The mission of the Watchdog Foundation is to assist and advance our community’s pursuit of excellence, create lifelong connections, and build strong and mutually beneficial ties between the Beresford School District, the community, and its diverse alumni.
Grants are awarded for innovative and creative educational projects beyond the scope and sequence of the regular school budget. Innovative education grants can be (1) A new or innovative technology tool that incorporates 21st-century learning skills for students, a school, or a classroom; (2) A one-time event or experience that offers students a unique experience that would not otherwise be available; or (3) An immediate impact grant that boosts a program or activity to another level.
Hyperlinked, you will find the Innovative Grant guidelines and application.
Curious about what others have done? If so, check out the listing below...
2015
Mrs. Julie Saugstad—Summer Arts Camp—$1000
Mrs. Donna Neuman—Watchdog Robotics—$1000
Mrs. Erika Hansen—Summer Reading Tutoring—$1000
Mrs. Bridget Twedt—Plasma Cam & Cutter—$1700.68
Total: $4700.68
2016
Ms. Debra Groninga—Beresford Elementary School Mentoring Program—$500
Mrs. Gina Mees—Beresford Elementary School Honors Choir Scholarships—$500
Miss Audrey Graber—Beresford High School Spanish Field Trip in Puerto Rico—$525
Dr. Terri Buechler and Dr. Tommy Merriman—Beresford High School Book Read—$775
Total: $2300
2017
Mrs. Noelle Muller, Beresford Middle School Reading and Mrs. Krysta Coy, Beresford Middle School SPED—Summer learning program that focuses on English Language Arts and Math activities for students—$1000.
Mrs. Ginny Gustad, Network Administrator and Mrs. Dawn Coggins, MS/HS Technology teacher—Virtual Reality technology that allows students to explore and experience learning as if they were physically there—$1000.
Mrs. Vicki Cahoon, Elementary School Behavioral Facilitator—Elementary School Mentoring program—$500.
Total: $2500
2018
Watchdog Legacy Project—$50,000 pledge over 10 years—$5000 per year beginning in the summer of 2018 through the summer of 2027.
2020
Beresford School District—English Language Learner (ELL) Professional Development—$5000.
Mrs. Erika Hansen and Miss Ann Marie Anderson—Beresford Elementary School Summer Tutoring in Reading/Writing/Math—$5000.
History of Beresford Schools—Touch Pro Screen/Video Kiosk in the BHS Gym Lobby—$1000.
Watchdog Alumni Association Strategic Planning with Maxwell Strategies—$7250.
Total: $18,250
2022
The Watchdog Foundation awarded $5,000 in grants. Congratulations to the following educators for earning a Watchdog Foundation Innovative Education Grant:
Mrs. Ann Tornberg (Dakota Debate Institute). Mrs. Tornberg submitted a grant application to send three Beresford Watchdogs to the Dakota Debate Institute (e.g., Max Josko, Jameson Ouimet, and Haley Huot).
Mrs. Karol Baer and Mrs. Noelle Muller (Yoga & Mindfulness). Mrs. Muller and Mrs. Baer are working on expanding our middle wheel/encore electives by offering a yoga/mindfulness course. Grant funds will help purchase materials that will allow students to practice mindfulness and yoga during a period five elective.
Mrs. Bridget Twedt (Greenhouse Updates). Mrs. Bridget Twedt submitted a grant application to update grow tables in the greenhouse. The updated equipment will help propagate plants and assist with seedbed preparation, plant handling, and final product preparation and handling.
Mrs. Shellie Pratt (Care Closet). Mrs. Shellie Pratt is working to establish a stocked cabinet that will contain clothing, toiletries, and personal care needs for our Beresford Middle School and Beresford High School learners. Learning cannot happen until a student's basic needs are met.
2023
The Watchdog Foundation awarded $7,500 in grants. Congratulations to the following educators for earning a Watchdog Foundation Innovative Education Grant:
Mrs. Ann Tornberg submitted a grant application to help send her National Debate Qualifiers to the National Competition in Phoenix, Arizona. The grant funds will help send two high school students and eleven middle school students to the competition.
Dr. Renee Anderson was awarded a grant to help Beresford Middle School continue to implement its Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS). The PBIS program supports the academic and social-emotional growth of all students.
Dr. Dustin Degen submitted a grant application to receive funds to help the building project steering committee advertise and market future Beresford School District building projects that impact the school and community.
Mrs. Amber Sorensen earned a grant from the Watchdog Foundation for the Girls on the Run program implemented at Beresford Elementary School. The program helps young girls learn how to handle emotions and social situations better while training for a 5K race.
Mrs. Pratt submitted a grant application to help send Juliann Seeley to the National HOSA-Future Healthcare Leaders Conference in Dallas, Texas. Ms. Seeley is a back-to-back state champion in sports medicine.