LIFE SKILLS WINTER GARDEN Awarded to: Buffie Fans for grades 6-10
The life skills students enjoyed their “Life Skills Goes Green” Give Grant in 2018 so much, we want to further our gardening skills. The students had much success growing vegetables seedlings last spring. However, the year ended before the vegetables grew. This year, we are asking for a grant to purchase a small greenhouse, seeds, dirt and pots, so the students can actually see the entire growing process.
The life skills students are students with special needs; they have intellectual disabilities and are taught using a functional curriculum. Lessons are adapted for the needs of each student and hands on activities are the most beneficial. Last year, they learned how to plant, water and care for their seeds. They learned to only put 1-2 seeds into the dirt and to use half a finger to push it into their pots. Some of my older students kept track of watering the plants and growth of the plants. Everyone had a job. The lesson was adapted and heir excitement for the project went far beyond my expectation. They were able to plant seeds and maintain them with no assistance from adults. By the end of the project, most of the faculty would visit to see the “life skills garden”. It was quite impressive, especially for the first time planting. The students continued to plant even after we had our first round of seedlings. They were extremely proud of their work! This year, I would like for them to see the whole process; incorporating picking, preparing and enjoying the vegetables. The independence and knowledge they are gaining from this skill is incredibly beneficial.
BUILDING CREATIVITY ONE BRICK AT A TIME Awarded to: Vanessa Cruise, Joanne Giancola, Karole Kaupinis for first graders
The concept of hands-on learning is a natural way to investigate problems and develop solutions, but for many, hands-on learning has become the exception rather than the rule. Kids learn through play, manipulation, experimentation, creation, working together and trying new things. Many children lack these important skills. We are asking for a grant to purchase Lego boards and bricks to create a Lego Wall for the Maker’s Spaces within our class rooms. The Maker’s Spaces will allow the students to create and design using STEM techniques in a creative area. Maker’s Spaces provide exciting new opportunities for hands-on learning, problem solving, and creative experimentation. Our students will be able to learn through play, manipulation, experimenting, creating, and working together. Legos are not just a toy. They are the building blocks for children’s creativity and problem solving. Students will work together and gain the skills of compromise. They will be responsible to each other as they create in partnerships. They will learn to plan, execute, identify problems and create solutions. Thank you for considering our LEGO wall project and helping our students build friendships and confidence brick by brick. Help us help our students grow.
7LIME WANTS TO BREAKOUT(EDU) Awarded to: Elizabeth Speicher for 7th graders
The idea of gamification is not new to education- the idea of turning learning into a game to motivate students to learn through a game design that engages the students on multiple levels. What Breakout EDU has done is taken a popular social activity, Escape Rooms, and applied them to the classroom. Students are divided into teams and have to work together to complete a series of clues and challenges to unlock a box with locks on it. This is a collaborative and hands-on approach to learning. Students may initially fail, but they fail together and learn from their mistakes to persevere through the task. From the Breakout EDU website, “Breakout EDU games require students to utilize their Social Emotional Learning skills, as well as Collaboration, Communication, Critical Thinking, and Creativity (the 4Cs).”
CHARMING READERS Awarded to Becky Forkner for grades K-2
I would like to initiate a reading incentive program at the PS this year called “Charming Readers.” The goal of the program is to encourage students to read for enjoyment every night. For some students, this comes naturally, but many of our students are struggling readers and simply don’t enjoy it. This program is aimed at making reading fun through different challenge activities they can complete and rewards they can earn.
There are 5 challenge cards with various activities like “read with a flashlight” or “read in the bathtub.” Students can be read to or read independently, making this appropriate for all levels of readers. Furthermore, they have the freedom to choose books that interest them.
Each time a student completes a challenge card, he or she can bring it to the library to earn a charm. These charms can be attached to backpacks or belt loops with a small silver chain. Hopefully students will be motivated to collect all five charms and the visual reward will inspire other students to participate.
CAPSTONE COURSE SHOWCASE EVENT Awarded to Jodi King and Amy Tremel for 11 and 12 graders.
The Capstone Course Showcase Event is an evening that gives students the opportunity to display, discuss, and present work they have researched, experiments they have conducted, and experiences they have documented throughout the courses. Students will present to peers, professionals, interested community members, family, and educators as well as administration and school board members.
MINDFUL MOVEMENT Awarded to Chelsea Renner for primary school students
The plan for Mindful Movement was created in order to increase students’ focus and attention, decrease stress, and actively stimulate the brain. Mindful Movement allows students the opportunity to take a break from learning and exercise their bodies in a physical way. Many teachers are finding that frequent movement breaks help their students to stay focused on their learning. The goal of Mindful Movement is to get students out of their seats and to be physically active throughout the school day. This goal will be accomplished in three different ways.
First, there will be three scheduled whole class brain breaks throughout the day. One will take place in the morning, and two will take place in the afternoon. These brain breaks will allow the whole class to release some energy and get their body ready to focus back on their learning. Additionally, the students will be allowed to use a sensory path that will be located in the hallway. The students will be taught how to use the path in the correct way in order for it to be most useful for their movement break. The sensory path will be available for all students to use, but individuals or small groups of students will be using it at each time. Finally, students will be provided with some flexible seating options within the classroom. The students will have access to lap desks and comfy chairs so that they do not always have to sit in the same chair. This will give students the choice of where they want to learn as well as promote comfort and physical health. Overall, this project of Mindful Movement promotes physical activity in the classroom as well as comfort and overall good physical health. When students are physically active, oxygen is flowing to their brain, and they are ready to learn.
The sensory path will be located in the new wing of the first grade hallway, and it will be open for any student to use. Teachers will be able to teach their children how to use it as a movement break, and the students will be able to utilize it with adult supervision.