CPSF awarded the following educational grants for the 1997-1998 school year. This was the first year the Foundation awarded grants.

Dreamwriters ($8,450)

Request submitted by:
James Kome, Dixie Grupe, Tim Trogdon, Laurie Hoff, Jo Donati Shaw, and George Frissell

This Grant to the Hickman High School Library Media Center provides a mobile word processing unit with 30 laptop stations was purchased with the Grant Award. These highly portable word processors provide increased access to students for writing and editing at school, free up the computer lab for other needs, and provide a continuing resource for students without computer support at home.

“The Dreamwriters have made a wonderful impact on our students’ confidence and self-esteem. The pride in their writing was self-evident when students wanted to show me their writing projects created on these portable units. They’re really excited with this opportunity.”
Robert Nolke
Principal – Hickman High School

Science Technology ($5,000)

Request submitted by:
Dr. Becky Litherland, Dan Miller, Ilayna Pickett, Nancy Iannotti, and Calene Cooper

This Grant Award provided partial funding for improved technology for secondary science classrooms. This project promotes the development of higher level laboratory experiences, higher level analysis and better quality products by students.

Learning Luggage ($3,500)

Request submitted by:
Kathy Sicht, Phyllis Koepp, Carri Colvin, and Teresa VanDover

This Grant to Shepard Boulevard Elementary supported the creation of school-to-home learning kits. These kits take school home to encourage achievement by allowing children to work at their own pace and in their own way in a familiar environ-ment. This learning luggage links parents to the classroom in areas such as reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, and science. The kits are easily adapted as curriculum and children’s learning interests and needs change.

“What’s so wonderful about Learning Luggage is that it’s used over and over again by the kids, the teachers, and the parents and grandparents.”
Carri Colvin
Teacher – Shepard Boulevard Elementary

West Boulevard Bobcat Summer Camp ($3,190)

Request submitted by:
Mary Sue Gibson, Kathy Murray, Stephanie Elletson, and Rosie Tippin

This Grant to West Boulevard Elementary provided supplemental support for a six-week camp during the summer for students in kindergarten to 5th grade. This program expands the instructional curriculum through reading and writing themes and special projects. The students are motivated to expand their knowledge into new areas. The camp provides extended learning opportunities, especially for at-risk students. mobile word processing unit with 30 laptop stations was purchased with the Grant Award.

Making Books for Beginning Readers ($2,939)

Request submitted by:
Dr. Sharon Hoge, Jadeania Finck, Linda Rudroff, and Denise Parker

Teachers and community volunteers make books for beginning readers using special equipment purchased with the Foundation Grant Award. The books were distributed among the elementary schools in the district. Teachers request texts appropriate for their particular student. This program adds to the amount of practice beginning readers have on texts at their level, and also allows them to take books home to practice.

“Making Books for Beginning Readers will continue to ‘pay off’ for our teachers and children. Thank you again for all [the Foundation] does – and has done – to make this district one of the most innovative in the country.”
Sharon Hoge
Coordinator – Language Arts K-7 / Reading K-12

Books for the Students ($855)

Request submitted by:
Linda Jones, Ann Ballin, Judy Morris, Brenda Talley, Linda Moore, Kayla A. Phillips, and Joanne Berneche

The Blue Ridge Elementary Media Center purchased books with the Foundation Grant Award that are interesting and up-to-date on subjects of interest to students. This enhances learning opportunities and improves learning skills.

“We hope you were able to see the enthusiasm on the faces of the students as they were … viewing the books.”
Linda Jones
Media Specialist – Blue Ridge Elementary