HELENA – Some Helena teachers were in for a pleasant surprise Thursday when the Helena Education Foundation presented them with money for their classes.
In total, seven teachers received grants from HEF ranging from several hundred dollars up to $5,000. The grants will be put towards of variety of materials, ranging from books, to an educational robot to binoculars for bird watching.
At Central-Linc School Thursday, music teacher Abby Nyhof received a nearly $5,000 check for new instruments and materials for her classes.
The money comes from donations provided to the Helena Education Foundation. Nyhof’s grant was provided by the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation.
Nyhof plans to use the money for books to educate students about Montana’s native tribes as well as to buy about 10 new instruments for students to play.
“This grant allows us to now have enough instruments that every class is at least two kids to one instrument instead of fewer than that, which means every kid gets to play much more frequently,” Nyhof said.
In total, more than $20,000 dollars was awarded to local teachers at Helena primary schools and high schools.
The grants are given out twice a year.
See the full list of grantees below.
- Michael Burk, Capital High School
- Kayla Ryan, Bryant Elementary School
- Holly McGraw, Kessler Elementary School
- Abby Nyhof, Central/Linc and Warren
- Jane Shawn, Four Georgians Elementary
- Missy Sampson, Helena High School
- Marla Unruh, Broadwater Elementary School
