Gladbrook-Reinbeck Elementary students in Dayna Eckhoff’s kindergarten classroom watch a check presentation video late last month made for them by Greater Iowa Credit Union announcing their teacher’s selection for a $1,000 Project Classroom Grant. PHOTO COURTESY OF GLADBROOK-REINBECK SCHOOLS/FACEBOOK

REINBECK – The playground at Gladbrook-Reinbeck Elementary will soon be sporting a few more engaging activities thanks to the efforts of kindergarten teacher Dayna Eckhoff.

“Earlier this school year, Mrs. Eckhoff, one of our amazing kindergarten teachers at Gladbrook-Reinbeck Elementary, was selected as a recipient of the Project Classroom Grant through Greater Iowa Credit Union!” the school district posted to social media on Feb. 28. “She was even recognized on the field during the Iowa vs. Iowa State football game earlier this (school) year!”

Per GICU’s website, each fall the credit union awards 10 grants worth $1,000 each to selected K-8 registered Iowa Dept. of Education teachers within the 33 counties served by the credit union. Grant funds can be used for classroom supplies, technology, equipment, field trips, and more that further “creative educational experiences or innovative hands-on programs to promote dynamic and fun learning.”

According to G-R’s post, Eckhoff applied for the grant last fall to “help bridge the gap” while the PTO works to raise funds for a new elementary playground. Eckhoff’s grant will add “more engaging playground yard games,” including a new 9 Square in the Air game — a combination of volleyball and the popular 4-square game.

In late February, Eckhoff’s students gathered on the rug in her classroom to watch the official check presentation video which featured the president and CEO of GICU, Scott Zahnle, alongside the credit union’s chief operating officer, Julie Willse.

“One of the best parts of our jobs is getting to celebrate amazing teachers, just like yours,” Willse said while she and Zahnle held between them a large check made out to Eckhoff for $1,000.

“Your dedication and creativity stood out among so many inspiring submissions,” Zahnle said.

As part of the presentation, the credit union gifted Eckhoff’s class a box of fruit snacks and other goodies to celebrate.

G-R’s PTO continues to raise funds for the new playground which is planned for installation this coming fall. Donations can be made through the PTO’s Venmo: @GR-RebelsPTO.

The PTO received even more good news back in mid-December when the organization was awarded a $15,000 grant earmarked for the new playground by the Black Hawk County Gaming Association as part of the FY26 fall grant cycle.