North Polk Foundation News
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An Opportunity for the Community
By Zoe Marquez | March 2025 Back in November of 2024, the high school science department was able to attend the National Science Teachers Association National Conference on Science Education in New Orleans, Louisiana through the funding of the North Polk Foundation. Aaron Dose, who had been selected to present at the conference, explained that having already gone to the convention in previous years, believed that being able to travel as a department would be beyond beneficial for not only the staff, but for students as well. After submitting a request to the North Polk Foundation for this opportunity, the foundation acceded and gave the department seven thousand dollars to cover the cost of the trip. When asked about decision making behind the scenes of the North Polk Foundation, President Kristin Davis explained that the foundation “take[s] into account how many students the requests will affect and the impact that request would/could make” on the overall community. Dose, who has been teaching in the district for seven years, explained that the entirety of the science department had not ever been taken on a trip, therefore the opportunity was beyond exciting. During the few days trip and convention the department was able to learn from educators from across the nation, with Dose stating that they were able to bring back teaching methods, ideas and even physical source material that can and already had been implemented into some classrooms. An example of these new materials being used already was the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to create a makeshift study guide-like podcast that was used by Environmental Science students for a unit test. Moreover, Dose mentioned the possibility of a full department– with each class implementing something different- into one project as done in another school across the nation. Dose explained that being around so many talented educators “re-sparks [his] teaching, because there are so many great teachers doing cool stuff in their classes.” This then translates to not only his teaching style, but also a positive learning environment for students. Through this opportunity, the value and importance of continued education is demonstrated by teachers which can then be translated into their classrooms and into students. “To try and challenge yourself and make yourself a little uncomfortable…is really important for teachers,” and through the example of these teachers both students and staff can continue “learning for all by learning by all.” The generous donation of the foundation will continue to be felt for years as the knowledge and teachings learned by staff is passed onto students in the present and in years to come. |
The science team uniformly posed in the convention; from left to right is Ms. Bengtson, Mr. Dose, Mr. Groff and Mr. and Mrs. Skillern.
Dose presented in his own session and showcased a project that North Polk High School students conduct during Earth Science during their tectonic plates and earthquake prevention unit.
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2024 Annual Tailgate Dinner a Success
AUGUST 2024 The North Polk Foundation's Annual Tailgate Dinner was held on August 30, 2024 at the North Polk High School. Thanks to your support we raised over $2,045! Thank you to our sponsors: Staci Spittler's Travelgistix.co, Ankeny Sam's Club, and Kwik Star. |
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2023 Enrichment Grants Support North Polk Students
DECEMBER 2023 On December 21, the North Polk School Foundation delivered $12,202 in Enrichment Grants to teachers across the North Polk school district. High school, middle school, and elementary school teachers received grants from the Foundation to help fund programs and supplies beyond the scope of the school system’s regular funding limits. This year’s Enrichment Grants help fund things such as a books for 2nd and 5th grades, bookshelves, flexi-seating, take home reading kits, STEM bins with kits, hands on STEM materials & math manipulatives. |
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2023 Golf Outing
SEPTEMBER 2023 2023 was a great year for the North Polk Foundation annual golf tournament. The day was made up of 19 teams, 76 golfers, and one heck of a day! Gorgeous weather and a great time at Jester Park Golf Course. Be on the lookout for the 204 golf tournament on September 22, 2024. The Foundation would like to thank our hole and prize sponsors! Schaal Heating & Cooling; I80 Power; Fareway; Cullen Insurance; Auto-Owners Insurance; Travelgistix; Nerem & Associates; Polk City Chiropractic; DSM Properties; Kwik Star; Dobson Detail; Luana Savings Bank; Collins Aerospace; Randy's Diesel; Coldwell Banker, Jo Dorenkamp, Realtor; Torres Team, ReMax; Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home; Scot Bergman Real Estate; Scheels; Jester Park Golf Course; |
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Martha Sheldahl Receives North Polk Foundation ROSE Award
June 2021 The North Polk Community Schools Foundation recognized Martha Sheldahl with our ROSE Award for her outstanding contributions and achievements both as a North Polk alumni and teacher in the district at the Celebrate North Polk event on June 5, 2021. Martha grew up in Elkhart and after college she and her husband returned to the district to raise their family. For 29 years, Martha fulfilled many roles as a teacher in optional kindergarten, special reading, kindergarten, 1st grade and 2nd grade. Even after retirement Martha still continues to substitute teach in the district when she’s not caring for her grandchildren. One of Martha’s passions over the years has been to provide opportunities for students to appreciate nature. She was the driving force in planting a butterfly garden at Central Elementary many years ago. When the garden had to be relocated in 2018, Martha was instrumental in helping with that project even after retirement. Even while teaching, Martha found time to serve on numerous boards and leadership teams. She also wrote grants that allowed her to take students to the Civic Center, plant trees at Central, and to provide benches and an arbor for the original butterfly garden. Martha said “During my years at North Polk, one of my main goals has been to enrich the learning for students. I hope I have made a difference in children’s lives.” Well there’s no doubt about it, Martha we know you have! Congratulations Martha! |
Martha Sheldahl received the ROSE Award from the North Polk Foundation
at the Celebrate North Polk fundraiser on June 5, 2021.
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Brick by Brick Fundraiser
The North Polk School Foundation invites you to purchase a personalized engraved brick to commemorate your Comet Pride. Your brick will be on display on a wall inside the new Big Creek Elementary School in Polk City or the new High School addition, whichever you choose. Your contribution will be used to help fund the Big Creek School library, as well as support all North Polk Schools. Two different sized bricks are available: 8" x 8" for $500 or 4" x 8" for $250. A limited number of bricks will be available at each location. |