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.
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.
