.jpg)
The Columbus Education Foundation (CEF) has once again demonstrated its commitment to educational excellence by awarding $14,848 in classroom grants to Columbus ISD teachers from kindergarten through 12th grade. The grants, which will impact approximately 694 students, are designed to support creative projects that enhance learning opportunities district wide.
Superintendent Jim Connor expressed deep appreciation for CEF’s support, especially during a time of reduced state funding. “Columbus ISD has always valued the creativity, passion, and innovation of our teachers. Decreased state funding has made it impossible to fulfill many innovative requests made by our staff. These grants give teachers and staff a chance to showcase their ideas,” Connor stated.
The classroom grant program aims to enrich student learning by providing teachers with resources to implement creative and effective instructional strategies. Teachers have an opportunity to use handson materials, unique and differentiated learning experiences to foster an environment where innovation thrives.
This year several of the elementary school grant recipients are focusing on adapting classroom environments to meet students’ learning needs. Projects such as “Cozy Learning Dens for Growing Readers” by Kathryn Mills, Kathryn Jurica and Tina Morrow and “Reading Retreat” by Vicki Melnar, create flexible, inviting spaces that encourage reading and writing. Brooke Pawlak’s “Flexible and Focused” project and the “Collaborative Outdoor Classroom” led by Lyndsey Felding and Tammy Ruether further support differentiated learning. Additionally, Tammy Ruether and Danielle Klausmeyer’s “Where in the World is Gladys and Gertie” is integrating reading, writing, and editing with pen pals – classroom mascots dressed as Mother Goose – adding a playful twist to literacy activities.
Projects at junior high and high school levels focus on developing practical skills and preparing students for future careers. Audrey Dyer’s project, “The Green Scene,” brings STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Technology) elements into her farm-to-table garden initiative. Meanwhile, Maria Dahlberg is leading “Principles of Health Science and Medicine,” Debbie Gregory heads “Protein Labs,” and Amy Venghaus oversees “Preparing Future Educators: Project Based Learning.” Each offers hands-on learning in health care, culinary arts, or education.
Superintendent Connor summed it up by noting, “The Columbus Education Foundation has opened doors for teachers to be creative and innovative through its classroom grant program.”
This year’s grant winners are: Elementary School
Kathryn Mills, Kathryn Jurica and Tina Morrow – “Cozy Learning Dens for Growing Readers” Vicki Melnar – “Reading Retreat” Brooke Pawlak - “Flexible and Focused” Tammy Ruether and Danielle Klausmeyer – “Where in the World is Gladys and Gertie” Lyndsey Felding and Tammy Ruether - “Collaborative Outdoor Classroom”
Columbus Junior High: Audrey Dyer – “The Green Scene”
Columbus High School: Maria Dahlberg – “Principles of Health Science and Medicine” Debbie Gregory – “Protein Labs” Alfred Rosa – “Senior Book Club” Lindsay Schobel and Matt Brown – “Garden Pavers” Amy Venghaus – “Preparing Future Educators: Project Based Learning” The Columbus Education Foundation, Inc. is a 501 (c)3 non-profit corporation that strives to improve the future of CISD students through classroom grants and scholarships. CEF scholarships include trade and technical schools, as well as two and four-year colleges. CEF recognizes that this can only be achieved with the support of the community through donations, volunteer services, and partnerships. For more information about CEF visit www. ColumbusEducationFoundation. org
