Here's a brief overview of the $252,966 in grants that will be serviced by our 2017-2018 fundraising efforts for the 2018-2019 school year. CURRICULUM ($66,500) MS World Language Lab To be able to offer a variety of World Language options regardless of enrollment, Lake Shore and Steffen Middle Schools are offering students a blended-learning opportunity. This grant will help fund Chromebooks and FuelEd online World Language curriculum for each World Language Lab. HS Spanish & French Curriculum Resources New textbooks will be a reliable and enriching resource for French 2 and Spanish 3 students. French 1 and Spanish 2 textbooks were replaced last year—this next level of textbooks will ensure a consistent experience and system of support for students. Biology Curriculum Resources This grant will enhance MTSD biology students’ engagement with the latest research, learning tools and teaching strategies. This year all 9th grade students will take Biology. AP Computer Science Resources The iPad Pros provided in this grant will help equip students with essential computing skills and provide multidisciplinary opportunities. Digital Art Curriculum Resources With this grant of a Pen Display Tablet, Digital Art 2 students will be able to sketch, paint and draw directly on screen and replicate the natural effects of pencils, pens and brushes digitally.
TECHNOLOGY ($124,451) Personalized Digital Learning Resources - Chromebooks As curriculum shifts to more online interaction and requires more web-based resources, devices at all buildings are in high demand. A set of Chromebooks for each building will help grow the number of available devices. STEM Laptops Laptops for HHS’s new STEM Lab will allow PLTW and STEM students the ability to use technology throughout the room as they work on hand-on projects. Expedition Kits This set of virtual reality teaching tools (to travel between the three elementary schools) includes everything needed to take students on virtual field trips without leaving the classroom. Students can explore historical sites, breathtaking images, outer space, college campuses and much more. PERSONNEL ($47,500) Professional Development The MTEF appreciates one of MTSD’s greatest resources: outstanding teachers. To help educators continue to grow and keep up with best practices, the MTEF will be granting all six school principals discretionary support to cover staff professional development. HHS Writing Lab Before and after school, and during every hour of the instructional day, High School English teachers will continue to help students with an array of writing assignments—from outlines to research reports, with the support of this grant. DONOR DESIGNATED 2018 Leave a Legacy This year’s project helped help equip the high school with the hardware, wiring and software needed to install multiple industrial-quality LCD video screens in high-traffic areas.
Excellence in Teaching Awards Educators who demonstrate exemplary leadership in the preparation of students for continued academic advancement at the elementary, middle, and high school levels are awarded with this grant. In 2017-2018, an extra award was given to recognize a district specialist as well.
Special thanks to the Grants Advisory Committee Chair Bryan Sadoff and his committee: Deborah Anderson, Brett Bowers, Jeridon Clark, Lauren Croix, Greg Hartwig, John Krueger, Diana Levy, Robin Schlei, Chris Timm, Mary Jo Tye and Sue Birmingham.