S08EG1 – Introducing an Interactive Whiteboard into the Mathematics Classroom

$4660

Hanka Ray – LS

LS Math Teacher, Hanka Ray will purchase a whiteboard and attend a summer conference (TI-Nspire and SMART Boards – How to Integrate These Technologies into Your Classroom) to be trained in the use of the technology. The use of interactive whiteboards will be a pilot progam in the L-S math department. The technology will improve the learning experience for all students but especially for visual learners and those who have difficulty taking notes.

S08EG2 – Guitars and Related Equipment

$1121

Thomas Grandprey – LS

Funds for this grant would be used to purchase related equipment for several L-S music courses, including the guitar class, songwriting classes and instrumental music large and small groups. The requested list includes a Roland Guitar Synthesizer as well as one amp and the necessary accessories for each piece of equipment.

S08EG3 – Portable Digital Piano

$2088

Thomas Grandprey – LS

Mr. Grandprey will purchase a portable digital piano and the related equipment for L-S music groups to use at music festivals, concerts and gigs outside of the school (HarvestFest, ChocolateFest, Berklee High School Jazz Festival, graduation and others). Equipment would also be available for songwriting and piano students. Approximately 140 students would be affected by the availability of this instrument.

S08EG6 – Enhancing the Middle School Percussion Experience

$7000

Robert Mealey – Curtis

Mr. Mealey requests funds to purchase a drum set with cymbals, a Tam Tam (gong), a suspended cymbal, Chimes, and a Vibraphone. Having access to a wider variety of percussion instruments will allow Middle School percussionists to gain experience with percussion beyond the snare and bass drums. There are currently 150 students in the Middle School band program and 105 in the 5th grade band. Percussion sections range from 10 – 21 of those students. Instruments will also be available to small groups of musicians who like to perform at school using the department’s resources. With the addition of these instruments, Mr. Mealey intends to create a percussion ensemble.

S08EG7 – Science – Bridge to the Future NSTA’s National Conference in Boston

$1840

Karen McCarthy – Curriculum Specialist

This grant will enable 8 SPS science teachers (k -8) to attend the National Science Teacher’s Association conference for three days from March 27 – 30. 2008. The conference is being held in Boston for the first time in ten years. At the conference the teachers will learn about the latest in science content, research, teaching strategies and to improve their knowledge of science, technology and engineering

S08EG8 – History Research & Writing Via Portolio Assessment

$4000

David Grace – LS History

This grant will enable Mr. Grace, an LS history teacher, to research and design new curriculum incorporating the use of portfolio assessment. Students will build a portfolio of their work that will become their text. The portfolio will also include a compilation of readings, examples of student research, student writing and reflections on the learning process. The portfolio creates a tangible measure of what each student has learned. Using the portfolio method, students receive feedback on their work prior to completion. As a result, there is a greater chance for revision and improvement in the work. In a limited trial of this teaching technique, the teacher noticed greater engagement with and excitement for the subject.

S08EG9 – K-3 District Guided Reading Resources

$4724.78

Kim Swain – Haynes Literacy Specialist, Kathy Zito – Nixon Literacy Specialist

This grant is a follow up to a limited trial from our last granting cycle. Ms. Swain and Ms. Zito have requested funds to provide the Rigby PM Gold Story Collection for the remaining elementary schools as well as the Silver Story Collection for all elementary schools.

S08EG10 – Showing Not Telling with Mentor Texts

$8800

Kim Swain – Haynes Literacy Specialist, Kathy Zito – Nixon Literacy Specialist

This grant will allow the Literacy Specialists at Nixon and Haynes to purchase of four identical collections on mentor texts to support the district writing initiative. Mentor texts are selected to model the six traits of writing (ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency and conventions). In addition, the texts will also model a variety of genres. Texts would be available to all schools and classrooms k-5. These books supplement the initial list of mentor texts used in the Lucy Calkins program.