The WASD Education Foundation announced the distribution of $6,401 to fund five classroom projects and programs today as part of the organization's annual  Teacher Mini-Grant Program.

 

The program is designed to give district teachers the ability to enhance curriculum and instruction through compelling, innovative programs and projects by applying for up to $1,500.

 

"We received eight proposals this year, totaling more than $10,820 in requests," said Executive Director Greg Hayes. "Every year, the Foundation's review panel faces the challenge of where to best direct the funding available with our mission and philosophy in mind. The five awarded today truly captured the intent of the grant program. Collectively, they'll have a direct student impact on about 670 students, with an ancillary benefit to hundreds more."

 

The following is a listing of this year's grantees:

 

Dustin Brouse; World History Interactive Studio; Williamsport Area Middle School; $1,494: Students will use emerging technologies to conduct research, create 3D scans, video productions and 360-degree videos to bring history alive. The World History Interactive Studio will provide students with an active learning experience, incorporating science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) concepts that are applied and used in real-world settings. Using this technology, students will be able to form a partnership with the Archaeology Department at Lycoming College. Students' finished work will be available for future students to view and learn about world history content.

 

Jim Ellis; Stevens Little Libraries; Stevens Primary School; $841:  By purchasing five Go Plastics Street Smart outdoor publication racks, Stevens Little Libraries (i.e. lending libraries) will be placed throughout the primary school's neighborhood. The goal is to increase the accessibility of books for students outside the school day - even in the summer - to encourage and promote independent reading. Locations for libraries will be selected based on safe walking distances the building's students.