Thanks to record-setting generosity of its donors, Kingfisher Educational Foundation just funded $30,000 in teacher grants for new classroom enrichment programs for Kingfisher schools.

The school itself was able to fund another $14,624.94 in teacher requests for proand materials.

“I love this time of year when our board hands out grants to all the deserving teachers,” KEF Board President David Blair said. “Our goal is to raise more money each year to increase what we are able to distribute.

“This was possible due to the generous members of our community who supported us in the duck race.”

The July duck race is the foundation’s principal fundraiser and this year’s event raised more money than ever before, Blair said.

The 24 funded requests include programs that will benefit students at all of the district’s school sites.

Just a few of the highlights of funded grants include:

• Lab materials that will allow high schoolbiology students to do real world DNA research, including a unit on identifying viruses.

• An iPod-based program to help struggling early readers practice at home, even when parents are not available to read with them.

• Small scale screenprinting equipment that will allow KHS art students to print their original designs onto T-shirts.

Some of the items KPS is financing from its general fund include risers for vocal and band performances by Kingfisher Heritage School students and books to refill the popular vending machine that rewards Heritage students with new books when they achieve reading goals.

Kingfisher Supt. Jason Sternberger commends the collaboration between the private foundation and KPS to make enrichment programs possible.

“KEF has always been so good to the teachers and students of Kingfisher. They are one of the premier foundations in the state,” he said. “I encourage everyone to make donations or buy ducks next year to guarantee their continued support of our schools.”