“Foundation members take great pride in supporting district initiatives through innovative projects that engage students and help prepare them for a successful future,” said Edward Wade, Education Foundation president. “And of course, it is always a pleasure to surprise teachers and school administrators with money for projects they would not be able to fund otherwise. The smiles we see on the faces of teachers and students are priceless.”
Jenkins and Ponderosa elementary schools were awarded $9,922 for a grant that will use robotics to introduce students to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. Teachers at the schools are planning to use this innovative program to increase the percentage of girls and minorities who are interested in STEM studies. Recipients are Wesley Vaughan and Shanna Berlitz.
Carl Wunsche Sr. High School received a $5,000 grant to fund a Student Global Leadership Institute that focuses on developing future workforce and community leaders. The Institute will provide opportunity for students to learn principles, skill sets and best practices that will help them transform values into actions, problems into solutions, dreams into realities, failures into learning experiences and risks into rewards. Recipients are Phylicia Hill, Karla Sandoval, Lisa Chebret, Tekedra Pierre and Austin Hayward.
Bailey Middle School was presented $5,000 for purchasing and integrating ten SMART Slate WS200 wireless slates into math studies. The slates will help increase student achievement and proficiency in areas of technology and mathematics, and support and enhance student learning. The recipient is Tracey Taylor.
Hoyland Elementary School received $639 for a project called Scholars on Stage. By involving students in the arts, this project is expected to improve attendance, develop communications skills, strengthen reading comprehension and improve self esteem. The recipients are Maria Cano, Kelli Lewis and Shannon Becks.
Dekaney, Spring, Westfield and Wunsche high schools were awarded $8,298 for developing an equitable forensic science experience for all Spring ISD high school students. By providing teachers with equal access to materials specified in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, they will be able to develop a common curriculum that includes checks for understanding and suggestions for modifications for students with learning or language difficulties. Recipients are Kara Marquez, Robin Bailey, Phelecia Parks and Zuriel Morales.
Rodney Green chairs the foundation’s education and empowerment grants committee. He said the committee’s mission is to enhance foundational learning in the community by funding educational experiences that respond to changing community needs. “We seek to maximize the learning potential of every student from prekindergarten through 12th grade by preparing them to succeed in our 21st century competitive environment,” Green said.
For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation, call 281-891-6012.
The Spring ISD Education Foundation was established in 1993 to benefit the students and teachers of the District. The foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization governed by a volunteer board of directors and is a collaborative effort that includes local business, community and educational leaders. Contributions to the foundation are 100 percent tax-deductible.