Since 2009, the Foundation has funded over $1,500,000 of programs selected by Morningside’s academic team that directly enhance the learning environment for your children. None of these special programs and curriculum enrichments would be possible without the support of you, the parents and supporters of Morningside Elementary.
Curriculum
By funding vital curriculum needs, including both digital and print materials like workbooks and worksheets, we enable the MES administration to allocate resources toward staffing and safety, directly enriching the student experience.
In 2025, we piloted a program that provided 1:1 math and language arts tutoring to 15 students during the spring semester through a private organization, which helped grant our MES teachers the capacity to meet the needs of our broader student population. The students experienced growth in comparative MAP scores and earned MES praise from APS district leaders. We look forward to exploring more enrichment opportunities in the new school year.
Teacher Training
Every school year, the MES Foundation allocates a significant portion of our budget towards impactful training for our teachers and administrators, including Orton-Gillingham (OG) instruction workshops, PBIS conferences, and leadership development sessions. These experiences fuel classroom innovation and strengthen our learning community for all students.
“Positively impacts the success of all my students for years to come!”
I want to thank the Foundation for funding the Complete Reading Series teacher training. The instruction I received from the training has benefitted me tremendously. Now I have been equipped with accurate rules and a plethora of strategies for decoding words as children learn to read. The training that the Morningside Foundation funded not only impacted me as an individual, but it has and will continue to positively impact the success of all my students for years to come!"
Kristle Waye, 2nd grade teacher
“They can’t wait to get their ideas down on the page!”
"Because of the Foundation, the third grade ELA teachers were given the opportunity to attend the Writing Institute at Columbia University. It was an absolutely transformative experience! We’ve seen an incredible change, not only in the quality of writing from our students, but also in their excitement during Writer’s Workshop. They can’t wait to get their ideas down on the page!
Holly Acton, 3rd grade teacher
“They continue to help me grow as a librarian and educator, expand my professional network, and enhance the services I can offer to our school community.”
Thanks to the Foundation’s funding, I recently had the opportunity to attend the Texas Library Association's Annual Conference in Dallas.
TLA is among the most esteemed library conferences in the nation, and I was truly honored to spend time learning alongside fellow librarians, connecting with others who share a passion for literacy, and meeting an inspiring array of children’s authors and illustrators. I was also fortunate to bring back a wonderful collection of books—generously shared by presenters and publishers—which have now been added to our school library for all our students to enjoy.
This marks the second conference I’ve been able to attend thanks to the Foundation’s support, and I am so appreciative of these meaningful opportunities.
Mr. Rawls, School Library Media Specialist
“Positively impacts the success of all my students for years to come!”
I want to thank the Foundation for funding the Complete Reading Series teacher training. The instruction I received from the training has benefitted me tremendously. Now I have been equipped with accurate rules and a plethora of strategies for decoding words as children learn to read. The training that the Morningside Foundation funded not only impacted me as an individual, but it has and will continue to positively impact the success of all my students for years to come!"
Kristle Waye, 2nd grade teacher
“They can’t wait to get their ideas down on the page!”
"Because of the Foundation, the third grade ELA teachers were given the opportunity to attend the Writing Institute at Columbia University. It was an absolutely transformative experience! We’ve seen an incredible change, not only in the quality of writing from our students, but also in their excitement during Writer’s Workshop. They can’t wait to get their ideas down on the page!
Holly Acton, 3rd grade teacher
“They continue to help me grow as a librarian and educator, expand my professional network, and enhance the services I can offer to our school community.”
Thanks to the Foundation’s funding, I recently had the opportunity to attend the Texas Library Association's Annual Conference in Dallas.
TLA is among the most esteemed library conferences in the nation, and I was truly honored to spend time learning alongside fellow librarians, connecting with others who share a passion for literacy, and meeting an inspiring array of children’s authors and illustrators. I was also fortunate to bring back a wonderful collection of books—generously shared by presenters and publishers—which have now been added to our school library for all our students to enjoy.
This marks the second conference I’ve been able to attend thanks to the Foundation’s support, and I am so appreciative of these meaningful opportunities.
Mr. Rawls, School Library Media Specialist
Technology
The Foundation’s history is rooted in efficiently and effectively meeting the technology needs of our school dating back to the initial installation of Prometheon Boards in every classroom - an innovative approach designed to enhance the teacher and student experience.
Recent technology investments include three new sign-in computers in the lobby to streamline visitor and volunteer check-ins, digital media software for morning announcements, microscopes to 5th grade classrooms, STEAM lab supplies, AV equipment, and more!
Facilities
In 2022, the MES Foundation added strategic facilities enhancements as a core pillar of our fundraising initiatives. The Foundation recently funded the most comprehensive security audit since returning to the renovated campus, and the findings drove material investment in strategic updates to entry systems, campus visibility, and emergency preparedness - prioritizing the protection of our students and bolstering peace of mind for families and teachers.
These investments - including, but not limited to those listed below - have made a transformative impact on our campus and will benefit generations of students as well as the Morningside community.
- Greg Mike playground mural (see video, below!)
- Westside campus transformation: The MES Foundation funded an exceptional project to grade and install artificial turf on the west side of campus, creating a flexible space for unstructured play. This marks the first step in a tiered rollout plan, with more exciting enhancements on the horizon. We can’t wait to see the joy this brings to our MES students and teachers!
- Outdoor amphitheater musical mural
- Outdoor amphitheater (co-funded with the MES PTA)
- Gym rock climbing wall
- Musical playground equipment
- Security assessment
- …and more!
