Minnetonka Public Schools Foundation

06/01/2026

What a memorable day at Clear Springs Elementary, seeing a Minnetonka Public Schools Foundation-funded Virtual Reality grant come to life in the classroom!

We had the opportunity to witness firsthand how innovative learning experiences are transforming student engagement. Teachers, specialists, and paraprofessionals worked together seamlessly to support students and ensure every learner could participate fully in the experience.

Through their VR headsets, students were transported into environments connected directly to their social studies curriculum—from towering redwood forests filled with wildlife and natural beauty to underwater worlds teeming with sea turtles, fish, and eels. The excitement in the room was undeniable.

Beyond the technology itself, what stood out most was watching students collaborate, take turns, encourage one another, and celebrate each other's discoveries through special hand signals and shared excitement.

This is exactly the kind of innovative, engaging learning experience that teacher grants make possible. We are grateful to support educators who bring creativity, curiosity, and meaningful opportunities into their classrooms every day.

And one final lesson learned: VR headsets and wedge heels may not be the ideal combination! 😊

05/28/2026

The Minnetonka Public Schools Foundation funded a grant submitted by Steven Nugent for several American Indian bead looms. This meaningful project teaches students pattern recognition, color theory, and fine motor skills — while helping them dive deeper into the history, artistry, and cultural significance of these American Indian crafts.

This is what a grant in action looks like. Your support helps bring innovative, hands-on learning experiences like this directly to students and classrooms across Minnetonka Schools.

No donation is too small — every gift helps turn great ideas into extraordinary opportunities. Support our teacher grants today.

Video by Minnetonka Public School District. https://vimeo.com/1148689111

05/21/2026

What a wonderful morning visiting the Minnetonka High School to celebrate the incredible educators who inspire and motivate our students every day.

As we begin wrapping up our visits across the district, we are grateful for the chance to celebrate the amazing work happening in each building. Only a few more schools to visit before we share the full list of grant recipients with our community — and we can’t wait!

05/14/2026

Another great teacher grant visit! On May 6 we had the privilege of visiting MMW during Teacher Appreciation week. We were able to celebrate and acknowledge the 2026/27 grant recipients at MMW along with their colleagues. There is so much gratitude to share and we are grateful for the opportunity to meet so many wonderful groups of teachers, admin, and staff at each of the schools we visit.

05/07/2026

The Teacher Grant celebration continued at MME on May 1st. It was wonderful to listen to the grant recipients share their grant details with their peers and hear the much deserved applause for each. We are so impressed with each and every teacher and all the staff we have met during these school visits.

05/05/2026

It’s Teacher Appreciation Week and we are dropping anchors of appreciation all week long ⚓💙

Tonka Gram Anchors are on display outside our schools, each one paired with a custom notecard message sent to a teacher 💙

They’ll be up through Friday—and there’s still time to participate! Orders are open through Wednesday, May 7th.

Send a message that makes their week ⚓
tonkagrams.com

05/01/2026

Tonka Grams are starting to go up —and we’ve extended the order deadline to May 6!

Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4–8) is the perfect time to recognize the educators and staff who make a difference every day. A Tonka Gram is a simple, meaningful way to say thank you—a personalized note paired with a blue anchor that will be displayed at their school for all to see.

Send one to a teacher, paraprofessional, administrator, or any staff member who deserves a little extra appreciation.

Even better? Every Tonka Gram supports the Minnetonka Public Schools Foundation Teacher Grant Program—funding innovative classroom experiences that benefit students across the district.

💙 Single Anchor: $10
💙 Three-Pack: $25

Order by May 6: tonkagrams.com

The 2026–27 Teacher Appreciation Program is sponsored by Refine Wealth Strategies.

04/29/2026

Teacher Appreciation Week is almost here. Make it count 💙

Send a Tonka Gram and your Anchor will be displayed all week long, showing teachers just how much they’re appreciated.

Learn more at tonkagrams.com

04/23/2026

Another day of celebration, this time at Minnewashta Elementary!
 
We were so happy to keep the momentum going today as we honored our newest Teacher Grant recipients for the 2026–27 school year. There is such a palpable sense of community at Minnewashta, and it was a privilege to recognize the educators whose creative projects will soon benefit students here.
 
From clay tools to emotional regulation, these grants are more than just funding—they are an investment in the future of our learners.
 
A huge thank you to the Minnewashta staff for the warm welcome and for everything you do to inspire your students every single day.

Stay tuned! The full list of our 2026/27 award winners will be posted to the Minnetonka Foundation website soon.

04/22/2026