The Reeds Spring School Foundation awarded 14 grants to staff members, totaling over $6,500. The grants range from $200-$800 and help fund student enrichment projects and unique classroom experiences.
Reeds Spring School District staff members applied for the grants and had to explain their proposed projects and the costs. The School Foundation raised the money through its Wolf Howl Scramble, a golf tournament held in September.
“Our staff members are so passionate about doing what’s best for kids,” said School Foundation chairman Ben Fisher. “There’s no doubt that these projects will keep students engaged and lead to better outcomes.”
Here is the list of grant recipients:
Melissa Bittle received $350 to create self-regulation activities to help RSES students manage their emotions in hopes of reducing disruptions in the classroom.
Tanya Coss is getting $423 to create learning centers for special education students in the Early Education Center.
Alisha Cavinder received $500 to allow the RSES reading intervention program to obtain more books that are at the appropriate reading levels for students.
Ashley Gossen is getting $235 to purchase STEM materials to help her second graders work on problem-solving skills.
Christina Essary will use $422 to purchase copies of Harry Potter books to help Intermediate School students become more excited about reading.
Brandi Culp was awarded $500 to purchase calculators for her middle school math students. This will help them check answers and level the learning field for students who struggle with math facts.
Lori Munhollon is getting $478 to buy plant-growing kits, which will better prepare middle school students for high school Botany.
Jeanne Sadler and Nichole Moschner will use $500 to buy a greenhouse to help second-grade students learn more about plant growth and pollination.
Josie O’Hara is getting $480 for cooking and sewing supplies for the RSHS Family and Consumer Science classes.
Kirstin Stanley received $500 for math manipulatives to make fourth-grade lessons more hands-on.
Jennifer Noriega will use $375 to help her Culinary Arts classes at Gibson Tech obtain color-coded measuring cups and spoons.
Nick Wilson plans to use $454 to buy motor skills equipment for his special education classroom at the Elementary School.
Julie Prince will receive $500 to help special education students at RSHS learn more life skills as they travel to various locations to learn about volunteer and work opportunities.
Melanie Clevenger will receive $826 to buy 12 electronic keyboards and create a piano lab at the Elementary School. Research shows learning to play the piano helps students improve reading comprehension, math skills, hand-eye coordination, creativity, and self-esteem.
The School Foundation’s next big fundraiser is PACK NIGHT at Dolly Parton’s Stampede, which is scheduled for March 10, 2023.