Foundation for Springfield Public Schools

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!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Lunch & Learn! We enjoyed sharing a meal, connecting with our community, and hearing Dr. Lathan’s State of the District presentation.

We’re excited to continue conversations with three more Lunch & Learns during the 2026–2027 school year.

Mark your calendars:
November 17, 2026
February 9, 2027
April 20, 2027

Register early to reserve your spot.
https://sps.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/list/ticket

We are thrilled to welcome SPS Ambassadors Class 6! We are so excited to have this incredible group join us and cannot wait to continue exploring Springfield Public Schools together.

Last night was a great start to their SPS experience. Our ambassadors had the privilege of hearing from Dr. Lathan, visiting the Tooth Truck, and touring Study Alternative Center. They also learned more about the incredible programs and resources available to support our students and families, including the PTA Clothing Bank, which serves students across all Springfield Public Schools.

We are excited for all that is ahead and look forward to giving Class 6 an inside look at the people, programs, and opportunities that make SPS so special!

Today, we got to say YES.

Yes to big ideas.
Yes to new opportunities.
Yes to educators creating meaningful experiences for their students.

Grant Delivery Day brought more than 70 Foundation for Springfield Public Schools volunteers and donors into 36 schools to surprise educators with grants that will bring their ideas to life.

Through 88 grants, we are empowering educators, supporting students and engaging with our community to create meaningful learning experiences across Springfield Public Schools.

A huge thank you to the donors, volunteers, educators and community partners who make it possible for us to keep saying YES.

$319,067 awarded. 88 grants. 36 schools. Countless opportunities for students.

Join us for the first Lunch & Learn of the 2026–2027 school year, featuring Dr. Lathan.

Topic: State of the District: 2026–2027 Budget, Literacy & Leadership Spotlights

September 15, 2026
12:00 - 1:00 PM
Kraft Administration Center (Room 123)

Dr. Lathan will provide updates on the district budget, academic progress, literacy priorities, strategic vision, and district leadership, followed by a Q&A.

Registration: https://www.supportsps.org/lunch_and_learn/

Sponsored by Peter Lai with Edward Jones.

A HUGE thank you to Rapid Roberts and our incredible Springfield community for making Fueling the Future Day such a success!

Because of your support, you truly made an impact on students and teachers across Springfield Public Schools. Every dollar raised through this campaign goes directly toward supporting educators and providing opportunities and resources that make a difference in the classroom.

We are so grateful to everyone who stopped by, filled up, shared a selfie, and helped fuel the future of our students. Your support means more than you know!

Thank you, Rapid Roberts, for being such an incredible community partner and for helping us make a difference together.

Fueling the Future is happening ALL DAY today!

Now it’s your turn to join us! Stop by participating Rapid Roberts locations in Springfield and Battlefield, fill up your gas tank, and directly impact students and teachers in our classrooms.

Take a selfie at the pump to show your support and share it using !

We are so thankful for this incredible partnership and everyone who has supported us today. Your support is making a difference in our community. Thank you for helping us Fuel the Future.