Pictured left-to-right: Emily Lewis – SPEF Executive Director, Diane Fix – SPS Director of Elementary Educational Services, Kristin Merrill- Simmons Bank Community Banker, Dr. Janet Vinson – SPS Interim Superintendent, Kevin Fowler – Simmons Bank Regional Community Executive (Market President), Heather Day – Simmons Bank Loan Assistant; and Michelle Matheson – Simmons Bank Community Banker.
Play Based Learning initiative to provide Kindergarten classrooms across the district with play-based materials that support the Oklahoma State Standards in the areas of creative play, math and reading.
Stillwater, OK – February 10, 2025 – The Stillwater Public Education Foundation (SPEF) is pleased to announce it has been awarded a $23,000 grant from the Simmons First Foundation to support the Kindergarten Play-Based Learning Initiative. This generous contribution will enable SPEF to further its mission of enhancing educational opportunities for students in the Stillwater Public School District.
The Kindergarten Play-Based Learning Project focuses on providing young learners with engaging and developmentally appropriate experiences that foster critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and social-emotional skills. Through play, children explore their world, make connections, and develop a love for learning.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Simmons First Foundation for their investment in our youngest learners,” said Diane Fix, Elementary Educational Services Director for Stillwater Public Schools. “Play is essential for kindergarteners’ development, and this grant will allow us to expand our play-based learning materials, ensuring that all students have access to high-quality educational experiences.”
Fix points out that the benefits of play-based learning for kindergarten students are well-documented. Research shows that play:
- Promotes cognitive development: Play helps children develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and creativity.
- Enhances social-emotional skills: Through play, children learn to cooperate, share, negotiate, and resolve conflicts.
- Supports physical development: Play encourages gross motor skills, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination.
- Boosts language and literacy skills: Play provides opportunities for children to practice their communication skills and develop vocabulary.
- Fosters a love of learning: Play makes learning fun and engaging, helping children develop a positive attitude towards education.
The Simmons First Foundation’s support will be matched by SPEF, giving the district $46,000 to put towards purchasing these new materials. These funds will enable SPS to purchase new, standardized play-based learning materials, and create enriching learning environments for all kindergarten students.
“We believe that investing in early childhood education is crucial for the future success of our community,” said Kevin Fowler, president of Simmons Bank – Stillwater. “We are proud to partner with the Stillwater Public Education Foundation to support their Kindergarten Play-Based Learning Project and help ensure that all children have the opportunity to thrive.”
Matching funds from SPEF are made possible through generous individual donors in our community and the continued support of its Corporate Partners: Gold level – BancFirst, Cockrell Eyecare Center, Eskimo Joe’s, Oklahoma Community Credit Union, OnCue, Stillwater Medical Center, Tommy’s Express Car Wash, and Wilson Auto Family; Silver level – 505 Architects, BlueSky Bank, CStar Property Management, Exchange Bank, Grand River Dam Authority, Great Plains Bank, InterWorks, Inc., Kicker, Lambert Construction, Oklahoma State University, OSU – College of Education & Human Sciences, Rosenstein, Fist & Ringold, Simmons Bank, Stillwater News Press, Tinker Federal Credit Union, and Willowbrook Construction Services.
About Stillwater Public Education Foundation
Stillwater Public Education Foundation is a non-profit seeking to build strong community connections and support for Stillwater Public Schools. In the past 40 years, SPEF has awarded over $1.8 million to enhance educational opportunities for SPS students.
About Simmons First Foundation
The Simmons First Foundation was established in 2014 to help give back to the communities that have been so vital to our continuing growth and success. Former Simmons CEO Tommy May leads the foundation and stewards its mission to improve the lives of children through programs that enhance education and healthcare. Additionally, the foundation has established an endowment to support environmental & conservation efforts.
Contact: Emily Lewis, Executive Director, Stillwater Public Education Foundation
spef@stillwaterschools.com
