Blaine County Education Foundation Awards Grants
Blaine County Education Foundation Awards Grants
June 5, 2012.
The Blaine County Education Foundation (“BCEF”) completed its spring cycle for awards of mini-grants to the area public schools. Grants totaling over $5000.00 were awarded this spring on request of teachers at Wood River High School, Silver Creek Alternative High School, Bellevue Elementary, and Woodside Elementary. Grants from BCEF benefit every area of academic life from teacher professional development to providing classroom materials.
The Spring 2012 grant cycle was funded by a generous donation from the Heart of Gold Fund, a fund administered by the Idaho Community Foundation. This grant cycle was focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, commonly known as STEM, project based learning activities. The projects will impact over 1,600 students in the Blaine County school district. Every grade level from kindergarten to 12 grade will utilize the funds.
The Spring 2012 mini grants awarded included the following:
To Wood River High School (total amount $1570.00) – Centrifuge for AP Environmental Science Class; artificial plant and biology specimens for student visualization; a scale for the ceramics class and assistance in payment for the registration fees for students to compete in the national debate tournament.
“Classroom specimens are important so that students can have a context for concepts that we are learning. The impact and value is certainly lessened without them,” said Adam Porth, science teacher at Wood River High School and a mini-grant recipient. “The new centrifuge will be used in the new AP environmental science class. Using real equipment will enhance our labs and lessons. I am thankful that the Blaine County Education Foundation funding is available to obtain equipment and supplies that our budgets are unable to support.”
To Silver Creek Alternative High School (total amount $500.00) – Graphing calculators for math classes.
To Bellevue Elementary (total amount $1700.00) – Math and science curriculum materials; programs and software; and professional development for a teacher’s attendance at the National Science Teachers Association Conference.
“I’m thrilled to be the recipient of a BCEF Mini-Grant, and excited to put the funds to use for my science curriculum in my classroom” stated William Jay Cantrell, a 5th grade math teacher at Bellevue Elementary. “Preparing my students for a possible 21st century career in the field of science sounds like a pretty cool way to spend my day. Thanks BCEF for your financial assistance to all the teachers you support in our school district.”
To Woodside Elementary ($1525.00.00)– Math curriculum materials and programs; and typing/keyboarding materials and programs.
“We want to thank the Heart of Gold Fund for their generous grant to support the teachers and students in the Blaine County School District” said co-chairman Becky Benson. “This support provides funds which increase the student’s knowledge in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, skills vital for competing in the 21st century.”
The Blaine County Education Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to focus community resources and raise funds for the Blaine County Schools, students and teachers in order to promote academic excellence, equitable education and a healthy student environment. For more information on the Blaine County Education foundation, please contact Mike Burchmore, at 208-578-5449 or its website at www.supportbcef.org.
Posted on Monday, July 09, 2012
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