Welcome To Golden Apple Foundation
Golden Apple Foundation recognizes teachers and empowers them with classroom resources to improve educational outcomes in our community.
The Foundation operates entirely on the generous financial support of community businesses and individuals, as well as the more than 400 volunteers who donate their time and energy to make our programs successful.
Our Programs
Since 1997, Golden Apple Foundation of Rockford has been inspiring, celebrating and supporting educational excellence in public and private schools in Winnebago and Boone counties through our core programs: awards and recognition, grants, scholarships, the Teacher Academy and community engagement.
Upcoming Dates
Feb. 20, 2025
It’s a Golden Apple Give Back Night at Backyard Grill & Bar, 6473 N. Second St., Loves Park! Join us for appetizers or dinner and drinks! Twenty-percent (20%) of food receipts will benefit Golden Apple. Cheers!
March 4, 2025
Deadline to submit nominations for the Golden Apple Outstanding Principal award sponsored by McDonalds! Golden Apple Foundation recognizes one exceptional principal each year with the Outstanding Principal Award and $1,000 to be used at his or her school. Nominees should have a minimum of five years of experience as an administrator and be in good standing within his or her district. For more information or the nomination form: https://goldenappleofrockford.com/scholarships-and-awards/outstanding-principal-award/.
March 6, 2025
It’s Golden Apple Day! Follow our social media throughout the morning to see where our caravan of staff, board and Teacher Academy members land to award golden apples in surprise classroom presentations! Congratulations to all 20 finalists.
March 11, 2025
Deadline to submit nominations for the Jan Jones Service Award! Who are your superheroes of volunteerism for your class or your school? Individuals or businesses who are always willing to talk to your students, post their artwork, sponsor sport team or theater needs, read to your students, let students shadow them or any number of ways they support you … tell us about them! For more information or the nomination form: https://goldenappleofrockford.com/…/jan-jones-service…/.
March 28, 2025
Teacher Appreciation Night at the Rockford Ice Hogs game! More details to come, but save the date!
June 19, 2025
Garden Explorers at Anderson Japanese Gardens! More details to come, but save the date!
News
Kalli Bruck
-
Posted by
Kathi Edwards
Kalli Bruck of Loves Park is in her second year teaching early childhood at Caledonia Elementary School. She’s been teaching for 21 years.
Lisa Wight
-
Posted by
Fifth grade teacher Lisa Wight of Rockton has taught 10 of her 11 years of teaching at Durand Elementary School.
Chelsea Rawhoof
-
Posted by
Chelsea Rawhoof of Pecatonica has spent all her 13 years of teaching at Pecatonica Elementary School, where she has taught first through fourth grade. She is now a “looping teacher,” teaching second grade this year, but carrying this class forward teaching them third grade next year.
Danielle Vanek
-
Posted by
Danielle Vanek of Machesney Park is an English teacher. She’s taught the past five of her 15 years of teaching at South Beloit’s Willowbrook Middle School.
Get Involved
We need volunteers to continue our mission! Learn more about our committees and the many ways you can help, including fund development, special events, grants and more!
Teacher Academy
Through the Golden Apple Teacher Academy where Golden Apple teachers mentor and share their knowledge with other teachers through our professional development programs.
