Foundation for Dubuque Public Schools
Our Mission: Support student achievement by promoting investment in the Dubuque Public Schools.
The FDPS endowment is a permanent fund that is invested in order to provide annual grant awards to Dubuque’s public schools now and FOREVER.
These grants will support programs and projects that are not sufficiently funded by the school district budget for current students and generations to come.
The Brain Health Retreat Room allows students’ a space to build skills that will help them learn to deal with stress and anxiety prior to getting to extreme cases where they aren’t able to stay in class on a daily basis.
The Brain Health Retreat Room is staffed by an individual certified in brain health education. These staff members assist in strategies, coping skills, assessments and other activities students are doing to process through their feelings. If staff feel further intervention is needed, a school counselor is called in to meet with the student.
The staff in these rooms are able to recognize if students would benefit from additional brain health resources and provide information for outside help.
A non-endowed fund to support the immediate needs of projects/programs in the schools.
A non-endowed fund to support the immediate needs of field trips.
FDPS recognizes the importance of educational field trips for students; which allows students to become more engaged, intellectual curious and interested in their surrounds both in and out of school.
The mission of the DCSD Robotics Program is to motivate young people by creating an inclusive community where STEM is celebrated and values of confidence and excellence can grow! This fund covers costs of Robot materials, competition fees, travel expenses, community outreach materials and growth for more students in the following programs:
Through a grant from the Morgridge Family Foundation, The Student Support Foundation – Morgridge Family Foundation, students at Hempstead and Senior High School have formed Student Support Foundations to make an impact in their school communities.
Students work together to approve grant requests made from school staff that support one or more of the following: Classroom Projects, Students Engagement, School Clubs/Activities, Student and Staff needs, and Brain Health. Students also complete service projects throughout the year, as well as fundraise.
Senior’s SSF oversees the Giving Room and raises money for items such as personal hygiene items, school spirit clothing, school supplies, snacks, and more. Hempstead’s SSF will also be working in their Care Closet to ensure that students have items they need to attend school every day, such as period products, cleaning supplies, and more. Gifts to this fund will go directly back to Hempstead or Senior High School! (You can designate in your notes if you are a Ram or Stang!)
The Hempstead High School Foundation is working to ensure that all students have the opportunity to feel more connected to the Mustang Community by attending school-wide events such as athletics, musicals and plays, school concerts, homecoming and prom and more, through the purchase of activity passes for students. This fund will also go towards classroom field trips that bring students out of the classroom to continue learning as well as introduce them to college campus and post-secondary planning. Hempstead students, staff, families and community will be impacted by gifts made to this fund.
Kim Becker was a teacher in the Dubuque area for many years! She retired from Kennedy Elementary school and her family wants to ensure that Kim’s passion and excitement for teaching can be carried on in the elementary classrooms of the Dubuque Community School District. This endowed fund will go towards classroom supplies for elementary teachers. Teacher will be able to fill out a short application at the beginning of each trimester and request up to $75 to spend in their classrooms. This is their way of continuing to honor the work that Kim did with students during her 40 years teaching in the classroom.
The Seiffert Family Teacher Appreciation Fund has been established to honor exceptional teachers at Hempstead High School in Dubuque, Iowa. The Seifferts are a family of educators. Bill Seiffert taught sociology at Hempstead for 37 years, retiring in 2010. His wife, Deb, was the librarian at Northeast Iowa Community College for 36 years, retiring in 2016. Their son, Andrew, is a social studies educator, and his wife, Alex, is a special education instructor, in Minnesota. Their daughter, Betsy, formerly an engineering professor in Florida, is now a research scientist at the Livermore National Research Lab in California.
It is the Seiffert family wish to recognize educators who have gone above and beyond their job description to reach students and support their learning. In light of that mission, the family has created the Seiffert Family Teacher Appreciation Award to honor teachers at Hempstead High School with dollars for: Purchasing items for their personal use in the classroom Purchasing items for their department such as guest speakers, professional development seminars, etc. Purchasing items that would benefit students in the classroom such as software, novels, manipulatives, etc. A program they feel strongly about at Hempstead, such as a club, organization, team, etc. A program they feel strongly about in the district A speaker/presenter for the student body A donation to a nonprofit organization of their choice.
Past Recipients of this grant award are:
Nominate a Hempstead Staff TODAY!
The Seiffert Family Teacher Appreciation Fund has been established to honor exceptional teachers at Hempstead High School in Dubuque, Iowa. The Seifferts are a family of educators. Bill Seiffert taught sociology at Hempstead for 37 years, retiring in 2010. His wife, Deb, was the librarian at Northeast Iowa Community College for 36 years, retiring in 2016. Their son, Andrew, is a social studies teacher, and his wife, Alex, is a special education instructor, in Minnesota. Their daughter, Betsy, is an engineering professor in Florida. It is the Seiffert family wish to recognize educators who have gone above and beyond their job description to reach students and support their learning. The purpose of the Seiffert Family Teacher Appreciation Award is to recognize exceptional teachers at Hempstead High School with an annual award. Starting in the spring of 2019, the recipient of this award will receive a $500 gift that they will be able to use to enhance their professional development or classroom, as an acknowledgement of their expertise and service both in and out of the classroom. This award is not renewable.
We lost such a precious gem June 23, 2020, when Lesley passed away unexpectedly. Lesley Stephen’s exceptional leadership with the Dubuque Community School District spanned 36 years. Without exception, wherever Ms. Stephens served in the District, she brought educational excellence and complete focus on the highest quality programming possible for students and staff. She began as a district-level reading consultant; moved on to being a learning resource center teacher; and ultimately led as an outstanding principal of a succession of elementary schools: Franklin School, Anne Sullivan School, Helen Keller School, and Bryant Elementary School.
Tenacity, innovation, creativity, compassion, determination, persistence, and devotion characterized her career as Lesley worked, unwavering, for the education of children all children. Lesley was the administrator who brilliantly pioneered Dubuque’s development of critical school and district programming for students with moderate and severe disabilities. That new view of education for students with disabilities opened doors of opportunity and inclusion that had not previously been opened profound changes that re-shaped student programing! Lesley’s educational sphere of influence then expanded to Bryant Elementary School. While principal at Bryant, she also pioneered the teaching and learning design of Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound. Bryant was one of Dubuque’s groundbreaking Expeditionary Learning schools when that teaching and learning school improvement model was just starting to emerge across the country. In fact, children, no matter who, and their families, the school staff, our community, and beyond were indeed blessed to experience the passionate advocacy and outstanding leadership provided by Lesley Stephens.
Thank you for your contribution to the Lesley A. Stephens Endowed Fund. Your donation will continue the work Lesley began by providing support to students with disabilities through annual grants to directly benefit students with special equipment needs, personal needs, and/or programming needs.
The Judi Chandlee Tribute to Teachers Endowment was created to provide classroom grants to teachers in the Dubuque Community School District. The fund is named in honor of Judi Chandlee, a longtime kindergarten teacher at Eisenhower Elementary School in Dubuque. Friends, family, Dubuque Community School District staff, and the public are invited to give to in support of grants to teachers now, and forever. This fund is endowed, meaning that donations are invested permanently, and the earnings are used to provide classroom grants for current teachers in the Dubuque Community School District. Donations to this fund are eligible for the Endow Iowa 25% State Tax Credit. Consider making a donation to the Judi Chandlee Tribute to Teachers Endowment to: give a gift in memory give a gift honoring past service give a gift honoring or thanking current service commemorate a birthday, anniversary, or holiday
Theressa Northouse’s students at Eisenhower Elementary School explored a real lead mine in Platteville, WI, thanks to a recent classroom grant. It was so cool, since in science we learned about rocks! We also got to see what life was like in the early 1900s. Thank you for letting us go on this awesome field trip! – Alayna, Eisenhower Student
The FDPS endowment is a permanent fund that is invested in order to provide annual grant awards to Dubuque’s public schools now and FOREVER.
These grants will support programs and projects that are not sufficiently funded by the school district budget for current students and generations to come.
The Foundation for Dubuque Public Schools (formerly the Dubuque Community School District Foundation) promotes the importance of public education by increasing community investment for the enhancement of student achievement in the Dubuque Public Schools.
Benjamin Franklin once said An Investment in knowledge always pays the best interest. With that in mind, the Foundation for Dubuque Public Schools is investing their fundraising efforts in growing an endowment for the Dubuque Community School District. The FDPS endowment is a permanent fund that is invested in order to provide annual grant awards to Dubuque’s public schools now and FOREVER. These grants will support programs and projects that are not sufficiently funded by our tax dollars for current students and generations to come. Examples of eligible projects include school field trips, updated books and technology, after-school programming, classroom grants, innovative curriculum, and support for music, theater, art, and cultural education. We want to make sure that these extras are available to Dubuque’s students so that our schools will continue to be attractive to families and our children will always have a competitive edge.
The Open Closet Fund pays for food for the Dubuque Community Schools Food Pantry, personal hygiene items for the Care Closet, and clothing items, such as winter coats, boots, and pants.
The Foundation for Dubuque Public Schools Education Enrichment Fund supports special events and projects benefitting the Dubuque Community School District
The Dubuque Community School District Scholarship Fund was created to support philanthropy in the schools by assisting donors in establishing post-secondary scholarships for graduating high school students.
The Foundation for Dubuque Public Schools (FDPS) provides administration for this non-endowed fund by facilitating pass-through and/or short-term scholarship donations.
Don and Jean Johnson were the parents of three girls: Nancy, Donna, and Lisa. When Lisa was seven, her parents were killed in a mid-air plane collision. Lisa went on to become a teacher and taught special education for her entire career, thirty years of which were with the Dubuque Community School District.
The purpose of the Don and Jean Johnson Memorial Scholarship is to support graduating seniors from the Dubuque Community School District in Dubuque, IA, who will pursue post-secondary education. The winner of this scholarship will receive a one-time $500 honorarium to be deposited with the college or university of their choice after enrollment. The award may be used for continuing educational expenses, including tuition, fees, books, room and board, and supplies directly related to the educational program in which the student is enrolled. The scholarship is not renewable.
To be eligible for this scholarship, students must be:
The Foundation for Dubuque Public Schools supports student achievement by promoting investment in the Dubuque Public Schools.
Daniel J. Miller, a Hempstead High School Senior in 1992, was uncertain about his future. He didn’t think college was for him. The only thing he knew for sure was that he was an artist. He had a need to create. He felt the happiest when he was covered in paint, charcoal, clay or wood chips.
The Hempstead Art Teachers saw his potential and passion for art. They encouraged Dan to enter an art competition at The University of Northern Iowa. With only a few weeks to prepare, his art teachers spent hours after school helping Dan put together his portfolio.
Not only did Dan put together an inspired portfolio but he won the competition and the accompanying 4-year full-ride scholarship to UNI! Winning that competition gave Dan the direction he needed.
He received a BA degree in art, and he completed a significant portion of his Masters of Fine Arts. Dan passed away unexpectedly during college. His loved ones take comfort in the fact that he was living out his true passion as an artist. Dan always lives on through his paintings, prints, and sculptures that fill the homes of his family and friends.
The Miller family set up the Daniel J Miller $1,500 scholarship to honor a student who has a passion for art and the courage to pursue that passion. The award also recognizes the contributions that the Hempstead art teachers had on Dan’s life.
Established in honor of retired Superintendent John Burgart to enhance resources in our school libraries. The Burgart Fund for Dubuque Public School Libraries is an endowed fund that grants annual awards to purchase books and materials. Investment earnings from this fund will support literacy in Dubuque FOREVER.
The Allison Cress Endowment for Art Education empowers students in further developing their creativity and artistic skills by supporting the art education program at Hempstead High School.
Allison truly appreciated art; it was her lens into the world. Art brought together her interest in storytelling, history, sociology, and psychology. Her enduring commitment to art is reflected through the many notebooks, sketchbooks, paintings, and art pieces she created and exhibited.
Beyond producing her own work, Allison took pride in seeing aspiring artists grow. She was, at heart, an educator who was always willing to share her skills and passion with fellow artists.
Her teacher, Ms. Sara Hilby, inspired Allison to reach for her utmost potential. She challenged Allison to not only be a great artist but also a great student. Ms. Hilbys name was mentioned weekly if not daily at our house—a name that prompted our joy. We dedicate this endowment to support art education in Allisons honor and to support wonderful art teachers like Ms. Hilby in fostering creativity and developing skills in aspiring artists. Best, Rafic and Holly.
Allison Cress left her mark on the world as a cherished family member, friend, and talented artist. She passed away from her battle with cancer two days after graduating from Hempstead High School. Throughout her battle, Allison remained positive and steal.
Two thumbs up! Allison’s trademark gesture was always complemented by a warm smile. I would come to know this gesture all too well as I often returned the gesture in kind. The gesture established a bond that went beyond words. In essence, it expressed Allison’s care, excitement and enthusiasm. You could see these characteristics reflected in her relationships. She had many relationships… She was an artist, a friend, sister, cousin, daughter, granddaughter, niece, and an author. She cherished and maintained her relationships. You did not have to change to fit in. She welcomed everyone with Two Thumbs Up! Allison welcomed me into her life six years ago. Although I am not an artist, she helped me get started on my own masterpiece with her brush strokes of wisdom, care, ingenuity and love. This masterpiece, my life, will be a work in progress until I take my last breath. Allison’s love and spirit will be a primary focal point of that masterpiece. Allison’s passing is not the end… It is the beginning for Allison to have new friends, admirers, and beneficiaries in life; namely those who read her story and follow her ethics of perseverance, positivism and achievement. Allison’s legendary fight with Cancer ended with success as it never touched her spirit. Her spirit and life now reside in our hearts. Life is not merely a function of time. It is a function of appreciation and contentment, love and support, care, grace and faith. Allison’s time with us embraced those qualities. Her life continues on in all that we do. She left us with a beautiful approach to life One to embrace and celebrate with Two Thumbs Up! -Rafic Sinno