Spring 2011 Grant Press Release

Gardens, graphics and dance on the docket for 2011 Spring Grants

Students with special needs will use a variety of academic skills as they plan their gardens, host a plant sale and invite their parents to a dinner that they’ve coordinated and prepared at Pine Ridge Elementary School.

That’s just one of the 12 innovative projects made possible with support from the Cherry Creek Schools Foundation’s Spring Educator Initiative Grants, which total $10,000.

“All of the grants will have a part in the improvement of student achievement,” said Foundation Board Member and grant committee chair, Tom Balakas.

The Educator Initiative Grants are designed to encourage, facilitate, recognize and reward innovative approaches used in teaching students. Funding for the 12 grants came from community donors, district employee giving and a generous grant from the Anschutz Foundation.

“It’s fulfilling to raise money for projects that we know are directly benefiting students throughout the District,” said Foundation Board Member Judy Altenberg, who was on the committee that reviewed the grant applications. “In addition, the teachers are so innovative and creative in the proposals, it’s fun to read their ideas.”

At Overland High School, science teachers Jeff Neises and Christine McClelland applied for a grant to purchase Tasa Graphic Arts Enhancement Software, for their earth science classes.

Using the interactive software, students can visualize and learn about the processes within the earth, such as mantle plumes, hotspots and super-continent cycles. The software offers animation, color photos and interactive diagrams.

Overland High School received five grants, which will help pave the way for programs that will be in place when the Institute of Science and Technology opens on the campus in August.

At Cottonwood Creek Elementary School, students will create a “We ARE Cottonwood” digital story using Flip video cameras, microphones and movie creation software.

Teacher and grant winner Melissa Kreider explained that it is a time of change for 30-year-old Cottonwood Elementary. “This past summer the school was renovated and the neighborhood is once again a haven for young children. In fact, enrollment at the school was higher than projected,” she said. “Within all this change, new staff members and community members are asking, ‘Who is Cottonwood?’”

All this will be done while increasing the schools writing goals.

While reaching students is certainly an important component of the grants, so is supporting teachers, Balakas said. “These grants recognize those outstanding educators who are willing to go the extra mile to help their students,” he said. “It’s wonderful to see the smiles on the faces of grant recipients. They are not only appreciative of the financial support, but also for the recognition of their work and ‘Dedication to Excellence.”