Research showing students who feel connected to their school learn better is one reason this school provides Friday club time. Weaving looms, jewelry-making tools, and 3D puzzles purchased from this grant will provide additional club opportunities for students increasing social skills and enhancing the school experience by creating a safe, enjoyable, and inviting atmosphere.
Grants - 2010-2011 (all)
Middle School Clubs
Brenda Shaw, Oregon Trail Middle School, $700
Ball Chairs
Dani LaBarge & Ceresa Schaffer, Olathe South High School, $900
Chairs especially designed for established fitness balls will provide safety and stability while giving special-needs life skills students the ability to move and constructively wiggle in their seats through "active sitting".
Learning Academy
Lori Fielder and Alison Melton, Rolling Ridge Elementary School, $3,003
As part of special extended-learning funding for this year's OPSF mini-grant program, this grant will provide twelve weeks of extended-day strategic learning for students in the upper primary grades in the areas of reading and math.
21st Century Reading
Anita Ross, Chisholm Trail Middle School, $282
Personal CD players and core curriculum books on CD will help make reading fun again for those reluctant middle school readers.
Woodland Art Galleries
Adam Moos, Woodland Elementary School, $750
Supplies to create a positive behavior reward art gallery will allow students "caught" making a good choice to exchange their WOW reward ticket for the opportunity to have their artwork displayed in this gallery. An additional Legacy Gallery will display advanced-level artwork by Woodland Elementary alumni encouraging continued upper level art instruction as students progress in their academic careers. This school's PTO agreed to match OPSF funding.
Home Involvement: Parent and Child
Shawn Fiscus & Ruth Henderson, Black Bob Elementary School, $1,000
Math-themed bags with electronic games, flash cards, and mental math games will go home with students over the weekend to help improve math competencies at the second and third grade levels.
Latino Mentor
Stephanie Mattingly, Olathe South High School, $1,000
This mentoring program will partner with the already-proven YouthFriends program in providing mentors for the at-risk Latino population at Olathe South. In addition to successful role-model mentors, this program will provide college campus field trips and promote parent involvement.
Success Academy
Amy Jensen, Oregon Trail Middle School, $3,240
Success Academy will offer targeted students the opportunity to enhance their skill sets in the areas of reading and math through an after-school extended learning opportunity. Certified teachers will focus on improving student skills on the assessed indicators through implementation of research-based strategies and hands-on activities.
Health & Fitness at Risk
Tina Sollars, CHOICES Alternative Program, $4,300
The first health and fitness program at CHOICES will not only allow students to earn their health and PE credit but also provide an outlet for physical activity not easily had in this small clasroom setting. An exercise bike and fitness monitoring equipment will help these students learn the importance of physical well-being.
Curriculum Bins
Carole Affholder, Kristin Dubois, & Sarah Spurlock, Harmony Early Childhood Center, $500
Theme-based bins filled with props and materials to promote dramatic play will be organized as a lending library for early-childhood teachers to use during particular units of study.