Grants
lcef grants
Innovative Teaching Grants
The Lake Cities Education Foundation awards grants to teachers and teams of teachers at Lake Dallas ISD. These grants are designed to encourage, facilitate, recognize and reward innovative and creative instructional approaches for educating LDISD students.
2025-2026 INNOVATIVE TEACHER GRANTS
The Lake Cities Education Foundation recently awarded $57,000 in grants to Lake Dallas ISD educators to fund unique and innovative projects designed to further strengthen classroom experiences for students, with each district campus earning at least one grant.
The Lake Cities Education Foundation annually works to support Lake Dallas ISD and enhance educational opportunities through two primary initiatives, student scholarships and educator grants. Since its founding, the foundation has awarded more than $878,000 in scholarships for graduating seniors and more than $481,000 in grants for educational projects and initiatives.
From Barnyard to Classroom
GARY & DEENA PEPPERS TEACHER GRANT ENDOWMENT
GRANT DIRECTOR: BETH LAKE, SHADY SHORES ELEMENTARY
Abstract:
This project will bring a mobile petting zoo to Shady Shores Elementary for our PPCD (Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities), Pre-K 3, Pre-K 4, and daycare students-a total of approximately 200 children. The hands-on experience will allow students to interact safely with real animals, fostering curiosity, compassion, and language development through sensory learning.
$1800
GRANT AMOUNT
Sensory Learning Through Play
TW HICKS TEACHER GRANT ENDOWMENT
GRANT DIRECTOR: JOANNA MORRISON, SHADY SHORES ELEMENTARY
Abstract:
This project will support Pre-K learners by engaging touch, sight, sound, smell and movement to building strong cognitive, language, and motor foundations. When children explore materials with their senses, they form meaningful connections and develop problem-solving skills.
$3790
GRANT AMOUNT
Falcons’ Brew Crew Coffee Cart Program
SAMANTHA SITTERS WAGNER MEMORIAL TEACHER GRANT ENDOWMENT
GRANT DIRECTOR: CATHERINE BROWN, LAKE DALLAS MIDDLE SCHOOL
Abstract:
The Falcons’ Brew Crew Coffee Cart Program, together with LDISD’s Speech Department, is designed to provide Lake Dallas Middle School Life Skills students with meaningful, real-world vocational training in a safe and supportive environment. By operating a student-run coffee cart serving staff members on campus, students will learn practical job skills, such as money-management, socials skills and customer service.
$1000
GRANT AMOUNT
Cultivating Creative Minds
JOSEPHINE HUGHES STERLING TEACHER GRANT
GRANT DIRECTOR: DENISE KENNEDY, LAKE DALLAS ELEMENTARY/SHADY SHORES ELEMENTARY/CORINTH ELEMENTARY
Abstract:
This project will provide for an expansion of LDISD elementary curriculum by integrating Dance and Theatre alongside the existing Music and Visual Art programs, creating a comprehensive arts pathway that nurtures creativity, collaboration, and self-expression.
$15,000
GRANT AMOUNT
Hi-Lo Books for Reading Intervention
JO THEMAR MEMORIAL TEACHER GRANT ENDOWMENT
GRANT DIRECTOR: ANN LENARD/SHADY SHORES ELEMENTARY
Abstract:
Teachers use High-Interest, Low-Vocabulary (Hi-Lo) books in elementary classrooms to help students stay engaged while building essential reading skills—especially for learners who find reading challenging. Hi-Lo books use simpler words and sentence structures, allowing students to read successfully without feeling overwhelmed. That sense of success encourages them to keep reading. When students can actually enjoy the story, reading becomes something they want to do—not something they avoid.
$1000
GRANT AMOUNT
Lights, Camera, Action
CO-SERV CHARITABLE FOUNDATION TEACHER GRANT ENDOWMENT & COSERV TEACHER ASSISTANCE ENDOWMENT
DIRECTOR: KALEB BROADSTREET, LAKE DALLAS HIGH SCHOOL
Abstract:
This grant will provide Sony FX30 cinema cameras, fast lenses, cages and extra batteries–removing every barrier so LDHS Audio Video Production students can master professional cinematography and editing while producing high-quality episodes for the newly launched LD-TV, a student-produced news show. The episodes will be designed to celebrate and promote Lake Dallas ISD to the entire community.
$10,000
GRANT AMOUNT
Building English Proficiency
DATCU INNOVATIVE TEACHER GRANT ENDOWMENT & ATMOS ENERGY TEACHER GRANT ENDOWMENT
GRANT DIRECTOR: SANDRA ADKISON, LAKE DALLAS ELEMENTARY
Abstract:
This project will provide Emergent Bilingual (EB) students with high-quality headphones equipped with microphones to support English language development through focused listening and speaking activities..
$5000
GRANT AMOUNT
Falcon Nest: A Safe Place to Learn and Grow
BOEING TEACHER GRANT ENDOWMENT & WALMART TEACHER GRANT ENDOWMENT
GRANT DIRECTOR: ADRIANA MCNELLIE, LAKE DALLAS ELEMENTARY
Abstract:
This grant will provide a play-based intervention supporting PreK 3 through 2nd grade students who struggle with self-awareness, emotional regulation, social skills, and responsible decision-making. A dedicated playroom at Lake Dallas Elementary will be equipped with toys and movement opportunities.
$1550
GRANT AMOUNT
Bridging Books, Building Languages
ROBIN HASSERD MEMORIAL TEACHER GRANT ENDOWMENT & ROBIN GOODALE MEMORIAL TEACHER GRANT ENDOWMENT
GRANT DIRECTOR: CARMEN MEDEIROS, LAKE DALLAS ELEMENTARY
Abstract:
This grant award will provide engaging, high-quality bilingual books for students in grades K-5. By updating the bilingual library with new titles, the project ensures bilingual learners have the same literacy opportunities as their English-speaking peers.
$5000
GRANT AMOUNT
Diverse Instrumentation in the Music Room
JOSEPHINE HUGHES STERLING TEACHER GRANT
GRANT DIRECTOR: CHRISTINA SOUKIS, CORINTH ELEMENTARY
Abstract:
: This grant will allow the Corinth Elementary music program to purchase classroom guitars, piano and ocarinas, giving every students the opportunity to build a strong musical foundation that will set them up for success in future musical endeavors and beyond..
$4070
GRANT AMOUNT
Enhancing Pre-K Learning
DROZD FAMILY TEACHER GRANT ENDOWMENT
GRANT DIRECTOR: CLAUDIA GARZA, CORINTH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Abstract:
This grant aims to enhance the STEM materials collection in our middle school library. As the demand for STEM resources grows, this funding will enable us to acquire materials that sparks creativity and critical thinking. Students will benefit from engaging with hands-on projects independently, collaborating in groups, or participating in class activities. Our goal is to empower our students to explore and create within the library.
$5000
GRANT AMOUNT
Little Hands, Big Skills
CAROL HEIDEMANN MEMORIAL TEACHER GRANT ENDOWMENT & LORA MCCARTY HENDERSON MEMORIAL TEACHER GRANT ENDOWMENT
GRANT DIRECTOR: JESSICA MONDONO, LAKE DALLAS ELEMENTARY
Abstract:
Lake Dallas Elementary Pre-K will implement hands-on learning experiences designed to strengthen fine motor skills–an essential foundation for writing, self-care, and classroom readiness. Through manipulative play, art, and sensory activities, students will build coordination, confidence, and engagement..
$3790
GRANT AMOUNT