Congratulations to our 2024 Educator Grant Recipients!

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Parkview students currently use the  Next Generation Science Standards, however students are missing experiences with computer design and programming. The generous addition of the curriculum with the help of the  REACH Foundation Grant would increase student opportunities for hands-on computer science and engineering and programming experiences. Activities structured in the curriculum simulate the steps used by scientists and engineers in many industries and real world applications. The classes will offer coding, Python code language and fundamental computer science topics: algorithms, data processing, and digital citizenship.

Our Sunshine Squad has expressed a need to have a Buddy Bench.  This bench provides a safe space for students to visit if they are in need of a friend, which would lead another student to join them and initiate friendship.  All students at Lakeview will have this bench available to ensure all students feel needed and nurtured.  Success will be defined when students know where to go if feeling lonely and other students will be seen building friendships with each student. (We can see a student on the bench and will see another student join them...SUCCESS!)

Morse started a video production class with the primary goal of introducing 4th-6th graders to the basics of video production in a fun and engaging way. With the REACH Foundation's grant providing Mac computers, students will be able to achieve their project goals which includes: creative scriptwriting and storyboarding, camera operation, editing and audio skills, digital citizenship, and teamwork and collaboration. These project goals are designed to introduce our students to the exciting world of video production while fostering creativity, collaboration, and a foundational understanding of the technical aspect of the field. Success in this class is not solely about creating professional-level videos, but also about the creative process, learning, collaboration, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Tuffree Middle School is requesting funding for an Esports program that provides students with a “sports team” like atmosphere in addition, exposes students to STEM fields, college and career readiness, Social Emotional Learning and an opportunity for all. Esports, short for electronic sports, is a form of competition using video games and takes the form of organized, multiplayer video game competitions, where student players compete in a team setting.The funding will provide games, game consoles, and additional controllers, for students to collaboratively work together. Every student at the school will have access to the Esports community. 

Rio Vista Elementary students have long been using insufficient, old equipment.  There are children at school who are already disassociating themselves from PE, potentially leading them to adopt sedentary lifestyles. Research shows that physical inactivity is correlated with negative physical, psychological, and academic consequences. So, there is a sense of urgency that something needs to be done.  Additionally, it also well documented that racial/ethnic minority communities with low education and high poverty rates bear the largest burden of obesity.  Therefore, funding for MARATHON KIDS will not only allow us to fight against obesity at Rio Vista by increasing physical activity among our at-risk children but also tackle long-standing historical inequities by engaging them with PE projects and programs that their nearby, predominantly higher-income counterparts are used to engaging in.  The  funding would be used to purchase equipment and computer devices that are needed to allow our PE instructor to use the free software, MARATHON KIDS (marathonkids.org), at our school site and implement the program into our PE curriculum. MARATHON KIDS' programming is built on six evidence-based pillars for long-term healthy behavior adoption: goal setting, tracking, modeling the way, social support, celebrating, and rewards. It is one of the only evidence-based youth physical activity programs in the United States that is proven to help increase a child's daily moderate to vigorous activity.

I'm in my 23rd year at Kraemer, and I've been asked this year to create a new class for 8th graders. I've been doing a basic music appreciation class, and the new class is an extension of that, that focuses on music composition. I would like funds to pay for a class set of durable Bluetooth headphones for students to use while creating their music in the classroom. These headphones are for a new music appreciation class that focuses on music composition. Each student needs to be able to hear music they create from their own device. The Bluetooth feature will allow students to listen to each other's devices, so that they can share, critique and collaborate in small groups. 

I am  requesting an assortment of tools I use in my classroom for 3-D projects, framing lessons and building items. I currently use my tools from home. It would be nice to not have to take my tools home when I need to use them. We use hammers, screwdrivers, awls, saws, drills, sanders, pliers, wire cutters and more. I teach drawing and painting classes with some 3-D projects  interspersed at Valencia High School to grades 9-12.

Reading is FUNdamental in 4th grade
   My students have all been impacted from COVID, they went home in kindergarten and missed some of their 1st grade year, therefore their reading has been impacted.  My goal is to provide my students, and students for years to come with an engaging, updated library for them to develop a love for reading, a desire to read and a motivation to continue building their reading fluency and comprehension. 

I am the photography instructor for the Digital Media Arts Academy. I am asking for matte board to matte student work for art contests and for students to share their printed work professionally with the community. Entering photo contests builds self esteem and confidence and brings families together with businesses in the community.