Foundation Director Nik Moser confirmed a total of $25,000 will be going to programs at Fort Dodge Senior High School and the Fort Dodge Middle School, with another $15,000 to elementary schools and the Early Childhood Center.

“One of our big focuses was on the ‘1,000 Books Before Kindergarten’ program for the preschool classes transitioning into kindergarten at the ECC,” Moser said. “We have (a) $10,500 (grant) that will help with the literacy challenge we continue to address as a district and as a society.

“We want kids not only comfortable with, but enjoying reading by the time they get to first grade.

“Our No. 1 goal as a district is to improve literacy, and we’re hoping to help bridge that gap as a Foundation. Over $12,000 total of the $40,000 (from the fall session of grants) is earmarked for that.”

Moser also confirmed more than $8,000 will be funding special education programs, addressing different needs with sensory rooms and other resources.

The Foundation board approved $6,600 for “Timekettle” translation devices, which help teachers and staff better communicate with students and families who struggle with English or do not speak the language at all.

Timekettles are similar to air pods for listening to music. The devices translate dozens of other languages for use both in classroom and conference settings.

A $3,200 grant was established for a sublimation printing machine, which will be used by the Career and Technical Education programs. CTE teachers and students will also benefit from a $2,500 grant to help fund the purchase of human skeleton models.

The industrial tech programs were given $1,800 for a 3D printer.

The Foundation is also covering the fees associated with all high school Advanced Placement exams.

Moser confirmed next year’s “Go Big, Go Dodgers” fundraising event will be April 10 at the Laramar Ballroom in Fort Dodge. For more information, visit https://www.fdcsfoundation.org.

The Fort Dodge Community Schools Foundation was established in 1985 to help educators and students go above and beyond what district funding allows, with grants for professional development, technology and other educational needs. Since 2011, the FDCS Foundation has granted nearly $1 million to projects in the schools that enhance the education experience for students in the Fort Dodge Community School District.