Super Grant Awards!
The Falls Church Education Foundation awarded over $51,000 in Super Grants for the 2021-22 school year! These awards went to staff at all 5 schools and included some amazing and creative way to enhance learning and teaching to our students. Congrats, FCCPS Staff! Read on for a brief description of the winning grants. A more details write-up of each grant can be found here.
FCEF awarded 19 Super Grants valued at over $88K on October 30, 2019! See details of the grants here and photos from the fantastic day here. Is it a coincidence that the Nats won the World Series on the same day? We think we started the good vibes rolling with our Super Grant "prize patrol" right here in Falls Church City. Thanks to all of our sponsors and donors who made it all possible! Let's keep this energy moving forward with this year's fundraising so we can repeat in 2020!
FCEF awarded over $25,000 in Super Grants for the 2020-21 school year! Even in a pandemic, our staff was able to think of creative and innovative ways to enhance learning and teaching to our students. While we were not able to have a Prize Patrol like in previous years, we celebrated this grant winners in a Zoom call with all staff. The presentation can be found here along with the lists of winners below:
- Mobile Workshop (Part 2): $4020 to Kenny George at George Mason HS
- Music Technology: $13,611 to Mary Jo West and Steve Knight at George Mason HS
- Mobile Growing Stations: $3000 to Carey Pollack at George Mason HS
- LIEP/SPED Independent Reading Books: $640 to Susan Zernik at George Mason HS
- Helping Hippos Civic Engagement Program: $3400 to Jed Jackson and Colleen Hoover at Mt Daniel Elementary
- STEAM Parachute Program: $800 to Tosin Adetoro at TJ Elementary
2019 Super Grant Awards
JESSIE THACKREY PRESCHOOL
Wild Walk Hallway Path (Drechsler/Baroody) -- $1225 This hallway or outside set of large stickers includes a sensory path and multi-sensory approach to learning – in math and early literacy in particular to address different learning styles for ALL (sic).” The path will benefit all students, but especially those who are at risk and who have IEPs. It will be labeled in English and Spanish.
MOUNT DANIEL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Ukulele! (Sweterlitsch) -- $2156.82 “I would like to initiate a ukulele unit with 2nd grade music students. This unit would last from about March until June so students have sufficient time to truly gain musical skills on the instrument. During the unit we will continue to cover 2nd grade music SOLs and connect with the 2nd grade PYP planners…1st and 2nd graders really want to play instruments that are not just used in elementary music classes. The ukulele is a great instrument to meet this need. It is being used by many mainstream bands but is also being used in general music classes throughout the country to provide developmentally appropriate instruction. In my experience nothing works better to help solidity a student’s sense of rhythm than playing in an ensemble.” The grant will fund a class set of 25 ukuleles, a ukulele rack, tuners and ukulele “Essential Elements” instruction books.
THOMAS JEFFERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
FCCPS Goes to the National Conference for Teachers of English (NCTE) (Schimmoller -- $9060 (12 staff at $755) NCTE is in Baltimore this year. “The theme this year is a perfect fit for FCCPS.” It is “Let’s Inquire Together…This conference blends the expertise of K-12 teachers, authors, professors, and community leaders, and provides a variety of learning experiences that combine PYP, Literacy, and STEAM… As FCCPS grows as an IB campus, transdisciplinary learning is at the core at both TJ and MD. I believe this conference is an opportunity to delve into inquiry-based education.” If the group of 12 classroom teachers, teacher leaders, and specialists attend this conference together, all the students at TJ and MD will benefit. (Funded through the FCEF Advanced Training Fund)
3D Print Your World (Adetoro) -- $8000 “3D printing is impacting almost every major industry in the world…FCCPS is a district that is dedicated to providing safe and engaging learning environments that allow students to explore and innovate the world around them…For the 2019-2020 school year, all 5th graders will be introduced to technical drawing, CAD, and 3D printing and showcase their projects at STEAM night. For the years after that all three grade levels will complete 3d printing units…Being awarded this Super Grant will mean that over 600 students will have more authentic exploration of objects and their world…It is also important that as a district, our departments align themselves vertically to provide a learning continuum for all students. 3d printing is taught in the middle and high schools and it makes perfect sense to introduce our students to it at the elementary level as well.” The grant will fund two MakerBot Replicator+ 3D Printers, Filament, MakerBot Educators Guidebook, an online certification course, MakerCare for one year and a small extruder.
MARY ELLEN HENDERSON MIDDLE SCHOOL
Digital Theatre Portfolios (Gross) -- $4000 This grant will fund an IPad Pro with Apple Care ($1200) and a Macbook Pro with Apple Care ($2700) to allow students to “learn the importance of documenting the creative process through digital portfolios. Throughout the entire school year, students will document their brainstorming sessions, take photographs of stage pictures or blocked scenes, record rehearsals and performances to review for critique. Students will also create individual portfolios to document their growth in theatre.”
The Math Space (Leahey) -- $2348.60 This grant will create a Math Space where 40-50 students who need math intervention can come to an inviting and engaging space where they want to receive math support. The grant will fund two large dry erase tables for students to show their thinking in collaborative groups, wobble stools and stability balls, and a large standing desk. “The flexible seating and standing options will support students in engaging their brains at the end of the day by allowing their bodies to be more active. Sixth and seventh grade students who receive math intervention will receive it at the end of the day…By this point in the day many students are checked out or close to it. I’m hopeful that the ability to move will help to keep their blood flowing so that their minds can stay active…Ultimately, I have a vision of developing a Math Space where students can also choose to come during Husky Flex, lunch, etc. to engage in mathematical problem solving, puzzles and discussions or to ask for help when they need it.”
iSing for iPads (Carpel/Sample-MEH and GM) -- $2957.70 This grant will fund an iPad Pro and Accessories, an AirTurn DUO 200 Bluetooth Pedal and the forScore App for the choral departments in the middle school and the high school, which will enhance vertical alignment of the curriculum. The equipment will benefit all students by enabling the teachers to implement best practices in the classroom, but especially those “with executive functioning needs”. A principal benefit of the iPad Pro and the app is allowing the teacher to walk around the classroom and troubleshoot parts of music during rehearsal. “Additionally, students will be able to interact with this tool and demonstrate their understanding of concepts in the class, allowing the teacher to give immediate feedback on formative assessments. Being able to scan in music and annotate it in real time on a projector will not only assist students’ in honing their music literacy skills, but it will help them learn to identify visual cues within a larger context.” The teachers also will use the equipment to highlight sections of music and different students’ parts in the score, record rehearsals allowing students to reflect on their practice, and create tracks for students to allow them to get extra practice on difficult sections of the music.
Upcycled Making for All (Jinks) -- $2735 “Upcycled Making for All is focused on teaching students how to reuse materials in a way that brings new life to what we would typically recycle or throw in the trash, while giving access to engineering and computer science to all students during their time at Henderson will take on this challenge with all 6th grade flex students and 8th graders enrolled in programming and/or design this year…6th graders will upcycle cardboard from delivery boxes in order to make a working pinball machine…(which) will be available to students during recess, during the 5th graders’ visit to MEH, and other school events…8th graders will upcycle t-shirts (or other clothing) by adding an original vinyl design and programming a light show on the shirt.” The project will reach 260 students this year and more in the future. “The project will allow students to see how computer science is in every aspect of their life. Through upcycling projects, students will see themselves as engineers and computer scientists…this could mean more students in the makerspaces, ..enrolled in engineering classes,…signing up for computer science classes,…more minority and female students enrolled in engineering and computer science classes, and a variety of students signing up for a sustainability academy at the new (GMHS.” The grant will fund equipment and materials for the projects.
MEHMS PE Ninja Warriors!! (Coffren, Johnson, Nottingham/PE Staff) -- $24,992.60 “We hope to renovate the Auxiliary Gym/Rock Room (built in 2005) into a 2020 state-of-the-art Ninja Warrior training facility” that will benefit all 665 MEH students, special needs students at MEH and GM, MEH staff, students enrolled in ASAP and GMHS athletes (after school). “By overcoming both physical and mental obstacles, students will increase strength, improve flexibility and agility, and enhance their balance. Their focus and concentration will also improve as they confront each obstacle…The challenges these new ninjas will face will help them grow more resilient, which in today’s world may be the most important skill of all.” With the increase in the student population, new PE requirements, and the reduction in outdoor space due to GM construction, space for physical activity is severely limited. “This grant will provide the much-needed physical outlet our students need to make their academic day successful.” Some items in the extensive list the grant covers include: the Master Ninja System, Ninja Angled Step, Safari Climbing Obstacles, Peg-board Climbers, Ninja Teeter Totter, Soft Fat Landing Mats, Stealth Ninja Ledgerboard, Warp Wall, Warped Wall, the Beast Climber, Scaler Nets and Frames, along with a Fitness Equipment Installer/Technician who will visit twice a year.
GEORGE MASON HIGH SCHOOL
IB Film Studies Equipment (Gurgo) -- $4627.54 This grant will fund state-of-the-art film equipment, including A Canon EOS C100MK2 24-105 24-105 Kit, a Sennheiser MKE-600 Shotgun Mic, Sennheiser HD-65 TV/Headphone Listening System, LIBEC THX Head/THX Tripod/THX Carrying Case, and will benefit the 26 current and all future film students. “Film students are currently using DSLR Cameras or their Cell Phones to record their films. As a premiere K-12 Continuum School Division, our students need the proper equipment to create the same quality film production work as other IB Film students around the world. This new equipment will allow our students to learn the proper techniques of filming, recording and editing sound for high quality production work. Purchasing this new equipment for our Film students will allow the students to take their knowledge of film production to the next level…This is what the industry calls for and I would like to give our budding film students that same experience and opportunity.”
Ceramic Pottery Wheels (Robarge/Gurgo) -- $3181.31 This grant will fund “two Ceramic Pottery Wheels in order to make this important ceramic process and technique available to our students. This will dovetail nicely with the planned move to the new high school, as there will be a dedicated ceramic space in the new building…The addition of wheel thrown pottery will take the ceramic techniques available to students to a new and exciting level... (The wheels) will provide “seeding” for the transition to the new ceramics space…the ceramics part of the art program provides a hands-on learning experience that students find rewarding, unique, calming and ends with a product they are often very proud of. Approximately 160-170 art students will benefit from this addition, as well as art teachers from across the school system who will be trained in throwing techniques” through an FCEF Advanced Training Grant that will train K-12 teachers this fall in wheel throwing techniques.
Guest Speaker: Nils Ahbel, Presenting: The Dangers of Alcohol and THC (Jayson) -- $3000 This grant will fund Nils Ahbel for two days and will include an auditorium talk for juniors and seniors (400 students) in the morning and then small group breakout sessions in the afternoon and the next day to “dig deeper into questions that students and community members have…I have watched Nils’ presentation and he is a dynamic, engaging, and very passionate speaker. He is also a high school teacher and understands how to hook an audience full of teenagers. His talk incorporates the mathematics of how THC and Alcohol leave a body over time, and he impresses upon the participants how important it is to understand this reaction (especially when it may be happening in your body or the body of a friend)…the metabolism of the THC in marijuana and ethanol in alcoholic drinks are surprisingly different and understanding the process of how each is metabolized can save lives and prevent brain damage, especially in teenagers. The key is to learn the mathematical models that drive these processes and fortunately, most students who are taking or have taken Algebra II are quite familiar with the models…after students attain a clear understanding of how THC and ethanol at metabolized, they will hopefully make better decisions about their use.”
Mobile Workshop Supplies (George) -- $4481 “I am seeking a (Super Grant) to outfit a mobile fabrication shop for both the current and future George Mason High Schools. This mobile fabrication shop will consist of a suite of hand tools, and storage and travel compartments for these tools. I began to build this catalog of tools last year…and am seeking additional funding to further expand the resources available…We have many students across various disciplines in our building who have both a need and interest in fabricating individually designed products. (The GM fabrication shop) is not always available to all students as it is in an instructional space. The mobile fabrication shop will allow tools to be easily packed up, transported to different classrooms, or project locations, and allow students to work efficiently and safely.” The shop currently consists of a portable dust collection system, hand drills, a palm sander and a circular track saw. I am seeking funding to add a storage system for hand tools and hardware, jigsaw, router, air compressor, cabinets and dollies for storage and transportation and a mobile workspace.” This grant will benefit 150 students directly and ultimately the entire GMHS population.
Hispanic Book Festival at George Mason HS (Sr. Garcia) --$3000 The Hispanic Book Festival of Virginia will take place in the first week of April 2020 and this grant will fund a GM Hispanic Book Festival that piggybacks on the VA Festival. Sr. Garcia will invite 10 writers from different Spanish-speaking countries for a “celebration of writing and Hispanic Culture”. All students at GM and MEH who want to participate “will benefit because they will be immersed in a unique experience: they will meet published authors, they will receive a free book, and also will see the authors reading their work. In addition, students from Spanish 3 and up will be encouraged to write an essay or interview a writer. The best works will receive an award.” The grant will fund the festival for two years.
Independent Reading Books for Our LIEP Students (Zelnik) --$850 “I am looking to buy independent reading books for our LIEP students so they can increase their language development and build their reading stamina and background knowledge…The books will be on the students’ reading levels and the pictures in the books will further reinforce what they are reading, helping to increase their comprehension….This (grant) will benefit our LIEP students by providing them opportunities to have access to choice books on their level in order to increase their background knowledge, language development and reading stamina.” (Funded through the FCEF ESOL Program)
FCCPS DIVISION WIDE
Book Studies and Math Conference (Fessenden) -- $3155.05/$1452.05 and $1703 Book Studies – Professional development” in small districts is very limited compared to larger districts. I would like to lead/co-lead two book studies this year for teachers who would like to participate and grow their instructional practices.” The first book is Visible Learning for Mathematics by John Hattie, which “focuses on the effect size of different instructional practices. We will examine our instructional practices and get rid of the low effect size practices while working to increase the high effect sized practices.” The second book is Putting the Practices into Action, which “provides the ‘why’, ‘understanding’, and ‘how to’ for helping teachers teach the mathematics process goals along with the standards. We will relate the essential understanding of both books to standards-based grading and MYP/PYP.” Math Conference – “I would like to take Sarah Leahey, MEH math specialist, to the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics conference with me to build capacity in her as a leader so she can better support the teachers at MEH and GM.” (Conference funded through the FCEF Advanced Training Fund)
International Center for Leadership in Education 2020 Model Schools National Conference (Kasik, Swanson, Hardy, Hills, Baroody) -- $9165 ($1833 per principal) The grant will allow all five principals to attend this conference in Orlando from June 28-July 1, 2020. It is a “renowned national education conference highlighting successful and inspiring initiatives in innovation and turnaround in K-12 schools. The conference features national speakers and well over 100 breakout work sessions, all speaking to successful school transformations that have benefited students across the country…One of the hallmarks of the …conference most compelling to the FCCPS principals is the …emphasis on success for all students, particularly those who are often at risk. Given the FCCPS priority on equity and social/emotional learning, expertise and training in these areas will be of immediate and lasting benefit to all of our students.” Other relevant workshop areas include: transformational leadership; rigor, relevance and relationships; data-driven instruction; blended teaching and learning; rigorous curriculum design; social and emotional learning; and, equity for excellence. “The Model Schools Conference will benefit not only today’s FCCPS students, but even those who have yet to enter our doors because the skills principals learn at Model School will never be obsolete.” (Funded through the Sprague Fund for Leadership)
JESSIE THACKREY PRESCHOOL
Wild Walk Hallway Path (Drechsler/Baroody) -- $1225 This hallway or outside set of large stickers includes a sensory path and multi-sensory approach to learning – in math and early literacy in particular to address different learning styles for ALL (sic).” The path will benefit all students, but especially those who are at risk and who have IEPs. It will be labeled in English and Spanish.
MOUNT DANIEL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Ukulele! (Sweterlitsch) -- $2156.82 “I would like to initiate a ukulele unit with 2nd grade music students. This unit would last from about March until June so students have sufficient time to truly gain musical skills on the instrument. During the unit we will continue to cover 2nd grade music SOLs and connect with the 2nd grade PYP planners…1st and 2nd graders really want to play instruments that are not just used in elementary music classes. The ukulele is a great instrument to meet this need. It is being used by many mainstream bands but is also being used in general music classes throughout the country to provide developmentally appropriate instruction. In my experience nothing works better to help solidity a student’s sense of rhythm than playing in an ensemble.” The grant will fund a class set of 25 ukuleles, a ukulele rack, tuners and ukulele “Essential Elements” instruction books.
THOMAS JEFFERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
FCCPS Goes to the National Conference for Teachers of English (NCTE) (Schimmoller -- $9060 (12 staff at $755) NCTE is in Baltimore this year. “The theme this year is a perfect fit for FCCPS.” It is “Let’s Inquire Together…This conference blends the expertise of K-12 teachers, authors, professors, and community leaders, and provides a variety of learning experiences that combine PYP, Literacy, and STEAM… As FCCPS grows as an IB campus, transdisciplinary learning is at the core at both TJ and MD. I believe this conference is an opportunity to delve into inquiry-based education.” If the group of 12 classroom teachers, teacher leaders, and specialists attend this conference together, all the students at TJ and MD will benefit. (Funded through the FCEF Advanced Training Fund)
3D Print Your World (Adetoro) -- $8000 “3D printing is impacting almost every major industry in the world…FCCPS is a district that is dedicated to providing safe and engaging learning environments that allow students to explore and innovate the world around them…For the 2019-2020 school year, all 5th graders will be introduced to technical drawing, CAD, and 3D printing and showcase their projects at STEAM night. For the years after that all three grade levels will complete 3d printing units…Being awarded this Super Grant will mean that over 600 students will have more authentic exploration of objects and their world…It is also important that as a district, our departments align themselves vertically to provide a learning continuum for all students. 3d printing is taught in the middle and high schools and it makes perfect sense to introduce our students to it at the elementary level as well.” The grant will fund two MakerBot Replicator+ 3D Printers, Filament, MakerBot Educators Guidebook, an online certification course, MakerCare for one year and a small extruder.
MARY ELLEN HENDERSON MIDDLE SCHOOL
Digital Theatre Portfolios (Gross) -- $4000 This grant will fund an IPad Pro with Apple Care ($1200) and a Macbook Pro with Apple Care ($2700) to allow students to “learn the importance of documenting the creative process through digital portfolios. Throughout the entire school year, students will document their brainstorming sessions, take photographs of stage pictures or blocked scenes, record rehearsals and performances to review for critique. Students will also create individual portfolios to document their growth in theatre.”
The Math Space (Leahey) -- $2348.60 This grant will create a Math Space where 40-50 students who need math intervention can come to an inviting and engaging space where they want to receive math support. The grant will fund two large dry erase tables for students to show their thinking in collaborative groups, wobble stools and stability balls, and a large standing desk. “The flexible seating and standing options will support students in engaging their brains at the end of the day by allowing their bodies to be more active. Sixth and seventh grade students who receive math intervention will receive it at the end of the day…By this point in the day many students are checked out or close to it. I’m hopeful that the ability to move will help to keep their blood flowing so that their minds can stay active…Ultimately, I have a vision of developing a Math Space where students can also choose to come during Husky Flex, lunch, etc. to engage in mathematical problem solving, puzzles and discussions or to ask for help when they need it.”
iSing for iPads (Carpel/Sample-MEH and GM) -- $2957.70 This grant will fund an iPad Pro and Accessories, an AirTurn DUO 200 Bluetooth Pedal and the forScore App for the choral departments in the middle school and the high school, which will enhance vertical alignment of the curriculum. The equipment will benefit all students by enabling the teachers to implement best practices in the classroom, but especially those “with executive functioning needs”. A principal benefit of the iPad Pro and the app is allowing the teacher to walk around the classroom and troubleshoot parts of music during rehearsal. “Additionally, students will be able to interact with this tool and demonstrate their understanding of concepts in the class, allowing the teacher to give immediate feedback on formative assessments. Being able to scan in music and annotate it in real time on a projector will not only assist students’ in honing their music literacy skills, but it will help them learn to identify visual cues within a larger context.” The teachers also will use the equipment to highlight sections of music and different students’ parts in the score, record rehearsals allowing students to reflect on their practice, and create tracks for students to allow them to get extra practice on difficult sections of the music.
Upcycled Making for All (Jinks) -- $2735 “Upcycled Making for All is focused on teaching students how to reuse materials in a way that brings new life to what we would typically recycle or throw in the trash, while giving access to engineering and computer science to all students during their time at Henderson will take on this challenge with all 6th grade flex students and 8th graders enrolled in programming and/or design this year…6th graders will upcycle cardboard from delivery boxes in order to make a working pinball machine…(which) will be available to students during recess, during the 5th graders’ visit to MEH, and other school events…8th graders will upcycle t-shirts (or other clothing) by adding an original vinyl design and programming a light show on the shirt.” The project will reach 260 students this year and more in the future. “The project will allow students to see how computer science is in every aspect of their life. Through upcycling projects, students will see themselves as engineers and computer scientists…this could mean more students in the makerspaces, ..enrolled in engineering classes,…signing up for computer science classes,…more minority and female students enrolled in engineering and computer science classes, and a variety of students signing up for a sustainability academy at the new (GMHS.” The grant will fund equipment and materials for the projects.
MEHMS PE Ninja Warriors!! (Coffren, Johnson, Nottingham/PE Staff) -- $24,992.60 “We hope to renovate the Auxiliary Gym/Rock Room (built in 2005) into a 2020 state-of-the-art Ninja Warrior training facility” that will benefit all 665 MEH students, special needs students at MEH and GM, MEH staff, students enrolled in ASAP and GMHS athletes (after school). “By overcoming both physical and mental obstacles, students will increase strength, improve flexibility and agility, and enhance their balance. Their focus and concentration will also improve as they confront each obstacle…The challenges these new ninjas will face will help them grow more resilient, which in today’s world may be the most important skill of all.” With the increase in the student population, new PE requirements, and the reduction in outdoor space due to GM construction, space for physical activity is severely limited. “This grant will provide the much-needed physical outlet our students need to make their academic day successful.” Some items in the extensive list the grant covers include: the Master Ninja System, Ninja Angled Step, Safari Climbing Obstacles, Peg-board Climbers, Ninja Teeter Totter, Soft Fat Landing Mats, Stealth Ninja Ledgerboard, Warp Wall, Warped Wall, the Beast Climber, Scaler Nets and Frames, along with a Fitness Equipment Installer/Technician who will visit twice a year.
GEORGE MASON HIGH SCHOOL
IB Film Studies Equipment (Gurgo) -- $4627.54 This grant will fund state-of-the-art film equipment, including A Canon EOS C100MK2 24-105 24-105 Kit, a Sennheiser MKE-600 Shotgun Mic, Sennheiser HD-65 TV/Headphone Listening System, LIBEC THX Head/THX Tripod/THX Carrying Case, and will benefit the 26 current and all future film students. “Film students are currently using DSLR Cameras or their Cell Phones to record their films. As a premiere K-12 Continuum School Division, our students need the proper equipment to create the same quality film production work as other IB Film students around the world. This new equipment will allow our students to learn the proper techniques of filming, recording and editing sound for high quality production work. Purchasing this new equipment for our Film students will allow the students to take their knowledge of film production to the next level…This is what the industry calls for and I would like to give our budding film students that same experience and opportunity.”
Ceramic Pottery Wheels (Robarge/Gurgo) -- $3181.31 This grant will fund “two Ceramic Pottery Wheels in order to make this important ceramic process and technique available to our students. This will dovetail nicely with the planned move to the new high school, as there will be a dedicated ceramic space in the new building…The addition of wheel thrown pottery will take the ceramic techniques available to students to a new and exciting level... (The wheels) will provide “seeding” for the transition to the new ceramics space…the ceramics part of the art program provides a hands-on learning experience that students find rewarding, unique, calming and ends with a product they are often very proud of. Approximately 160-170 art students will benefit from this addition, as well as art teachers from across the school system who will be trained in throwing techniques” through an FCEF Advanced Training Grant that will train K-12 teachers this fall in wheel throwing techniques.
Guest Speaker: Nils Ahbel, Presenting: The Dangers of Alcohol and THC (Jayson) -- $3000 This grant will fund Nils Ahbel for two days and will include an auditorium talk for juniors and seniors (400 students) in the morning and then small group breakout sessions in the afternoon and the next day to “dig deeper into questions that students and community members have…I have watched Nils’ presentation and he is a dynamic, engaging, and very passionate speaker. He is also a high school teacher and understands how to hook an audience full of teenagers. His talk incorporates the mathematics of how THC and Alcohol leave a body over time, and he impresses upon the participants how important it is to understand this reaction (especially when it may be happening in your body or the body of a friend)…the metabolism of the THC in marijuana and ethanol in alcoholic drinks are surprisingly different and understanding the process of how each is metabolized can save lives and prevent brain damage, especially in teenagers. The key is to learn the mathematical models that drive these processes and fortunately, most students who are taking or have taken Algebra II are quite familiar with the models…after students attain a clear understanding of how THC and ethanol at metabolized, they will hopefully make better decisions about their use.”
Mobile Workshop Supplies (George) -- $4481 “I am seeking a (Super Grant) to outfit a mobile fabrication shop for both the current and future George Mason High Schools. This mobile fabrication shop will consist of a suite of hand tools, and storage and travel compartments for these tools. I began to build this catalog of tools last year…and am seeking additional funding to further expand the resources available…We have many students across various disciplines in our building who have both a need and interest in fabricating individually designed products. (The GM fabrication shop) is not always available to all students as it is in an instructional space. The mobile fabrication shop will allow tools to be easily packed up, transported to different classrooms, or project locations, and allow students to work efficiently and safely.” The shop currently consists of a portable dust collection system, hand drills, a palm sander and a circular track saw. I am seeking funding to add a storage system for hand tools and hardware, jigsaw, router, air compressor, cabinets and dollies for storage and transportation and a mobile workspace.” This grant will benefit 150 students directly and ultimately the entire GMHS population.
Hispanic Book Festival at George Mason HS (Sr. Garcia) --$3000 The Hispanic Book Festival of Virginia will take place in the first week of April 2020 and this grant will fund a GM Hispanic Book Festival that piggybacks on the VA Festival. Sr. Garcia will invite 10 writers from different Spanish-speaking countries for a “celebration of writing and Hispanic Culture”. All students at GM and MEH who want to participate “will benefit because they will be immersed in a unique experience: they will meet published authors, they will receive a free book, and also will see the authors reading their work. In addition, students from Spanish 3 and up will be encouraged to write an essay or interview a writer. The best works will receive an award.” The grant will fund the festival for two years.
Independent Reading Books for Our LIEP Students (Zelnik) --$850 “I am looking to buy independent reading books for our LIEP students so they can increase their language development and build their reading stamina and background knowledge…The books will be on the students’ reading levels and the pictures in the books will further reinforce what they are reading, helping to increase their comprehension….This (grant) will benefit our LIEP students by providing them opportunities to have access to choice books on their level in order to increase their background knowledge, language development and reading stamina.” (Funded through the FCEF ESOL Program)
FCCPS DIVISION WIDE
Book Studies and Math Conference (Fessenden) -- $3155.05/$1452.05 and $1703 Book Studies – Professional development” in small districts is very limited compared to larger districts. I would like to lead/co-lead two book studies this year for teachers who would like to participate and grow their instructional practices.” The first book is Visible Learning for Mathematics by John Hattie, which “focuses on the effect size of different instructional practices. We will examine our instructional practices and get rid of the low effect size practices while working to increase the high effect sized practices.” The second book is Putting the Practices into Action, which “provides the ‘why’, ‘understanding’, and ‘how to’ for helping teachers teach the mathematics process goals along with the standards. We will relate the essential understanding of both books to standards-based grading and MYP/PYP.” Math Conference – “I would like to take Sarah Leahey, MEH math specialist, to the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics conference with me to build capacity in her as a leader so she can better support the teachers at MEH and GM.” (Conference funded through the FCEF Advanced Training Fund)
International Center for Leadership in Education 2020 Model Schools National Conference (Kasik, Swanson, Hardy, Hills, Baroody) -- $9165 ($1833 per principal) The grant will allow all five principals to attend this conference in Orlando from June 28-July 1, 2020. It is a “renowned national education conference highlighting successful and inspiring initiatives in innovation and turnaround in K-12 schools. The conference features national speakers and well over 100 breakout work sessions, all speaking to successful school transformations that have benefited students across the country…One of the hallmarks of the …conference most compelling to the FCCPS principals is the …emphasis on success for all students, particularly those who are often at risk. Given the FCCPS priority on equity and social/emotional learning, expertise and training in these areas will be of immediate and lasting benefit to all of our students.” Other relevant workshop areas include: transformational leadership; rigor, relevance and relationships; data-driven instruction; blended teaching and learning; rigorous curriculum design; social and emotional learning; and, equity for excellence. “The Model Schools Conference will benefit not only today’s FCCPS students, but even those who have yet to enter our doors because the skills principals learn at Model School will never be obsolete.” (Funded through the Sprague Fund for Leadership)
2018-19 FCEF Super Grant Awards (link to photos)
Jessie Thackrey Preschool
Playground Additions and Beyond (Mary Manzione) $6200 “As JTP has grown so has our need for a variety of play equipment.” This grant will fund a four-seat adapted teeter totter, two free-standing mud kitchens, and a free-standing art easel to support social communication and play, develop fine and gross motor skills, and support the STEAM program through outdoor art and sensory exploration for all JTP students.
Mt. Daniel Elementary School
Outdoor Classroom (Mila Fesler) $1028 This project will benefit all students, especially special education students, at MD. It will make the Discovery Woods outdoor classroom more accessible. Troop 349 and an Eagle Scout leader will provide the labor to create a mulch path, build a small footbridge over a portion of the trail, lay gravel in low- lying sections of the path, build a ramp over a curb and build signs to designate the area. The grant will pay for materials and the purchase of five weather-resistant chairs.
Flexible Seating (First Grade Team) $8000 This grant will benefit all first-grade classrooms by allowing them to purchase some flexible seating for each classroom. Teachers have seen the benefit in this type of seating for some students because some teachers have experimented with it in the trailers. “A flexible seating model allows for the incorporation of sensory input in seating options. This type of input aids in focus and processing of information. Sensory input is particularly beneficial to students with ASD, ADD, and/or ADHD.”
Thomas Jefferson Elementary School
On the Ball – Using Spheros to Teach Coding! (Gifted, 5th Grade) $1907.99 “Spheros jump, record sound, pulsate, light, roll, turn and more. They can create artwork, navigate obstacle courses, and swim across bodies of water! Spheros can be programmed to do all of these amazing things in a variety of ways.” They will be used in an 8-9 week unit for 150 third, fourth and fifth grade gifted students to learn a “progression of coding skills”.
Moving with Math (K. Wiles and A. Klink) $2487.84 “The goal of this project is to provide students with special needs with multisensory math instruction. The Moving with Math Learning system is a research-based program that teaches the concepts of math using a multisensory approach...Moving with Math moves students from conceptual to representational to abstract engagement with math” by moving students from manipulative objects to pictures and communication of ideas (e.g., drawing pictures, writing and talking about math) to connecting the objects and pictures to abstract numbers and signs of arithmetic and algebra. The grant will also fund one $50 Amazon gift card for each grade to purchase supplementary books.
TJ Stage Enhancement (Falls Church Elementary PTA) $1500 FCEF partnered with the FCEPTA to enhance the TJ stage. This grant was funded out-of-cycle so that TJ could purchase the equipment during the summer.
Padcaster Studio Equipment (Megan Torpey) $1812.57 This grant will be used to purchase a Padcaster Ultimate studio and an IPad Wifi 128G with Apple Care to “start a video news program where students can work on all aspects of television production and multimedia equipment. This includes writing, filming editing and being in front of the camera. Students will create weekly news shows for the entire school to view. The equipment will also be available to other staff members and students who want to create multimedia presentations.” The grant will benefit all TJ students.
Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School
Face the Kids – Math Tablet (Claire Bournigal) $1500 This grant will pay to purchase a smart board to use to “present lessons, have students interact with lessons, and generally help students learn.” In addition, it will be used to create formative assessments, encourage innovation and collaboration, create a fun way for students to be involved with learning and “keep pace with the fast and ever-changing technology while still sticking with the fundamentals of learning”. It will benefit at least 100 students per year and impact the learning of a variety of students from at-risk to special needs to advanced math learners.
Drummin’ Up the Band (Jonathan Mills) $2500 “This grant aims to revamp and restructure the organization and management of performance-based percussion equipment. Currently the MEH Band is missing essential pieces of equipment...The grant includes basic equipment that enables the teacher the ability to accommodate students who choose to play percussion, but may be in a financial situation unable to purchase equipment...The equipment will also enable the band to diversify its music literature selection and explore different genres of music with various cultural themes.” The grant will also be used to purchase a “Percussion Workstation”, which is a flexible unit for storage that can be moved around for on-site school performances. The grant will benefit 250 students, including special population students and those with financial needs.
Standing Up (and Pedaling) for Learning (Joel Block/Math Dept.) $3000 “The request is to purchase 14 standing stations that can be used on our current tables @$180 each...and 12 under desk pedal sets @$40 each.” Mr. Block has been using four music stands/lecterns for over a decade and they have been very successful in allowing students to stand and move while working. All math classes will have some of these standers and pedals for student use, so the grant will benefit all MEH students “with a more profound effect on special education students, and students with attention issues.”
Craft Design and Enhancement (Christina Leigh) $4500 This grant will help complete the “start-up phase” of this popular course that MEH initiated last year with the help of a Hitt grant. This grant will be used to expand and enhance the course through the purchase of 20 wooden frame looms, two glass grinders, a large drying rack, assorted ceramic stains,
glazes and underglazes, updated ceramics tools and high fire and low fire clay. All 6th graders, 200+ 7th graders and enrolled 8th graders (75+) will benefit from this new equipment in a course where “the growth mindset has always been at the heart of instruction...where there are no failures, but learning opportunities...where all ideas and expression have value and relevance”.
Video and Editing Equipment for VPA (Lisa Gross) $5100 “Theatre students have various filming projects that require camcorders, editing equipment and editing software. In Theatre 6, students film a public service announcement about why the arts are important, Theatre 7 students create their own silent movie and Theatre 8 students experience acting on camera vs. stage acting. In addition to these projects, students will also be able to film and edit all VPA events, including the musical, concerts and other extracurricular events...With the new equipment that is being requested, students will be able to film and edit high quality video and audio projects.” Equipment includes Apple iMac Desktops with an Apple Care Protection Plan and Canon VIXIA HF R800 HD flash memory camcorders.
George Mason High School
3D Printers (Steve Knight and Freddie Bruner) $2500 FCEF approved this grant out-of-cycle so that Freddie would have the opportunity to get the printers set up and started. This is a great addition to the Maker Space at GM, as Freddie demonstrated to some members of the Board before he left for college.
Breakout of the Norm with Breakout EDU (Garcia, Mahoney, Weston) $800 “Breakout EDU games require students to work in teams to solve problems based on clues similar to escape rooms. The games are frequently based on curriculum content or just have a pure team building (goal). Students at all levels can enjoy them-and they force students to have a resilient, growth mindset in order to work together to solve puzzles.” This grant will benefit all GMHS students by adding six additional kits to the one kit GM already has, allowing teachers to use three-to-four kits for all of the students in one class.
PE Video Workout System (Green, Dye, Caponnola, Gibbons) $1204.63 This grant will provide an electronic workout system that will benefit every student in 9th and 10th grades and special education students who take adaptive PE. The LG 65” Smart TV, rolling cart TV mount, Thunderbolt to HDMI cable, DVD/BLU Ray player and Bose TV speaker with optical cable. will allow the PE department “to incorporate a wide range of fitness, exercise and instructional activities in the gym...allow access to videos from YouTube and streaming services...and includes access to a wide variety of abdominal workout routines, cardio kickboxing videos. .and will serve as an aid for teaching specific sport skills.”
Fire Tablets for Android App Development (William Snyder) $1249.75 “The grant will fund 25 Fire tablets that will enable students to upload their own code-built applications and test their coded applications on an Android Device. Android development is an extension of the Java coding many students learned in AP computer science...Teaching students to develop code on an Android device promotes a marker culture within a classroom, giving students and faculty a chance to see and share their coding projects...Students will be the designers and builders of different applications and must work through the entire system and design life cycle in order to be successful.” All 100 computer science students will benefit, as will the entire GMHS community as students share their apps with other students.
GM Bike Clinic (Kenny George) $1359.38 “The grant will fund the purchase of a bicycle repair stand, wheel repair stand, and basic bicycle repair tool kit. We will be using these tools to start the George Mason High school bike clinic. This project is a partnership with the newly formed bicycle club, robotics team members, and robotics/CTE students. This bicycle clinic is designed to serve as a means to get students excited about bicycling, to teach students basic bicycling maintenance and safety, and also teach students basic mechanical skills through the process of fixing and maintaining bicycles.” Ninety students and any member of the FCC community who want to participate will benefit.
Interactive Design Toys (Kenny George) $1360.72 “The grant will fund several interactive projects that will enable students to problem solve, build, and test projects that are highly interactive and promote the concept of play in design. Play is a powerful learning strategy that gets students thinking about how different audiences respond to different stimuli. Design for play also promotes a culture of community within a classroom.” The grant will fund Makerball-a DIY pinball cabinet kit that allows students to build a machine, create playfield elements and design the gameplay of the machine; Makelando-a CNC poster maker, on which students get to build, program and design their own large-scale posters that a robot will draw; Nintendo switch with Labo Kits, which allows students to design simple cardboard or lightweight wood controllers for specific parts of games. 120 students enrolled in CTE, as well as any MEH or GM students who “volunteer to interact with the process” will benefit from the grant.
Digital Camera Kits (Marc Robarge and Sarah Gurgo) $1497 “As our Visual Arts and Computer technology classes continue to grow, we ... request funding for (three Canon IOS Rebel T6 Cameras with 18-55mm and 75-300mm lens kits) to be used jointly by the Photography, Film, and Computer Graphics classes at GM.” This will provide state-of-the-art equipment for GM students and will allow GM to loan some class cameras to students to ensure every student has access to equipment needed to take the courses. This grant will benefit a total of 135 students in these classes. This grant is being funded through the Bob Morrison Fund.
LIEP Books (Susan Zernik) $1885 This grant will fund “independent reading books for 30 LIEP students so that they can increase their language development and build their reading stamina and background knowledge.” The books will be on their reading levels and pictures in the books will reinforce what they are reading and help to increase their comprehension.
Potterbot (Kenny George, Marc Robarge, Sarah Gurgo) $2950 “The grant will fund Potterbot...a CNC clay extruder that works very much like a 3D printer, but outputs clay rather than plastic.” The Potterbot will create “more synergy between Visual Arts and CTE classes through a device that provides experiences where these students can collaborate and exchange skills and experiences.” The Potterbot also is “a more efficient and economical way of rapid prototyping since clay can be reused and iterations of prototypes that are not successful can just be recycled and rebuilt.” The Potterbot will help to expand the skills of 300 CTE and Visual Arts students.
Farmbot Raised Bed (R. Kane, P. Mecca, S. Knight) $8000 This grant will fund a raised garden bed, solar panels, a camera system to monitor the garden bed, gravel to fill the bed and a rain collection system for the Farmbot project. Originally, students and staff were going to build the raised bed, but it required too much expertise. In trying to outsource
construction of the bed, it was difficult to find a company because it was “out of the comfort zone of most.” There is a company that will build it for $6295. The grant will allow GM to proceed with this innovative project.
2017-18 GRANTS
TJ, MEH, GM
Music Therapy Program for Life Skills Students - $2700 each year for 3 years
Hafsa Rahman - TJ (for students at TJ, MEH and GM)
This grant request is to fund a second year (30 music therapy sessions) of a very successful music therapy program. Parents and teachers provided touching reports of the progress students made educationally, socially, emotionally and in sensory and motor skills with their high level of engagement in the program. "The primary benefit was seen in social, communication, and emotional areas. The benefits in these areas were immense for all students. Every student was fully engaged with no promptings from (the) teacher...The most apparent benefits were seen in those students who are unable to communicate verbally. (They showed) a high level of alertness and responses to the therapist's cues...that are not readily seen in typical classroom activities." As one parent wrote: "It is impossible to put into words the transformation I witnessed with the students and their love for this program and the instructor..."
JTP/MD
Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts - $4000 ($2,000 per teacher/class)
Jeremy Ferrera (MD) and Rachel Hamburger (JTP)
This request is to fund the Wolf Trap residency program for one class at JTP and one class at MD, which will provide "direct in-classroom services to children while emphasizing the professional development of early childhood educators enabling them to infuse the performing arts into classroom instruction." Each residency includes "5 orientation and planning sessions, 11 participatory sessions led by the teaching artist...and follow-up discussions between the teacher and the teaching artist." The program will "change the way we teach" and teachers will be able to use the techniques they learn with classes in future years.
TJ
Kick Wheel and Splash Pan/Expanding Ceramics at TJ - $965
Angela Wicklund - TJ Art
This request is to expand the art ceramics program by "introducing students to the concept of wheel throwing." The kick wheel is a way for students to "make pottery quickly and effectively at a beginner-intermediate level". It will provide upper level elementary students with the opportunity to use the techniques they learned through "hand-building" ceramics in early grades and to "create bowls, vases, mugs or any type of vessel" with ease. This will give them a more well-rounded preparation for 3D visual arts.
MEH
Middle School Craft Design Class Seed and Development Fund - $2000
Christina Leigh - MEH VPA
The grant funding would support a new 8th grade elective, "Crafts Design", a one-semester course that "offers students formal instruction in skills, techniques, design, history and creative production of functional art." This include fiber arts, ceramics, glass and wood assemblage. Grant money would be used to purchase "new tools, furniture, storage, equipment and materials vital to the curriculum." The FCCPS budget for this class is $800. "Without the grant, large changes to the curriculum would need to occur, severely truncating the depth of the educational experience for the 40+ students presently enrolled."
MEH/GM
Leadership Seminars for MEH and Band Students - $1099.11
Grades 6-12 Music
The proposal "includes opportunities for 10 leadership empowerment sessions...designed to build capacity, growth mindset, and leadership identity in students through experiential and engaging learning modules." Each session includes two 90-minute sessions at GM and two 60 minute sessions at MEH and a leadership workbook for each student. Sessions cover the topics of Why Leadership: What is your Why? and Mission, Vision and Values; Change and Leadership: Changing YOU and Changing Others; Servant Leadership: The Value of Others; two sessions on Leadership Learning; Motivation vs. Manipulation; and two sessions on Leadership in Action.
Audio/visual Equipment, Flexible Staging and Mural in MEHMS “cafetorium”- $23,275
Major rework to update and improve functionality and design of the “cafetorium” space and theater classroom at MEMHS for the school and community use. All performing arts students (theater, stage crew, chorus and band) and Falls Church City audiences and participants benefit from more professional environment to perform.
GM
Replacement of Four Wind Instruments and Replacement of Aging Percussion Instruments - $15,000
Mary Jo West - Music
"In order to be a successful musician, students must start with an instrument that works...The present inventory consists of intermediate model instruments bought between the years of 2003-2010" which are showing signs of wear and tear and have parts that no longer work. The percussion instruments are used continuously, were purchased 10 years ago and need to be replaced. This grant will fund the purchase of multiple percussion instruments (e.g., bass drums, snare drums, cymbals, chimes, concert Marimba, octave bells, glock cart and stands) There have been no funds for instrument replacement in the last five years and the freeze in the past three years has resulted in instruments not being repaired.
Blackmagic Camera - $5483.85
Kenny George - GM CTE (Film Studies and TV/Media Production)
"Having a high speed/high definition video camera for film production will allow students a truly unique experience. Students currently film video footage with a number of different technologies including cell phones, GoPros and DSLR cameras. The Blackmagic camera...will allow students to shoot with very high resolutions and record in very high frame rates." The camera will provide "access to a new medium that is relevant to contemporary trends in industry and technology."
Epson Large Format Printer and Ink Cartridges - $4544.60
Kenny George - CTE (Film Studies and TV/Media Production)
"One of the most exciting things for students in a design class is seeing their project take physical form through a print or a photograph. In doing this, students are able to appreciate how their work translates as an object in space rather just a digital rendering. This also allows students to share their designs with a broader audience by displaying work in both showcases around the school, and in public venues. One specific example I am excited to introduce is challenging students to redesign spaces in Falls Church City, including George Mason High School, and display these designs in local business and government offices...the printer will allow for printing large banners and posters that students may design for community and school events, creating a new partnership between CTE classes and other community stakeholders."
Four Digital Cameras and a Digital Sound Recorder - $2196 and $179.99
Marc Robarge and Sarah Gurgo - Visual and Performing Arts and CTE
This grant will benefit 135 students in IB Art, Computer Graphics, Film Studies, IB Film and Photography classes. The grant will provide funds to purchase state-of-the-art equipment for students as the classes continue to grow. "By providing some class cameras (Canon EOS Rebel T6 DSLR Cameras with 18-35mm and 75-300mm lens kits) to be loaned to students, we insure that every student has access to the media required for class assignments." The digital cameras provide images that "dovetail with the digital imaging programs available through the Adobe Editing Suite that we have bought to be installed on each student's laptop." Students in Film classes will use the digital recorder for quality sound in their productions and IB Film students will use it as they prepare for their Oral Presentations for final assessment.
Support for a Quarterly Lasso Long Form Magazine - $2000 per year for 2 years
Peter Laub - English
This grant will cover software licenses and National Scholastic Press Association membership for a quarterly print form Lasso for two years. "In the crowded media landscape of 2017, good quality journalism is what stands out. Incisive and accurate reporting, exemplary storytelling, creative and engaging content. This is what we strive for every day at the Lasso. This magazine would be colorful and eye-catching and capture readers with powerful photos, graphics and student artwork...While on the surface the idea of a print magazine may not seem "innovative", it is a form of media our student body has never experienced. It is also, increasingly, a trusted form of media in the wider society."
Kiln - $4000
Marc Robarge - Art
The grant will fund a new kiln to replace the aged and broken 12-year-old kiln at GM.
Professional Development K-12 - $5,000
K-12 Encore / Visual and Performing Arts Team
TJ, MEH, GM
Music Therapy Program for Life Skills Students - $2700 each year for 3 years
Hafsa Rahman - TJ (for students at TJ, MEH and GM)
This grant request is to fund a second year (30 music therapy sessions) of a very successful music therapy program. Parents and teachers provided touching reports of the progress students made educationally, socially, emotionally and in sensory and motor skills with their high level of engagement in the program. "The primary benefit was seen in social, communication, and emotional areas. The benefits in these areas were immense for all students. Every student was fully engaged with no promptings from (the) teacher...The most apparent benefits were seen in those students who are unable to communicate verbally. (They showed) a high level of alertness and responses to the therapist's cues...that are not readily seen in typical classroom activities." As one parent wrote: "It is impossible to put into words the transformation I witnessed with the students and their love for this program and the instructor..."
JTP/MD
Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts - $4000 ($2,000 per teacher/class)
Jeremy Ferrera (MD) and Rachel Hamburger (JTP)
This request is to fund the Wolf Trap residency program for one class at JTP and one class at MD, which will provide "direct in-classroom services to children while emphasizing the professional development of early childhood educators enabling them to infuse the performing arts into classroom instruction." Each residency includes "5 orientation and planning sessions, 11 participatory sessions led by the teaching artist...and follow-up discussions between the teacher and the teaching artist." The program will "change the way we teach" and teachers will be able to use the techniques they learn with classes in future years.
TJ
Kick Wheel and Splash Pan/Expanding Ceramics at TJ - $965
Angela Wicklund - TJ Art
This request is to expand the art ceramics program by "introducing students to the concept of wheel throwing." The kick wheel is a way for students to "make pottery quickly and effectively at a beginner-intermediate level". It will provide upper level elementary students with the opportunity to use the techniques they learned through "hand-building" ceramics in early grades and to "create bowls, vases, mugs or any type of vessel" with ease. This will give them a more well-rounded preparation for 3D visual arts.
MEH
Middle School Craft Design Class Seed and Development Fund - $2000
Christina Leigh - MEH VPA
The grant funding would support a new 8th grade elective, "Crafts Design", a one-semester course that "offers students formal instruction in skills, techniques, design, history and creative production of functional art." This include fiber arts, ceramics, glass and wood assemblage. Grant money would be used to purchase "new tools, furniture, storage, equipment and materials vital to the curriculum." The FCCPS budget for this class is $800. "Without the grant, large changes to the curriculum would need to occur, severely truncating the depth of the educational experience for the 40+ students presently enrolled."
MEH/GM
Leadership Seminars for MEH and Band Students - $1099.11
Grades 6-12 Music
The proposal "includes opportunities for 10 leadership empowerment sessions...designed to build capacity, growth mindset, and leadership identity in students through experiential and engaging learning modules." Each session includes two 90-minute sessions at GM and two 60 minute sessions at MEH and a leadership workbook for each student. Sessions cover the topics of Why Leadership: What is your Why? and Mission, Vision and Values; Change and Leadership: Changing YOU and Changing Others; Servant Leadership: The Value of Others; two sessions on Leadership Learning; Motivation vs. Manipulation; and two sessions on Leadership in Action.
Audio/visual Equipment, Flexible Staging and Mural in MEHMS “cafetorium”- $23,275
Major rework to update and improve functionality and design of the “cafetorium” space and theater classroom at MEMHS for the school and community use. All performing arts students (theater, stage crew, chorus and band) and Falls Church City audiences and participants benefit from more professional environment to perform.
GM
Replacement of Four Wind Instruments and Replacement of Aging Percussion Instruments - $15,000
Mary Jo West - Music
"In order to be a successful musician, students must start with an instrument that works...The present inventory consists of intermediate model instruments bought between the years of 2003-2010" which are showing signs of wear and tear and have parts that no longer work. The percussion instruments are used continuously, were purchased 10 years ago and need to be replaced. This grant will fund the purchase of multiple percussion instruments (e.g., bass drums, snare drums, cymbals, chimes, concert Marimba, octave bells, glock cart and stands) There have been no funds for instrument replacement in the last five years and the freeze in the past three years has resulted in instruments not being repaired.
Blackmagic Camera - $5483.85
Kenny George - GM CTE (Film Studies and TV/Media Production)
"Having a high speed/high definition video camera for film production will allow students a truly unique experience. Students currently film video footage with a number of different technologies including cell phones, GoPros and DSLR cameras. The Blackmagic camera...will allow students to shoot with very high resolutions and record in very high frame rates." The camera will provide "access to a new medium that is relevant to contemporary trends in industry and technology."
Epson Large Format Printer and Ink Cartridges - $4544.60
Kenny George - CTE (Film Studies and TV/Media Production)
"One of the most exciting things for students in a design class is seeing their project take physical form through a print or a photograph. In doing this, students are able to appreciate how their work translates as an object in space rather just a digital rendering. This also allows students to share their designs with a broader audience by displaying work in both showcases around the school, and in public venues. One specific example I am excited to introduce is challenging students to redesign spaces in Falls Church City, including George Mason High School, and display these designs in local business and government offices...the printer will allow for printing large banners and posters that students may design for community and school events, creating a new partnership between CTE classes and other community stakeholders."
Four Digital Cameras and a Digital Sound Recorder - $2196 and $179.99
Marc Robarge and Sarah Gurgo - Visual and Performing Arts and CTE
This grant will benefit 135 students in IB Art, Computer Graphics, Film Studies, IB Film and Photography classes. The grant will provide funds to purchase state-of-the-art equipment for students as the classes continue to grow. "By providing some class cameras (Canon EOS Rebel T6 DSLR Cameras with 18-35mm and 75-300mm lens kits) to be loaned to students, we insure that every student has access to the media required for class assignments." The digital cameras provide images that "dovetail with the digital imaging programs available through the Adobe Editing Suite that we have bought to be installed on each student's laptop." Students in Film classes will use the digital recorder for quality sound in their productions and IB Film students will use it as they prepare for their Oral Presentations for final assessment.
Support for a Quarterly Lasso Long Form Magazine - $2000 per year for 2 years
Peter Laub - English
This grant will cover software licenses and National Scholastic Press Association membership for a quarterly print form Lasso for two years. "In the crowded media landscape of 2017, good quality journalism is what stands out. Incisive and accurate reporting, exemplary storytelling, creative and engaging content. This is what we strive for every day at the Lasso. This magazine would be colorful and eye-catching and capture readers with powerful photos, graphics and student artwork...While on the surface the idea of a print magazine may not seem "innovative", it is a form of media our student body has never experienced. It is also, increasingly, a trusted form of media in the wider society."
Kiln - $4000
Marc Robarge - Art
The grant will fund a new kiln to replace the aged and broken 12-year-old kiln at GM.
Professional Development K-12 - $5,000
K-12 Encore / Visual and Performing Arts Team
- Bringing in an a highly-regarded arts integration specialist (Rob Levitt) to provide professional development in Artful Thinking, "a researched way into combining arts and critical thinking skills." The grant would fund training for four day with sessions divided into morning arts classroom visits and afternoon professional development. ($4000)
- Bringing in a ceramics specialist to expand FCCPS' art teachers’ knowledge of ceramics building and glazing techniques. The training would take place in six 1 1/2 hour sessions over two months with all art teachers attending. This would allow the K-12 art teachers "to collaborate and align (their) ceramics units vertically. Ceramics is a hands-on activity in which skills can be scaffolded to be developmentally appropriate at each grade level." ($1000)
2016-17 SUPER GRANTS AWARDS
Read and Roll - $500
Robin Borum - Central Office
The grant funds the second year of a program for at-risk students that was sponsored this past summer by FCCPS, the police department and the library. Its purpose is to "get books into the hands of students who may not, otherwise, have access to books over the summer." The program takes place during the summer at various locations throughout the City and provides students/families with the opportunity to meet school, law enforcement and library staff. Teachers help students do a craft activity and pick out books.
TJ
PYP Unit of Inquiry Classroom eBooks - $3000
Brooke Davis - TJ Library
"This grant allows TJ to purchase 3 multi-user licensed eBooks, per grade, per Unit of Inquiry (about 72 books)." The multi-user licenses will allow all teachers and students to access the books at the same time, at home, individually or in large or small group settings. The eBooks will be "a jumping off point to begin an eBook catalog" at TJ and will allow the library to "modernize (our) reading materials which go along with the PYP Units of Inquiry." Many of the books have a read-along feature in more than one language, which will benefit ESOL, at-risk and special education students.
All About Air - $1000
Tosin Adetoro - TJ STEAM
This grant purchases the Pitsco Zoon Balloon Maker Project for fifth graders to use in teams of 2-3 to build hot air balloons as their culminating project. "The great thing about this project is that not only will students create and share historical presentations, learn about scaling and modeling, and work in teams to create a balloon, but we will also work as a class to go outside to test and analyze our creations...Students will get a real-life connection to constructing a model using fragile materials and brainstorming ways to overcome any challenges. This is really what STEAM and being a global thinker is all about." She is also looking into how to communicate with other schools that are participating in a similar unit.
MEH
Reinventing the Library Space - $4000
Lori Fogle - MEH Library
This grant funds a "presentation cart", a flat screen monitor attached to a mobile cart with the ability to have computers easily connected to the screen. This will help the library adapt to its patrons' evolving needs for the space to be more fluid and adaptable. "Students are becoming experts on topics that are not necessarily covered in school, and students want to learn from each other." The mobile cart will "allow students to use the library as their own classroom to learn from each other and to share what they are working on, while a group lesson is going on in a separate part of the library."
Expanding the Computer Science Experience - $5000
Stephen Erick - MEH CTE and STEAM
Funds from this grant would be used to purchase a Smartboard, three Dell Inspiron desktop computers and posters to decorate the classroom. Mr. Erick would not only use the Smartboard himself, but would provide professional development to other MEH teachers on using their Smartboards more effectively. FCCPS uses primarily Apple products. "Software that programmers and professionals in information technology fields use are not always offered to Mac users. It is also great to expose students to multiple platforms and operating systems to help give them the experience and knowledge that they will need in preparation for future endeavors."
Renovation of the MEH Fitness Room - $2000
Mark Coffren and Katie Johnson - MEH PE
Grant funds will be used to renovate and update the fitness room by purchasing two recumbent bikes for Adaptive PE. The fitness room is used by MEH PE classes, GM adaptive PE and special education students, teachers, faculty and staff, GM athletes and GM athletic training. The primary goal of MEH PE is to promote life-long learning and a healthy lifestyle.
MEH, GM
Farmbot - $12,000
Richard Kane and Dr. Peter Mecca - Food Services in partnership with GM IB students, GM and MEH Science Departments, GM and MEH Robotics Clubs, and FCCPS Maintenance Department
This grant takes Grow and Market to the next level. This grant is to purchase a Farmbot system to start two Farmbot Robotics Gardens. "Farmbot is an open source robotic automation system used to grow produce. Farmbot sow seeds in any pattern or density...and can grow a wide variety of plants in one area at the same time" which helps the garden benefit from crop rotation. "The system uses an onboard camera and advance vision software to monitor the garden for growth and even detects weeds for removal. The soil sensors provide information on how your garden performs over time to maximize future planting. The system is controlled by using a graphic interface that allows for sequencing, seed injection and watering of the plants." Topics students will be able to cover include nutrition, chemistry, robotics, gardening, math, marketing, business, agriculture and design. The project requires coordination among departments, critical thinking and creative problem solving skills and "integrates robotic technology as an instructional tool in a real-world hands-on situation." The project will build a Farmbot from conception to completion, enable FCCPS food services to continue to grow and market high specialty crops to GM and MEH, develop a STEAM program for GM and MEH using Controlled Environmental Agriculture Methods and Robotics, Enhance STEAM opportunities at GM and MEH and "make Falls Church City Public Schools the defacto leader in School Nutrition."
GM
DIWire - CNC Wire Bender for the Tech Lab - $5658
Kenny George - GM CTE
This grant allows for the purchase of this equipment to add "additional computer aided fabrication tools to the Tech Lab. The acquisition of the DIWire...will provide opportunities for production in areas the existing tools (3D printers, CNC Router) are incapable. The DIWire will allow students to build strong armatures and skeletal structures out of steel through CAD and computer automation. This will be useful to engineering and robotics students who wish to build framing and structure for a machine, and visual arts students can design armatures for sculpture projects."
Think Tank on Global Education - $11,475.80
Rebecca Eisenberg - All Departments
"The goal of this grant is to select teachers from every major content area at Mason (English, Math, Social Studies, and Foreign Languages) and provide them with high-quality training on teaching global competencies at Harvard's Think Tank on Global Education", which usually takes place over two days in May at Harvard University. Teachers who attend will disseminate their knowledge to their departments and "support innovative globalized learning via department meetings and district professional development...Teaching international mindedness through global competencies is a major educational movement the has been embraced by the IB and AP programs. Classrooms that make connections to the larger global context frequently embrace innovative pedagogical practices."
Standing Desks for Students - $2000
Kristin Sherard - GM SPED/Math
Funds will be used to purchase two standing desks to trial using these desks in her classroom. "Standing while learning has been shown to benefit many students by helping them concentrate better, stay focused, and stay inside the classroom. Many standing desks also come with a "fidget bar", which allows students to get their energy out without disturbing their classmates."
Laboratory Equipment Improvements and Probeware - $3500
William Stewart - Science
Grant funds will be used to purchase equipment "that will improve student laboratory experiences...The equipment includes Probeware interfaces for data collection, specialized sensors for chemistry, biology, and environmental science applications, precision balances, apparatus for advanced chemistry labs, and laboratory essentials.
District-Wide
Constructing an Augmented Reality Sandbox for Use by All Levels in FCCPS - $1975
Carolyn Pollack - GM Science
"The teaching and learning strategies supported by the augmented reality sandbox provide hands-on opportunities for all ages in visual-spatial awareness, 3-D modeling, tangible geography and specifically topography, watershed study, digital media technology, and technical arts integration. Students not only advance their understanding of these concepts but learn new strategies for exploring and presenting other difficult concepts." Grant funds will be used to purchase materials to construct the sandbox, computer hardware, a 3-D camera, projector and computer software. VA Tech and FCCPS development and teacher development time is provided free of charge.
Read and Roll - $500
Robin Borum - Central Office
The grant funds the second year of a program for at-risk students that was sponsored this past summer by FCCPS, the police department and the library. Its purpose is to "get books into the hands of students who may not, otherwise, have access to books over the summer." The program takes place during the summer at various locations throughout the City and provides students/families with the opportunity to meet school, law enforcement and library staff. Teachers help students do a craft activity and pick out books.
TJ
PYP Unit of Inquiry Classroom eBooks - $3000
Brooke Davis - TJ Library
"This grant allows TJ to purchase 3 multi-user licensed eBooks, per grade, per Unit of Inquiry (about 72 books)." The multi-user licenses will allow all teachers and students to access the books at the same time, at home, individually or in large or small group settings. The eBooks will be "a jumping off point to begin an eBook catalog" at TJ and will allow the library to "modernize (our) reading materials which go along with the PYP Units of Inquiry." Many of the books have a read-along feature in more than one language, which will benefit ESOL, at-risk and special education students.
All About Air - $1000
Tosin Adetoro - TJ STEAM
This grant purchases the Pitsco Zoon Balloon Maker Project for fifth graders to use in teams of 2-3 to build hot air balloons as their culminating project. "The great thing about this project is that not only will students create and share historical presentations, learn about scaling and modeling, and work in teams to create a balloon, but we will also work as a class to go outside to test and analyze our creations...Students will get a real-life connection to constructing a model using fragile materials and brainstorming ways to overcome any challenges. This is really what STEAM and being a global thinker is all about." She is also looking into how to communicate with other schools that are participating in a similar unit.
MEH
Reinventing the Library Space - $4000
Lori Fogle - MEH Library
This grant funds a "presentation cart", a flat screen monitor attached to a mobile cart with the ability to have computers easily connected to the screen. This will help the library adapt to its patrons' evolving needs for the space to be more fluid and adaptable. "Students are becoming experts on topics that are not necessarily covered in school, and students want to learn from each other." The mobile cart will "allow students to use the library as their own classroom to learn from each other and to share what they are working on, while a group lesson is going on in a separate part of the library."
Expanding the Computer Science Experience - $5000
Stephen Erick - MEH CTE and STEAM
Funds from this grant would be used to purchase a Smartboard, three Dell Inspiron desktop computers and posters to decorate the classroom. Mr. Erick would not only use the Smartboard himself, but would provide professional development to other MEH teachers on using their Smartboards more effectively. FCCPS uses primarily Apple products. "Software that programmers and professionals in information technology fields use are not always offered to Mac users. It is also great to expose students to multiple platforms and operating systems to help give them the experience and knowledge that they will need in preparation for future endeavors."
Renovation of the MEH Fitness Room - $2000
Mark Coffren and Katie Johnson - MEH PE
Grant funds will be used to renovate and update the fitness room by purchasing two recumbent bikes for Adaptive PE. The fitness room is used by MEH PE classes, GM adaptive PE and special education students, teachers, faculty and staff, GM athletes and GM athletic training. The primary goal of MEH PE is to promote life-long learning and a healthy lifestyle.
MEH, GM
Farmbot - $12,000
Richard Kane and Dr. Peter Mecca - Food Services in partnership with GM IB students, GM and MEH Science Departments, GM and MEH Robotics Clubs, and FCCPS Maintenance Department
This grant takes Grow and Market to the next level. This grant is to purchase a Farmbot system to start two Farmbot Robotics Gardens. "Farmbot is an open source robotic automation system used to grow produce. Farmbot sow seeds in any pattern or density...and can grow a wide variety of plants in one area at the same time" which helps the garden benefit from crop rotation. "The system uses an onboard camera and advance vision software to monitor the garden for growth and even detects weeds for removal. The soil sensors provide information on how your garden performs over time to maximize future planting. The system is controlled by using a graphic interface that allows for sequencing, seed injection and watering of the plants." Topics students will be able to cover include nutrition, chemistry, robotics, gardening, math, marketing, business, agriculture and design. The project requires coordination among departments, critical thinking and creative problem solving skills and "integrates robotic technology as an instructional tool in a real-world hands-on situation." The project will build a Farmbot from conception to completion, enable FCCPS food services to continue to grow and market high specialty crops to GM and MEH, develop a STEAM program for GM and MEH using Controlled Environmental Agriculture Methods and Robotics, Enhance STEAM opportunities at GM and MEH and "make Falls Church City Public Schools the defacto leader in School Nutrition."
GM
DIWire - CNC Wire Bender for the Tech Lab - $5658
Kenny George - GM CTE
This grant allows for the purchase of this equipment to add "additional computer aided fabrication tools to the Tech Lab. The acquisition of the DIWire...will provide opportunities for production in areas the existing tools (3D printers, CNC Router) are incapable. The DIWire will allow students to build strong armatures and skeletal structures out of steel through CAD and computer automation. This will be useful to engineering and robotics students who wish to build framing and structure for a machine, and visual arts students can design armatures for sculpture projects."
Think Tank on Global Education - $11,475.80
Rebecca Eisenberg - All Departments
"The goal of this grant is to select teachers from every major content area at Mason (English, Math, Social Studies, and Foreign Languages) and provide them with high-quality training on teaching global competencies at Harvard's Think Tank on Global Education", which usually takes place over two days in May at Harvard University. Teachers who attend will disseminate their knowledge to their departments and "support innovative globalized learning via department meetings and district professional development...Teaching international mindedness through global competencies is a major educational movement the has been embraced by the IB and AP programs. Classrooms that make connections to the larger global context frequently embrace innovative pedagogical practices."
Standing Desks for Students - $2000
Kristin Sherard - GM SPED/Math
Funds will be used to purchase two standing desks to trial using these desks in her classroom. "Standing while learning has been shown to benefit many students by helping them concentrate better, stay focused, and stay inside the classroom. Many standing desks also come with a "fidget bar", which allows students to get their energy out without disturbing their classmates."
Laboratory Equipment Improvements and Probeware - $3500
William Stewart - Science
Grant funds will be used to purchase equipment "that will improve student laboratory experiences...The equipment includes Probeware interfaces for data collection, specialized sensors for chemistry, biology, and environmental science applications, precision balances, apparatus for advanced chemistry labs, and laboratory essentials.
District-Wide
Constructing an Augmented Reality Sandbox for Use by All Levels in FCCPS - $1975
Carolyn Pollack - GM Science
"The teaching and learning strategies supported by the augmented reality sandbox provide hands-on opportunities for all ages in visual-spatial awareness, 3-D modeling, tangible geography and specifically topography, watershed study, digital media technology, and technical arts integration. Students not only advance their understanding of these concepts but learn new strategies for exploring and presenting other difficult concepts." Grant funds will be used to purchase materials to construct the sandbox, computer hardware, a 3-D camera, projector and computer software. VA Tech and FCCPS development and teacher development time is provided free of charge.
2016 Super Grants
SYSTEMWIDE/COMMUNITY
Auditorium Lighting -- $4450
The "auditorium has reached the limit of what it can accommodate in the way of older dimming systems and quartz bulb lighting instruments. (This FCEF Super Grant) will begin the process of replacing these with newer LED instruments that can be powered directly by GMHS's digital lighting board." These lights have lower power requirements and generate less heat. The instruments have a long operating life and are the types of equipment needed in the new auditorium when it is constructed. FCEF is providing funding for ETC colorsource PARs @$2400, Chauvet Rogue R2 Moving Head LED Light Fixture @$1800, and adaptors and cable @$250. In the past two years, FCEF has provided Super Grants to significantly upgrade the sound and light systems for the auditorium. The new equipment has made a major difference in the quality of productions and events. GMHS auditorium is used by and benefits the entire community.
TJ, MEH, GM
Music Program for Students in Life Skills -- $2710.38
The FCEF Super Grant will provide funding to "create an innovative music program with assistance from a highly trained music therapist" for students in the Life Skills program "who face significant challenges to engage and participate in school activities" in a meaningful way. "Consultation and collaboration with a music therapist is an essential factor in creating this program. It will allow staff to learn how to engage students in a unique way that is not possible in their current curriculum." The grant will pay for 10 consultation sessions each at TJ and MEH-GM and instruments appropriate for these students.
JTP
Movement and Sensory Equipment -- $1700
This FCEF Super Grant will fund equipment for the multi-purpose room, which JTP will use for movement groups run by the physical therapist, sensory breaks, indoor recess and small groups run by the physical, occupational and speech-language therapists. The project will benefit all students at JTP, especially those with special needs, and will allow them to practice skills that allow them to access the school environment, such as stair skills, climbing, core strengthening. The equipment also provides an opportunity to practice these skills when outdoor areas are not available. Equipment includes a platform swing, sand and water activity center, ball pit, cuddle
swing and tents.
Teachtown Social Skills Curriculum -- $1312
This FCEF Super Grant provides funding for a "social skills program to help children diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and other special needs. Teachtown is the precursor to the program...that is used at Thomas Jefferson Elementary." The program uses a "character-based video-modeling curriculum" where the students follow the adventures of fun, relatable animal characters to help them learn to cooperate, listen, respect personal space, express emotions appropriately and more." The program can also be used in Spanish. Staff will assess students to demonstrate progress.
THOMAS JEFFERSON
Sound System -- $6625
This FCEF Super Grant funds a new portable sound system that will produce high quality sound that can be used for musical performances and in the classroom. This system will be "future-proof" in that it will have "tried and true" technology and should be durable enough to last for the next 20 years. The system will have a multi-channel mixer that can support new endeavors, such as a school musical or play. This grant will benefit all students at TJ and the community.
Social Skills Activities for Indoor/Outdoor Recess and Beyond -- $1500
This FCEF Super Grant provides funding for Teachtown training (see above) and for materials to initiate a "Positive Behavior Intervention System using board games, a social skills library and Nintendo Wii game systems for 15 students in the Life Skills Program." These items will provide opportunities for these students to practice social skills in peer-to-peer interactions that promote continued social interaction.
MEH
Outdoor Amphitheatre and Foyer Furniture. -- $11,060
This FCEF Super Grant provides funding for two nontraditional learning venues. The grant will be used to build an outdoor amphitheatre/classroom that will accommodate 60 students. Sisler's Stone is donating the materials at or below cost and MEH will use parent, staff and student "sweat equity" to build the structure. ($3400) Entry foyer furniture will not only provide a welcoming atmosphere to the school and allow students and others to sit and gather while they are waiting for events, but will be used as an additional learning space for students, especially for those who might need some time away from class or for special needs students. ($7660)
Demonstration Table for the Family Consumer Services Classroom -- $3000
This FCEF Super Grant provides funding for a cooking demonstration table with electric range and mirror, which will allow the teacher to "show the necessary skills to all kids at once", so she can move around the classroom once cooking begins as opposed to breaking the groups down and showing each group individually.
Equipment for STEAM classes and Makerspace at Henderson (M@H) -- $10,000
This FCEF Super Grant funds new types of equipment and technology that will benefit all middle school students through the STEAM classes and M@H. New technology includes Ozobots, Bloxels, Arduinos, Glowforge laser cutter, KEVA planks. In addition to bringing new equipment to MEH, Mr. Erick, Ms. Fogle and Ms. Slifer will be holding tutorials after school to show students how to use the equipment. They will also implement a "Maker Buddy Board" where students can find peer mentors to help them with projects. This grant helps M@H and STEAM classes expand their outreach and offerings to all MEH students and parents.
Four Standup Desks, Four Balance Ball Chairs and Sensory Items for 7th Grade Special Education Students -- $2000
This FCEF Super Grant funds items to provide students with movement while they are learning. Standing desks "allow for movement, which increases attention, engagement, and student learning." Students who have standing desks have health benefits, such as preventing orthopedic degradation and dysfunction, repetitive stress injuries, pelvic floor dysfunction, and knee and hip disorders. Balance ball chairs help students with ADHD engage in needed movement, help to increase alertness and attention and strengthen core muscles.
GM
Four Student Standup Desks with Chairs/Stools -- $2000
This FCEF Super Grant provides seed funding for four standup desks and chairs/stools. (See the information under MEH Special Ed request for benefits of the desks.) The teacher, Ms. Weston, has a standup desk in her room and it has helped tall students, students with ADHD and others who need to move while learning. There is also more flexibility in arranging the desks to foster collaboration among students when appropriate. The FCEF is asking the teacher and students to evaluate the usefulness and benefits of these desks with an eye toward providing input into items for the new GMHS.
Cameras, Lenses and a Printer for the Art Department -- $6367.70
This FCEF Super Grant will be used to purchase three Canon T5i Digital Cameras with 18-55MM lens kit, three Nikon D3300 Digital Cameras with 18-55mm and 55-200 lens kit, one Epson P6000 Printer, two rolls of Luster Photo paper 24" X 100' and one roll of universal bond paper 24" x 150' to outfit the 125 students in Photography, Computer Graphics and IB Art classes with state-of-the-art equipment. This funding will give all students the ability to be involved in the entire process from "image capture on camera, digital editing on their laptop, and printed image for display."
Cameras, Lenses and a Printer for the Yearbook -- $3994
The yearbook has only one camera for use by 20 class students and 35 club members. FCEF Super Grant funds will be used to purchase three D3300 Cameras with lens kits, a Sigma 10-20 mm and a Nikon 55-300mm lens, and an HP color LaserJet printer that will allow students to practice photography skills and to take pictures at sporting and other events for the yearbook, instead of relying on Lifetouch. Funding will allow more students to be involved in the creative process producing the yearbook. The Bob Morrison Scholarship Fund will provide $2960 for this grant.
Purchase two Dell 1600 CPUs with HP 2240 desktop workstations -- $2600
This FCEF Super Grant will replace two of the 20 PCs bought six years ago with state-of-the-art equipment for students in technical drawing, film studies, robotics and video production classes, in addition to students in after-school clubs. They will also be available to anyone in the school who needs computers compatible with PCs they have at home. Mr. Ballou states that the Macs used in the high school have provided students with many improvements, but many software programs are only available in PC formats. These two new computers will provide students with much-needed upgrades to run programs that are only available in a PC format.
SYSTEMWIDE/COMMUNITY
Auditorium Lighting -- $4450
The "auditorium has reached the limit of what it can accommodate in the way of older dimming systems and quartz bulb lighting instruments. (This FCEF Super Grant) will begin the process of replacing these with newer LED instruments that can be powered directly by GMHS's digital lighting board." These lights have lower power requirements and generate less heat. The instruments have a long operating life and are the types of equipment needed in the new auditorium when it is constructed. FCEF is providing funding for ETC colorsource PARs @$2400, Chauvet Rogue R2 Moving Head LED Light Fixture @$1800, and adaptors and cable @$250. In the past two years, FCEF has provided Super Grants to significantly upgrade the sound and light systems for the auditorium. The new equipment has made a major difference in the quality of productions and events. GMHS auditorium is used by and benefits the entire community.
TJ, MEH, GM
Music Program for Students in Life Skills -- $2710.38
The FCEF Super Grant will provide funding to "create an innovative music program with assistance from a highly trained music therapist" for students in the Life Skills program "who face significant challenges to engage and participate in school activities" in a meaningful way. "Consultation and collaboration with a music therapist is an essential factor in creating this program. It will allow staff to learn how to engage students in a unique way that is not possible in their current curriculum." The grant will pay for 10 consultation sessions each at TJ and MEH-GM and instruments appropriate for these students.
JTP
Movement and Sensory Equipment -- $1700
This FCEF Super Grant will fund equipment for the multi-purpose room, which JTP will use for movement groups run by the physical therapist, sensory breaks, indoor recess and small groups run by the physical, occupational and speech-language therapists. The project will benefit all students at JTP, especially those with special needs, and will allow them to practice skills that allow them to access the school environment, such as stair skills, climbing, core strengthening. The equipment also provides an opportunity to practice these skills when outdoor areas are not available. Equipment includes a platform swing, sand and water activity center, ball pit, cuddle
swing and tents.
Teachtown Social Skills Curriculum -- $1312
This FCEF Super Grant provides funding for a "social skills program to help children diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and other special needs. Teachtown is the precursor to the program...that is used at Thomas Jefferson Elementary." The program uses a "character-based video-modeling curriculum" where the students follow the adventures of fun, relatable animal characters to help them learn to cooperate, listen, respect personal space, express emotions appropriately and more." The program can also be used in Spanish. Staff will assess students to demonstrate progress.
THOMAS JEFFERSON
Sound System -- $6625
This FCEF Super Grant funds a new portable sound system that will produce high quality sound that can be used for musical performances and in the classroom. This system will be "future-proof" in that it will have "tried and true" technology and should be durable enough to last for the next 20 years. The system will have a multi-channel mixer that can support new endeavors, such as a school musical or play. This grant will benefit all students at TJ and the community.
Social Skills Activities for Indoor/Outdoor Recess and Beyond -- $1500
This FCEF Super Grant provides funding for Teachtown training (see above) and for materials to initiate a "Positive Behavior Intervention System using board games, a social skills library and Nintendo Wii game systems for 15 students in the Life Skills Program." These items will provide opportunities for these students to practice social skills in peer-to-peer interactions that promote continued social interaction.
MEH
Outdoor Amphitheatre and Foyer Furniture. -- $11,060
This FCEF Super Grant provides funding for two nontraditional learning venues. The grant will be used to build an outdoor amphitheatre/classroom that will accommodate 60 students. Sisler's Stone is donating the materials at or below cost and MEH will use parent, staff and student "sweat equity" to build the structure. ($3400) Entry foyer furniture will not only provide a welcoming atmosphere to the school and allow students and others to sit and gather while they are waiting for events, but will be used as an additional learning space for students, especially for those who might need some time away from class or for special needs students. ($7660)
Demonstration Table for the Family Consumer Services Classroom -- $3000
This FCEF Super Grant provides funding for a cooking demonstration table with electric range and mirror, which will allow the teacher to "show the necessary skills to all kids at once", so she can move around the classroom once cooking begins as opposed to breaking the groups down and showing each group individually.
Equipment for STEAM classes and Makerspace at Henderson (M@H) -- $10,000
This FCEF Super Grant funds new types of equipment and technology that will benefit all middle school students through the STEAM classes and M@H. New technology includes Ozobots, Bloxels, Arduinos, Glowforge laser cutter, KEVA planks. In addition to bringing new equipment to MEH, Mr. Erick, Ms. Fogle and Ms. Slifer will be holding tutorials after school to show students how to use the equipment. They will also implement a "Maker Buddy Board" where students can find peer mentors to help them with projects. This grant helps M@H and STEAM classes expand their outreach and offerings to all MEH students and parents.
Four Standup Desks, Four Balance Ball Chairs and Sensory Items for 7th Grade Special Education Students -- $2000
This FCEF Super Grant funds items to provide students with movement while they are learning. Standing desks "allow for movement, which increases attention, engagement, and student learning." Students who have standing desks have health benefits, such as preventing orthopedic degradation and dysfunction, repetitive stress injuries, pelvic floor dysfunction, and knee and hip disorders. Balance ball chairs help students with ADHD engage in needed movement, help to increase alertness and attention and strengthen core muscles.
GM
Four Student Standup Desks with Chairs/Stools -- $2000
This FCEF Super Grant provides seed funding for four standup desks and chairs/stools. (See the information under MEH Special Ed request for benefits of the desks.) The teacher, Ms. Weston, has a standup desk in her room and it has helped tall students, students with ADHD and others who need to move while learning. There is also more flexibility in arranging the desks to foster collaboration among students when appropriate. The FCEF is asking the teacher and students to evaluate the usefulness and benefits of these desks with an eye toward providing input into items for the new GMHS.
Cameras, Lenses and a Printer for the Art Department -- $6367.70
This FCEF Super Grant will be used to purchase three Canon T5i Digital Cameras with 18-55MM lens kit, three Nikon D3300 Digital Cameras with 18-55mm and 55-200 lens kit, one Epson P6000 Printer, two rolls of Luster Photo paper 24" X 100' and one roll of universal bond paper 24" x 150' to outfit the 125 students in Photography, Computer Graphics and IB Art classes with state-of-the-art equipment. This funding will give all students the ability to be involved in the entire process from "image capture on camera, digital editing on their laptop, and printed image for display."
Cameras, Lenses and a Printer for the Yearbook -- $3994
The yearbook has only one camera for use by 20 class students and 35 club members. FCEF Super Grant funds will be used to purchase three D3300 Cameras with lens kits, a Sigma 10-20 mm and a Nikon 55-300mm lens, and an HP color LaserJet printer that will allow students to practice photography skills and to take pictures at sporting and other events for the yearbook, instead of relying on Lifetouch. Funding will allow more students to be involved in the creative process producing the yearbook. The Bob Morrison Scholarship Fund will provide $2960 for this grant.
Purchase two Dell 1600 CPUs with HP 2240 desktop workstations -- $2600
This FCEF Super Grant will replace two of the 20 PCs bought six years ago with state-of-the-art equipment for students in technical drawing, film studies, robotics and video production classes, in addition to students in after-school clubs. They will also be available to anyone in the school who needs computers compatible with PCs they have at home. Mr. Ballou states that the Macs used in the high school have provided students with many improvements, but many software programs are only available in PC formats. These two new computers will provide students with much-needed upgrades to run programs that are only available in a PC format.
School Year 2015-2016
GMHS Auditorium Lights - $3500 - spotlight replacement in GMHS auditorium; used for GMHS VPA and all community events in auditorium; will be movable to potential new HS
FIRST Robotics Team - $1000 - used to purchase swerve drives for robotics team and classes
The Memory Project - $1100 - art program to support international communities facing substantial challenges
Mindfulness Program Research Project - $2980 - working with IB Psychology students to introduce mindfulness within classroom; evaluations throughout program from GMU graduate students
MEH Leveled Literacy Intervention - $10,355 - research based program for 6-8 graders focused on literacy competency for students needing intensive support
Sensory Room - $3760 - sensory room for special needs and all students for a therapeutic and safe space within MEH
Strings Program - $4000 - for purchase of large strings instruments for MEH strings program
Science Lab Gizmos - $2395 - MEH subscription to science gizmos for use of all students
Makerspace@Henderson - $9903 - expand M@H with upcycling equipment and adding 3D digitizer
TJ Makerspace - $5751 - enhance STEAM offering through equipment, training and materials to expand “family” of Makerspaces to elementary students
Projekt Postcard - $1000 collaborative arts and culture exchange project
Jan Richardson Guided Reading Professional Development - $20,000 - training for all TJ and Mt.Daniel staff on guided reading for 2016-17 school year
Big Book Storytelling - $395 - reading materials for Thackrey Preschool
Online Mindfulness Training - $550 - Funding for training in a mindfulness curriculum (for K-12 students) that has been shown to increase empathy, in-class participation, attention, interpersonal functioning and more. Training for school social worker.
MEH Teacher Stipends - $2450 - stipends for literary magazine and technology student association staff
GMHS Auditorium Lights - $3500 - spotlight replacement in GMHS auditorium; used for GMHS VPA and all community events in auditorium; will be movable to potential new HS
FIRST Robotics Team - $1000 - used to purchase swerve drives for robotics team and classes
The Memory Project - $1100 - art program to support international communities facing substantial challenges
Mindfulness Program Research Project - $2980 - working with IB Psychology students to introduce mindfulness within classroom; evaluations throughout program from GMU graduate students
MEH Leveled Literacy Intervention - $10,355 - research based program for 6-8 graders focused on literacy competency for students needing intensive support
Sensory Room - $3760 - sensory room for special needs and all students for a therapeutic and safe space within MEH
Strings Program - $4000 - for purchase of large strings instruments for MEH strings program
Science Lab Gizmos - $2395 - MEH subscription to science gizmos for use of all students
Makerspace@Henderson - $9903 - expand M@H with upcycling equipment and adding 3D digitizer
TJ Makerspace - $5751 - enhance STEAM offering through equipment, training and materials to expand “family” of Makerspaces to elementary students
Projekt Postcard - $1000 collaborative arts and culture exchange project
Jan Richardson Guided Reading Professional Development - $20,000 - training for all TJ and Mt.Daniel staff on guided reading for 2016-17 school year
Big Book Storytelling - $395 - reading materials for Thackrey Preschool
Online Mindfulness Training - $550 - Funding for training in a mindfulness curriculum (for K-12 students) that has been shown to increase empathy, in-class participation, attention, interpersonal functioning and more. Training for school social worker.
MEH Teacher Stipends - $2450 - stipends for literary magazine and technology student association staff
School Year 2014-2015
· LLI Reading Intervention - $13,475 – Literacy materials & training targeted for second grade (companion to LLI resources in place for grades K/1)
· MEH Makerspace - $20,000 – Funds for creation of hands-on creative learning area for use at lunchtime and after school by MEH students. Video production, building, coding, etc…
· Language Headphones - $2000 – funded purchase of 100 headphones for use in MEH 4 foreign language classrooms, allowing for personalized learning on laptops
· GMHS Robotics/Makerspace - $6000 – Updating of equipment in GMHS computer lab. Includes purchase of flatbet plasma cutter.
· Auditorium Equipment - $11,929 – New audio and lighting control equipment for use in GMHS auditorium. Purchased in time for use in fall musical and systemwide functions including first grade musical, etc.
· Grow & Market - $16,000 – Creation of portable, hydroponoic system greenhouse to supply student-grown vegetables for use by GMHS Food Services. Student involvement in all aspects of development and growing/marketing of produce.
· Online Mindfulness Training - $550 – Funding for training in a mindfulness curriculum (for K-12 students) that has been shown to increase empathy, in-class participation, attention, interpersonal functioning and more. Training to be rolled out with at-risk students and may be expanded to general population.
Super Grant Overview
Super grants are intended to be large (up to $10,000 -- or more for a "super-worthy" request), innovative and able to take our school system to the next level in a certain area. Specific criteria for grant selection will include projects/items:
Preference to projects that have an on-going benefit. The purpose of these super grants is not to replace the PTA/PTSA teacher grants. The FCEF Board envisions these grants as much larger in scope and cost than the typical teacher grant.
· LLI Reading Intervention - $13,475 – Literacy materials & training targeted for second grade (companion to LLI resources in place for grades K/1)
· MEH Makerspace - $20,000 – Funds for creation of hands-on creative learning area for use at lunchtime and after school by MEH students. Video production, building, coding, etc…
· Language Headphones - $2000 – funded purchase of 100 headphones for use in MEH 4 foreign language classrooms, allowing for personalized learning on laptops
· GMHS Robotics/Makerspace - $6000 – Updating of equipment in GMHS computer lab. Includes purchase of flatbet plasma cutter.
· Auditorium Equipment - $11,929 – New audio and lighting control equipment for use in GMHS auditorium. Purchased in time for use in fall musical and systemwide functions including first grade musical, etc.
· Grow & Market - $16,000 – Creation of portable, hydroponoic system greenhouse to supply student-grown vegetables for use by GMHS Food Services. Student involvement in all aspects of development and growing/marketing of produce.
· Online Mindfulness Training - $550 – Funding for training in a mindfulness curriculum (for K-12 students) that has been shown to increase empathy, in-class participation, attention, interpersonal functioning and more. Training to be rolled out with at-risk students and may be expanded to general population.
Super Grant Overview
Super grants are intended to be large (up to $10,000 -- or more for a "super-worthy" request), innovative and able to take our school system to the next level in a certain area. Specific criteria for grant selection will include projects/items:
- for which funding is not available or is limited;
- that are innovative, initiatives needing “seed” money to develop, or new equipment;
- that are proven as valuable/worthwhile to the educational experience;
- that are a priority for the school system or for the students who will benefit from them;
- that benefit a large number of students, or a small number of at-risk/special population of students intensely;
- that provide a direct educational benefit, provide a benefit in terms of readiness to learn or an approach to teaching (may include staff development and/or training that would introduce enhanced techniques to the classroom); and
- that will not become obsolete with pending school renovations.
Preference to projects that have an on-going benefit. The purpose of these super grants is not to replace the PTA/PTSA teacher grants. The FCEF Board envisions these grants as much larger in scope and cost than the typical teacher grant.
