BYRON — The Maggie & Amos Foundation has selected nine area educators as recipients of its December “Elf-Grants.” 
The Foundation offered grants in the amount of $250 to local educators to benefit student learning during these trying times. Grants were awarded to:
Megan Carr, PLUS Teacher for Ogle County Educational Cooperative, to purchase a document camera to better provide instruction for students both in-person and remote learning.
Melissa Deutsch, Teacher at Central Elementary School in Rochelle, to purchase hands-on manipulatives for early learners in reading and math.
Debra Cleary, Teacher at Amboy High School, to purchase art supplies to teach students felting and 3D art.
Mikayla Hussey, Teacher at Amboy Elementary School, to purchase individual books for students in her classroom to call their own.

Randi Webb, Teacher at Oregon Elementary School, to purchase a classroom subscription to Kami, a useful tool to make learning more accessible for in-person and remote learners.
Erin Strouss and Kelly Polz, Counselors for Rochelle Elementary District, to purchase materials to support their district-wide implementation of the social-emotional learning program Conscious Discipline.
Kelsi Jones, Teacher at Polo Elementary School, to purchase individual dry erase paddles to improve students’ abilities to share their thoughts and increase interaction in their lessons.
Aubrey Burke, Teacher at Amboy Elementary School, to purchase materials and supplies to create visuals and supports for students with special education needs.
The non-profit Maggie & Amos Foundation was created in memory of Maggie (Rosko) Meyer and her son, Amos, who were killed in October 2016 in their Byron area home.
Maggie, a Special Education teacher at Chana Education Center, was passionate about helping students learn to love learning and fostering a positive experience in school. She was also an avid runner and competed in many local 5k and triathlon events.
Originally from Mount Morris, Maggie cared deeply about the White Sox, her friends and family, and her community. She volunteered for many charity activities and promoted helping others in both her classroom and at home with 3-year-old Amos.
The foundation raises funds through an annual 5k and family event (currently postponed due to COVID-19 mitigations). Since its initiation in 2017, the foundation has provided over $26,000 in donations to area libraries, schools and educators, and in college scholarships. The organization currently shares information on its activities and events on their Facebook page: The Maggie & Amos Foundation.