Max Kipfer, a teacher at Frohardt Elementary School, is being recognized this week by Granite City Community Unit School District 9 for his contributions to student learning. Kipfer has worked in the district for six years, previously teaching third grade and now leading technology and physical education classes.
Kipfer described his classroom as interactive and hands-on, focusing on computer science activities such as typing, coding, and Google skills. He also incorporates STEM projects throughout the year. “A typical day in my technology class is very interactive and hands-on. You can find us working on computer science activities such as typing, coding, and google skills. We also complete many STEM activities throughout the year including coding robots,” Kipfer said.
He emphasized engaging students by encouraging creativity and critical thinking. “I keep students engaged and excited by challenging them to think outside the box and use their creativity. I instill in my students the importance of STEM and how it will be useful to them in their future,” he explained.
Among classroom projects, coding robots stands out as a favorite among students. “Coding robots is the project my students love the most throughout the year. They are able to code, solve challenges, drive, and battle these robots,” Kipfer noted.
Kipfer attended Bremen High School in Indiana before earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Management from Indiana University. He later completed his teaching degree at UMSL.
Outside of school, Kipfer enjoys coaching soccer, traveling with his family, camping, watching his son play sports, fishing, and golfing. His favorite foods include crab legs, crawfish, and oysters.
Frohardt Elementary is part of Granite City Community Unit School District 9 (GCSD9), which serves Madison County through several schools including Coolidge Junior High School and Granite City High School https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/. The district had an enrollment of 5,990 students during the 2019-2020 school year https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/, with a demographic makeup that is 65 percent White, nearly 16 percent Black, almost 12 percent Hispanic, and less than one percent Asian https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/.
According to state data for GCSD9 teachers: there are 320 teachers with an average salary of $67,898; over three-quarters are women; none had more than ten absences during a school year https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/. In terms of spending per student in 2020—the latest available data—the district spent $17,739 per student for a total expenditure exceeding $106 million https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/.
The district reported that about 13 percent of its students were classified as chronically truant—meaning they missed at least five percent of required school days without valid excuse—which exceeds the statewide average of just under ten percent https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/.
Anyone wishing to nominate a staff member for recognition can email information@gcsd9.net.
