tBy Rod Blackburn
Partners In Education Foundation’s PIE Patrol distributed almost $8,500 by funding thirteen grants to the district’s schools on February 25th. This is the second of two grant award cycles for the school year, with the other one distributing over $25,700 last Fall semester. Earlier this school year PIE also distributed over $9,100 in annual program awards to various departments from over twenty endowed funds designed to specifically benefit a program or department. This brings the total classroom impact to over $43,300 this school year!
Starting off at Skelly Elementary School, Tonya Morgan received; “Sand Table Surprise: Explore-Engage-Educate.” Emma Culbertson & Conner Belcher received, “Kinder-Garden.” Amber McCarthy received, "Extra Equipment for STEM.”
At Blackmore Elementary School, Luana Lewis received, “See Your Way to Reading.” Paige Onek and Hayden Rhodes received, “Flat Stanley Region Project.” Austin Pyle received, “Task Completion for Sensory Incentive.”
Grandview Elementary received “Construction Fun” for Misty Currier, “Building Strong Character” for James Shum, and “Motor Skills to Life Skills” for Jennifer Gingerich.
Two grants were awarded at Extend School; “Pickleball Unit Plan” for Remington Putter and “Rocking Chair Seating for Student with Special Need” for Terry Shaw.
El Dorado Middle School Principal Tom Simmons teamed up with Lindsey Baker for “Empowering STEM Learing with VEX Robots.” Robert Isenhour received, “Classroom Seating Accommodations.”
These awards were made possibly by using PIE’s endowed fund allocation model for the twenty-five endowed funds designed to encourage teachers, librarians, and others to try new and innovative classroom ideas. Or funds can be used to replenish outdated supplies or equipment to improve the classroom. Plus some of our funds are designed specifically for Special Education needs.
Partners In Education Foundation (PIE) is a not-for-profit foundation established in 1989 to enhance educational opportunities for the students of USD 490. For more information contact Rod Blackburn, Development Director, at rod.blackburn@pie490.org, 316.322.4800. Or visit PIE's website: www.pie490.org.
Misty Currier’s Preschool class is awarded “Construction Fun.” A grant that will bring construction and building activities into the classroom. Pictured with Misty are PIE Board members Cindy Koehler, Laura Luehrs, and Julie Jensen.