Foundation for Springfield Public Schools

Celebrating Alison Crane, 2026 Turner Reading Teacher of the Year

The Turner Reading Teacher of the Year Award recognizes educators who go above and beyond to inspire readers, build confidence, and make a lasting impact on students through literacy.

This year, we’re celebrating Alison Crane of Carver Middle School, whose work reminds us that teaching reading is about so much more than books. It’s about helping students discover their strengths, believe in themselves, and develop a lifelong love of reading.

From helping reluctant readers find the right book to creating engaging literary experiences and supporting literacy education beyond her classroom, Alison empowers students to take risks, persevere through challenges, and see themselves as capable readers.

Read more about Alison’s dedication, the impact she’s making, and why she was named the 2026 Turner Reading Teacher of the Year.

Full Story: https://supportsps.org/news/more-than-books-the-heart-and-impact-of-alison-crane/

Every student deserves the opportunity to thrive, and we’re proud to help make that possible for Springfield Public Schools.

Through the generosity of our donors and community partners, the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools supports students, empowers educators, and creates meaningful opportunities across our district.

As we look to the future, we’re excited to continue growing our impact and finding new ways to support our schools.

Want to learn more about our work and how you can make a difference? Visit SupportSPS.org to explore our organization and discover how you can get involved.

Together, we can make a lasting difference!

SPS foundation manages $9.2M in funds - Springfield Business Journal Nonprofit expands staff, revamps fundraising strategy as part of next strategic plan.

Celebrating Lara Garrett, 2026 Linda Luke Librarian of the Year

The Linda Luke Librarian of the Year Award recognizes school librarians who go above and beyond to support students, inspire learning, and make a lasting difference in their school communities.

This year, we’re celebrating Lara Garrett of Wanda Gray Elementary, whose work reminds us that a school library is about so much more than books. It’s about helping children discover a love of reading, see themselves in the stories they read, and know they belong.

From expanding access to diverse and inclusive books to connecting families through reading and introducing students to new perspectives, Lara creates opportunities for children to learn, grow, and better understand the world around them.

Read more about Lara’s dedication, the impact she’s making, and why she truly believes being a school librarian is the best job in the school.

Full Story: https://supportsps.org/news/more-than-books-celebrating-lara-garrett-2026-linda-luke-librarian-of-the-year/

We enjoyed connecting with some of our Class 6 SPS Ambassadors at today’s Coffee Connections! It was a great opportunity to network, build relationships, and get to know one another.

SPS Ambassadors help strengthen the connection between Springfield Public Schools and our community by building awareness, fostering engagement, and championing the students, educators, and programs that make SPS special.

Learn more about the SPS Ambassador Program at https://supportsps.org/sps-ambassador-program/.

We are honored to recognize the lasting legacy of Dr. Sandra L. “Sandy” D’Angelo.

Dr. D’Angelo lived a life rooted in faith, education, compassion, and generosity. Her commitment to giving back is reflected in her generous gift of $50,000 to support causes close to her heart, including education and children.

We are grateful for her generosity and honored to carry forward her legacy of kindness, compassion, and giving to others.

Congratulations to the Springfield Public Schools Hall of Fame Class of 2026!

We are proud to celebrate these incredible alumni and all they continue to accomplish in our community and beyond. What an honor to recognize the lasting impact of SPS graduates!

🏆 Springfield Public Schools honored three outstanding graduates by inducting them into the 2025 Hall of Fame: Glendale High School graduates Pete Lollar, M.D., world-renowned hematologist and Emory University professor of Pediatrics; and Sally Hargis, vice president and board chairman of Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company; and Kickapoo High School graduate Sarah Self-Kyler, retired U.S. Navy captain who is a trailblazer for female officers.

This is the 17th year SPS has honored alumni who have achieved success in their profession, contributed to their community or distinguished themselves in ways that make them inspirational examples for current SPS students.

Read more about today's honorees at https://bit.ly/4ypdIAB.

We’re excited to announce the launch of our new website.

Designed to make it easier to connect, explore our services, and find helpful information, the new site offers a fresh and accessible way to learn more about our work and the people we serve.

We invite you to take a look and discover what’s new.

Visit us at www.supportsps.org

Our Director of Communication and Engagement, Kayla, had the opportunity to step into the role of Principal for a Day at Shady Dell Early Childhood Center today, and her heart is full after such a special experience.

Thank you to Springfield Public Schools, Springfield, MO and Shady Dell Early Childhood Center for welcoming her into your school and giving her the opportunity to experience firsthand the incredible work happening in classrooms every day.

From spending time with students and seeing our educators in action to coloring with kiddos in the classroom, it was a day filled with the little moments that make our schools so special. She even received a special drawing to take home, a keepsake she knows she will cherish for years to come.

We are incredibly grateful for the teachers, staff members, and principals who give their time, energy, and heart to our students each day. The impact you make reaches far beyond the classroom. You are helping shape students’ confidence, curiosity, and future.

A special thank you to Principal Melanie Miller for welcoming Kayla into Shady Dell, sharing your day with her, and showing her all of the wonderful things happening at your school.

And, as they would say, it’s a great day to be a Shady Dell Lion!