Creative Classroom Grant Awards 2009
2009-2010 School Year
Creative Classroom Grants are designed to place funding directly into the hands of teachers who want to implement innovate teaching strategies in their classrooms. In fall 2009, the foundation partnered with several Missoula businesses and individuals to award six grants totaling $15,206 for use during the 2009-2010 school year.
Robotics through the Curriculum
Thomas (Scott) Edge, CS porter Middle school
Students served: 30+
Grant Sponsor: DirecTV
“Using robotics in the classroom is a new and exciting way of engaging students and empowering future life long learners. All sixth grade students regardless of their academic ability will have access to the robots in math, science, and communication arts classes Using robots in these classes will not only engage students, it will allow them opportunities to learn mathematical concepts, and science applications hands on.”
Organic Farmers Not Couch Potatoes
Bonnie Fergeson, Alternative High School Programs, Willard School
Students Served: 140
Grant Sponsor: Quality Supply
“An expansion of a school wide garden project encompassing biology, service learning, sustainability, recycling, careers, Native American culture, economics, learning in/ outside of the classroom, and students ownership using hands on learning for at risk students. It makes connections to the community through Garden City Harvest, Flagship, neighbors, students and staff.”
Lowell School Native Plant Garden
Lisa Thomas, Lowell School
Students served: 230
Grant Sponsor: Oz Architects
“Lowell School, in collaboration with the Flagship program and neighborhood residents, has created a native plant garden and outdoor classroom. This space will provide Lowell students and families time and place to experience and explore native plants, weather, history, the garden ecosystem, writing, and the interconnectedness of ourselves and the natural world.”
Renovate Marketing To the Real World
Nicki Roe, Big Sky High School
Students Served: 1,100
Grant Sponsor: Montana 1st Credit Union
“The school store is a DECA, Marketing Project designed to enhance students’ marketing, management, and entrepreneurship skills. The store provides hands-on experience for students by allowing them to bundle various types of real world business experiences into one professional setting.”
Sow Success with Salsa and Flowers
Kate Lindner, Tom Andes; Big Sky High School
Students Served: 95
“The goal of this proposal is to get students out of the classroom and help them learn life skills though planting and marketing products from their own gardens. The funds received would primarily support the construction of two large raised beds at the MCPS Agricultural Center. Students would plant and care for a salsa garden with the final goal of marketing products to the community.”
Afghanistan/Pakistan Educational Trunks
Jane McAllister, Lewis and Clark Elementary
Students Served: 200+
“The educational trunks will include geographical, historical, and cultural information about Pakistan and Afghanistan. Missoula area students exposed to Pakistan and Afghanistan Customs, traditions, and ways of life will make connections to the children and the schools they are supporting through the Pennies for Peace Project.”