Neligh-Oakdale Receives $2,000 Grant For 'Hokki' Stools

​Neligh-Oakdale plans to get a little “hokki” thanks to a $2,000 grant.

Susie Loofe, special education teacher at Neligh-Oakdale, applied for a grant last year through the National Consumer Panel. Thousands of applications were received, and hers was one of just give five awarded.

“I was really surprised and excited to find out,” Loofe said. “I’m really excited to get the money and order new chairs. This is going to be pretty useful.”

In Loofe’s application, she requested the funds in order to purchase Hokki chairs, which are ergonomic stools that let students keep moving, while sitting still. The stools come in four sizes, making them perfect for kids of all ages and teachers.

“There are a couple them at West Ward, and I’m told for the students using them, it’s night and day difference,” Loofe said. “Some kids just need to be able to move a little while in the classroom setting.”

Mary Schrader, elementary principal at Neligh-Oakdale, said said is grateful to have teachers like Loofe, who are pro-active with grant applications that will improve education.

“We have a Hokki stool in each first grade classroom right now, and there are students who the teachers notice quite a bit of difference with them being able to stay on task,” she said. “Some students need just a little bit of movement in their chair, so I’m very happy Susie took the time to submit the grant application.”

Loofe said the $2,000 will help to buy about 20 stools, allowing several chairs in different classrooms to help the students who need assistance. These are stools and not the ball chairs that have been used in other area classrooms.

The check was sent from New York  and signed by national director Lynne Morrison, not to be confused with the Lynn Morrison who formerly taught at Neligh-Oakdale. 

Besides Neligh-Oakdale, the other grants were awarded to Cielo Azul Elementary, New Mexico; Lake Hills School, Florida; South Oceanside Elementary, California; and Winterset Elementary, Ohio.