The Council Rock Education Foundation awarded $40,000 in grants at a recent school board meeting.
The foundation has for several years awarded grants for innovative programs and/or equipment not possible under the regular school district budget. This year’s round of grants is the largest in a while because fundraising has picked up after being slowed for two or three years because of the coronavirus pandemic, said school board member Ed Tate, the board’s liaison to CREF.
Programs to benefit from this year’s grants are:
VOX books: All elementary schools in the district will have expanded access to VOX books, which are interactive, rechargeable books students can independently listen to and read.
Districtwide suicide prevention program: This action is expected to directly benefit seventh and 10th-graders across the district. It will support the training of 10 additional staff members in suicide prevention and awareness.
Awesome Autoclaves for STEM: Two autoclaves will be purchased, one for each high school, a move that is expected to expand opportunities for experiments and projects, promoting students’ exploration and understanding of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.
Picture books by Julia Cook: Designed for kindergarten students at Goodnoe Elementary School in Newtown Township, it involves the purchase of acclaimed picture books by Julia Cook expected to foster essential skills related to social interactions and emotional management.
Switch On: This will provide students in the multi-disabilities program with switch-activated toys designed to improve range of motion, hand-eye coordination and visual targeting while also providing additional sensory input and engagement.
Effective Environment, Where History Comes Alive: A program for eighth-grade history students at Newtown Middle School involving establishment of a year-long government simulation recreating the ambiance of Independence Hall and the Constitutional Convention, allowing students to actively participate and gain knowledge of the historical processes that shaped the United States.
Outdoor STEM: iPads with protective cases will be provided to seventh and eighth-grade students at Newtown Middle School, which they will use to collect scientific data expected to enhance their understanding of weather and climate.
CALM (Confident Active Learner Mindsets): An initiative at Goodnoe Elementary School involving the placement of three carts at various locations in the building, each equipped with tools designed to teach students self-regulation. This program aims to support students who experience dysregulation, either physical or emotional, by providing additional tools and resources to support the district’s multi-tiered system of supports.
Autistic supports: A program aimed at enhancing the autistic support program at Council Rock High School North with the purchase of a dehydrator, mixer and food processor/blender to bolster a project that involves creating dog treats for the community. Officials said this enterprise allows students to practice functional reading and math skills and also provides a platform for honing communication and social skills.
Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.
