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Columbia Public Schools receive funding to do more in the classroom

School playground shadow
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  The Assistance League of Mid-Missouri announced that it will award $99,624 to Columbia Public Schools teachers through its Links to Learning program. The money will be distributed to 195 teachers to help fund equipment, trips or projects the district isn’t able to support with its own budget. This year’s donation is the largest the league has ever been able to award, and pushes it over the million-dollar mark in total donations to CPS educators in the 22-year history of the program. Phyllis Stoecklein is responsible for philanthropic programs at the Assistance League of Mid-Missouri. She recounted what it was like to announce the awards in local classrooms.

“I have had the opportunity this week to deliver some of those awards to classroom teachers,” Stoecklein said. “The smiles on their faces, the hugs that you get, and the excitement of kids who just applaud their teacher… they’re thrilled to have that opportunity, and the teachers too are very appreciative of the work.”

Just as individual teachers are thankful for the financial gifts, the district is equally as excited to have partners like the league helping their mission of providing a quality education to every student. Michelle Baumstark is the Community Relations Director for Columbia Public Schools. She says the district is grateful for the assistance the league provides, which ensures teachers can do more in their classrooms.