02/20/2026
We’re proud to support the Sioux Falls Public Schools Education Foundation and the educators making a meaningful impact in our community.
Joe Hogue, partner, was honored to represent Cutler Law Firm and join the Foundation in recognizing Taunya Jones and her “Visual Classics and History” project, which will expand literacy resources for deaf and hard-of-hearing students across the district.
Investing in education strengthens our entire community. Thank you to the Education Foundation for the important work you do.
Taunya Jones from Harvey Dunn Elementary is our second Public School Proud Grant winner! Taunya received $1,485.60 for her proposal, “Visual Classics and History.” With grant funds, she will purchase 106 classic literacy books and 32 historical books that will be used by deaf and hard-of-hearing students. In the proposal, she wrote, “Research demonstrates that graphic novels enhance comprehension for visual and spatial learners, support vocabulary acquisition through contextual visual cues, and improve motivation and engagement among reluctant readers. For deaf and hard-of-hearing students, the integration of visual information and written text reflects the way they naturally process the world—visually and spatially—making graphic novels an especially powerful literacy tool. By combining the richness of classic literature and history with the accessibility of visual storytelling, this project will help bridge the literacy gap and ensure that every student, regardless of hearing ability, can connect with the stories that shape our shared cultural heritage. With grant support, we can give deaf and hard-of-hearing students the tools to not only read but to truly see themselves in the world of literature.” Thank you, Cutler Law Firm, for supporting this project that will positively affect students throughout the district!
**The Education Foundation does not typically fund books through the Public School Proud Grant Program. An exception was made this year to support this specific request. We funded a similar proposal a few years ago. A librarian purchased large-print books for students with visual impairments. Educators can, however, purchase books for their classroom with First Time Teacher Grants and Replenish the Room Grants.
