensburg residents. Mr. Bruch, a Navy veteran of World War II, built his career as a BMA Insurance agent for 43 years, while Mrs. Bruch was known for her avid gardening, service with the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, and dedication as a volunteer at the food pantry.
A wave of surprises made its way through Warrensburg buildings as educators learned their classroom ideas were receiving support.
“It’s always exciting to see educators recognized for the creative ideas they bring to their classrooms,” said Foundation Board President Bob Lotspeich. “Classroom Impact Grants are a great way to celebrate the work they’re doing and support them as they bring those ideas to life.”
The first grant, Brewing Independence: The 94 Brew Crew Student Enterprise, was awarded to Sheryl Blair at Warrensburg High School in the Functional Skills/Transition Program. $1,045 was awarded to purchase a student-run snack and beverage cart primarily to serve faculty and staff. Revenue generated through the cart will be reinvested into the program to purchase supplies. The project will give students real-world experience while helping them build independence and workplace skills.
$2,000 was awarded to art teacher Melissa Lackey at Ridge View Elementary for Cardboard Architecture Studio: Growing Tiny Architects and Engineers in Art. Serving 440 K-2nd graders, the project will establish a permanent Architectural and Design Center equipped with child-safe tools that allow students to turn their two-dimensional ideas into three-dimensional structures. Students will be encouraged to identify design challenges and develop their own creative solutions.
The third grant was awarded to Martin Warren Elementary 3rd Grade teachers, Jessica Johnson, Alison Hendrix, Lauren McMillin, Jordyn Miller, Jenna Tischer, and Mary Walters. The $1,200 grant purchased computer mice for 200 students to help ease the transition from using iPads in second grade to Chromebooks in third grade. The mice will serve as a steppingstone for students as they develop the skills needed to navigate a computer using a mouse and touchpad.
The fourth grant, Developing Mathematical Language with Storybooks, was awarded to Katelin Brown at Maple Grove Elementary. $1,460 will be used to purchase storybook-based materials that will help make math standards more engaging while strengthening students’ mathematical understanding and language.
The fifth grant, Little Learners, Big Words, was awarded to Michele Williams and Jennifer Munsterman at Maple Grove Elementary. $1,027 will purchase whiteboards for students to use during whole-group and small-group lessons. The interactive approach will give students an opportunity to actively practice foundational reading skills, including letter formation, phonemic awareness, phonics, and word building, in a fun and low- pressure environment.
Almost $257,000 has been awarded in Classroom Impact Grants through the Warrensburg Schools Foundation program since 1997.
The Warrensburg Schools Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting students and educators of the Warrensburg R-VI School District. Through Classroom Impact Grants, scholarships for students and educators, and the annual Academic Excellence Banquet, the Foundation invests in programs that inspire innovation, promote achievement, and strengthen the future of our schools. These efforts are made possible through the generosity of community partners, alumni, and donors who share a commitment to excellence in education. For more information on the Foundation and its programs, please visit WarrensburgFoundation.org or contact Lyssa Collier at (660) 747-7823.
Release courtesy of the Warrensburg Schools Foundation.
