Stillwater Schools granted Exchange Bank the right to use the school mascot, name, and artwork in the design of a Stillwater Pioneer Debit Card. In return, the bank agreed to pay the school a percentage of the proceeds from qualifying transactions of the net interchange fees earned from the Stillwater Pioneer Debit Card Program. To date, the bank has donated a total of $51,500.00 to Stillwater Public Schools.

Each summer, the Stillwater Public Schools Book Bus travels around town, stopping at key locations to allow children of all ages convenient access to books. “This generous investment from Exchange Bank in our students goes far beyond books—it opens doors to imagination, learning, and opportunity all summer long,” said Emily Lewis, Executive Director of the Stillwater Public Education Foundation. “The Mobile Book Bus ensures that children across our community, from infancy through high school, have free access to books when school is out, helping prevent summer learning loss and fostering a lifelong love of reading. We are incredibly grateful for this support and proud to help bring literacy directly to neighborhoods throughout Stillwater.”

“One of the goals of Exchange Bank’s mission is to consistently give back to the communities we serve,” said Andrea Bendele, Stillwater Market President of Exchange Bank. “The Pioneer Debit Card gives our customers a direct way to support Stillwater Public Schools, with contributions helping sustain important learning resources like the Book Bus. These efforts are making a meaningful, positive impact on students’ education, and we look forward to continuing to grow this program and expanding its impact in the years ahead.” 

Bank officials anticipate that the program will continue to grow exponentially in the years to come. Those interested in a Stillwater Pioneers Debit Card may contact a customer service representative at Exchange Bank.

**Pictured from left to right** Will Andrews – VP, Brian Vowell – VP, Andrea Bendele – President, all of Exchange Bank, Emily Harris, Book Bus Program Director, and Tanner Burton – VP, Exchange Bank.

Stillwater Public Education Foundation Reaches $2 Million Milestone in Grants and Funding for Stillwater Public Schools

STILLWATER, Okla. – The Stillwater Public Education Foundation (SPEF) is proud to announce that it has officially awarded more than $2 million in grants and funding to Stillwater Public Schools since its founding in 1984.

For more than four decades, SPEF has worked to bridge the gap between traditional school funding and the innovative needs of educators in Stillwater classrooms. Through classroom and districtwide grants, SPEF has supported creative teaching methods, hands-on learning experiences, and vital resources that inspire both teachers and students to reach their fullest potential.

“SPEF exists to enhance education by empowering teachers to dream big,” said Lauren Gee, SPEF Board of Trustee President. “This $2 million milestone represents thousands of students whose learning experiences were elevated through innovative projects made possible by our generous donors and community partners.”

Stillwater Public Education Foundation’s impact is made possible through the generosity of individuals, families, and corporate partners who believe in the power of public education.

SPEF’s funding has supported a wide range of programs, from aviation simulators and literacy initiatives to fine arts enrichment and mental wellness resources. Each grant awarded underscores SPEF’s mission to provide opportunities that enrich education and help teachers achieve outstanding outcomes with their students.

Caryl Talley, retired educator and current member of the SPEF Board of Trustees, shared her perspective on the foundation’s impact:

“As an educator, I’ve seen firsthand how SPEF grants transform classrooms,” said Talley. “Whether it’s providing new technology, hands-on materials, or creative learning tools, these grants give teachers the ability to bring lessons to life in ways that truly engage students. The positive ripple effect these opportunities create is felt across the district.”

“As our community continues to invest in its schools, SPEF will continue to be there — filling gaps, fostering innovation, and ensuring that Stillwater Public Schools remain a place where every student can thrive,” said Emily Lewis, SPEF Executive Director.

For more information about the Stillwater Public Education Foundation or to make a donation, visit spef.stillwaterschools.com or follow SPEF on social media.

https://www.stwnewspress.com/news/spef-recognized-for-excellence-in-pre-k-play-based-learning/article_af7b7934-eee7-11ef-902c-67580965f079.html

Click here to view Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence’s 2024-2025 Impact Report that showcases SPEF!

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 

Exchange Bank Donates to SPS Book Bus

[STILLWATER, OK, Sept. 2024] — Exchange Bank recently donated $5,000 to the
Stillwater Public Schools Mobile Book Bus from proceeds collected from the bank’s Stillwater
Pioneer Debit Card Program.

Stillwater Schools granted Exchange Bank the right to use the school mascot, name,
and artwork in the design of a Stillwater Pioneer Debit Card. In return, the bank agreed to pay
the school a percentage of the proceeds from qualifying transactions of the net interchange
fees earned from the Stillwater Pioneer Debit Card Program. To date, the bank has donated a total of $45,000.00 to Stillwater Public Schools.

“Exchange Bank is thrilled to donate proceeds from our Pioneer Debit Card back to
Stillwater Public Schools’ Book Bus,” said Andrea Bendele, Stillwater Market President of
Exchange Bank. “Supporting education is a top priority for us. When customers choose the Pioneer Debit Card, it allows us the opportunity to give back to Stillwater Public Schools. We look forward to this program growing in Stillwater and being able to continually make a positive
impact towards the education of our children.”

Each summer, the Stillwater Public Schools Book Bus travels around town, stopping at key locations to allow children of all ages convenient access to books. The Book Bus is loaded
with a wide variety of literature and truly has something for everyone.

Bank officials anticipate that the program will continue to grow exponentially in years to
come. Those interested in a Stillwater Pioneers Debit Card may contact a customer service
representative at Exchange Bank.

To learn more about the Pioneer Debit Card Program at Exchange Bank, please click here.