Education Enhancement Program

Lincoln High School

Apple iPod Learning Lab
$10.987.00

iPod Touches provide a truly connect, 1 to 1 environment in class.  iPod Touches can be used in a variety of ways to enhance a student's educational experience.  Audio-recording, HD video recording, podcasts, audiobooks and ebooks are just a few of the ways a teacher can use the iPod to instruct students.  For example, a class could start by viewing a video on the life of Edgar Allen Poe.  Then one group could listen to a poem by Poe, record a summary with the build-in mic and email to the teacher.  Another group could read a digital version of a Poe story, find a critical review on the internet and blog about their reaction to the critique.  With Wi-Fi connectivity, students access the entire world at their fingertips for a fraction of the cost of a mobile MacBook lab.
 
A classroom set of Vernier Labquest equipment
FUNDED

Band Jackets
FUNDED

2 Commercial Grade Kitchen Aid Mixers
FUNDED

Presentation system for Communications Department
$3,000.00

A projection system would be used as an essential component of the writing process, which offers feedback for the writer for revision. These systems would allow instant feedback to the students as their work could be displayed to the class as a whole and everyone could participate in the revising process. This could develop more classroom discussion and internet sites could easily be displayed to encourage students to explore the many resources available to them.  They already have projectors and speakers--two iBooks would complete the project.

SmartBoard, 2 document cameras and high interest books
$5,198.00

SmartBoard use has been proven to motivate and engage students in the classroom. The document cameras would allow teachers to project documents for whole-class instruction to teach underlining, highlighting, marginal note taking, etc. Research concludes that if students are not readers by the time they leave high school, they probably never will be. This request is for the latest books that would be of interest to young adults.

FFA Jackets
FUNDED

PowR Walk Fitness Program equipment
$1,210.00

Incorporating the PowR Walk Program into the curriculum will not only promote physical achievement for our students, but will also be fulfilling National Association for Sport and Physical Education Standards and many state requirements.

Media Classroom
$1,738.28

The Media Center is not conducive to teaching a lesson to an entire class.  There is space at the back of the Media Center that can be used, but tables and chairs are needed to complete the project.

Franklin Middle School

Anti-bullying T-shirt contest
$124.00

Students submit logos that promote anti-bullying.  The top three designs would be voted on by entire student body for T-shirts that students can order.  Price is for prizes for logo winners, paper and preparation time.

Student model vibraphone
FUNDED

5 Digital camcorders and tripods
$2,180.00

Technology can play a positive role in academic achievement.  It can be used in many ways to help develop a student's self-confidence, creativity, communication skills and teamwork.  At the present time, 6 cameras are shared by 27 students in one class of 7th and 8th graders.  Additional cameras would also allow expansion to a class for 6th graders.

4 Nintendo Wii Consoles, software and equipment
$1,659.84

Exergaming with the Nintendo Wii can provide students the opportunity to interact and build positive relationships with their peers and promote acceptable social behaviors. The Wii is an activity that the whole student body, from the very athletic to the handicapped, can participate in. It gives students the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of many sporting activities while burning calories, building relationships, and having fun.

Challenger Elementary School

Snowshoes
FUNDED

Collection of Poetry books
FUNDED

Water boots, dryers & sticky slides for outdoor learning lab
FUNDED

Computer, software, headsets and tables
$29,540.00

The needs of primary students varies widely within each classroom. Managed Independent Learning Centers comprised of computers and headphones would enable children to work alone or in small groups. Children that are second language learners and those identified with disabilities, as well as other struggling readers, would benefit greatly from hearing, seeing and interacting with the stories.

Literacy Collaborative Project
$20,000.00

Literary Collaborative is a research-based literacy model provided as a collaboration between Challenger Elementary and Ohio State University. It is designed to improve literacy achievement.

Sensory Integration Strategies & Tool Kits for Elementary Teachers
$1,451.68

The goal is to provide teachers with innovative strategies and practical guidance for dealing with everyday classroom challenges, including managing behaviors, improving muscle tone and developing social skills.

Guided Reading Books
$5,000.00

These books will supplement the library of Literacy Collaborative books with appropriate books to interest and motivate struggling readers and also for young readers who read above their grade level.

Picture Books for Book Clubs/Literacy Circles
$4,950.00

A well-executed program of literature discussion can be very motivating for readers.  In book clubs/literature circles, students are able to talk about books that are of particular interest to them.  The teachers would like to incorporate picture books for younger students. Teaching conversational language about books at an early age is crucial in developing comprehension skills at a deeper level.

Education City Online Program
$1,950.00

This program helps reinforce Language Arts, Mathematics and Science standards for students.  This program will enhance the students' core academic classes along with the use of technology.

Handheld/pocket language translators
$1459.92

The district has a population of limited English speaking students that require a great deal of extra help and attention.  These devices would allow students to do more of the translating themselves when teachers are unable to assist them.

Young Authors Conference
$240.00

Students that are very interested in illustrating and becoming authors need to be exposed to real authors and in a culture surrounded by other students that are just as creative.  Attending the Young Authors Conference would allow them to gain ideas to enhance their creativity.  This amount would fund 8 students to attend.

District-wide

Technology

SmartBoard
$2,357.50 each

The SmartBoard allows full access of computer-based curriculum while incorporating various learning styles by taking advantage of digital tools for differentiated instruction. This includes an interactive whiteboard, projector and integrated sound and video system.  "Smart" boost to local classrooms

Computers
$1,200.00 each

Most standardized testing is now done on computers and the district's computers need to be up-to-date in order to handle the tests.  Additional computers also allow students to use computers when the lab is being used for testing.  Over half of the district's computers are over 6 years old.

Projectors
$1,200.00 each

A ceiling-mounted projector allows teachers to present to the whole class without an overhead projector obstructing the view.  It can also be connected to a computer, with all its desk top resources.

Guest Artist for "Electrify Your Strings" program
$6,192.23

The orchestra director is integrating pop and rock along with the standard orchestral repertoire to create interest.  The school has two electric violins and an electric cello so students have the right tools to explore alternative styles.  There is a desire to bring back Mark Wood, internationally famous recording artist and member of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra to implement the Electrify Your Strings program.  He would work with the orchestra students and give a demonstration to the students at Challenger.

Instructional supplies, cultural visual items and computer monitor for the Multicultural Student Services Department
$3,350.00

The Multicultural Student Services office would like to broaden its efforts to promote the district's culturally diverse student population by decorating the buildings with visual presentations that promote awareness and an atmosphere that is welcoming of those diverse populations.  A library of resources is also necessary for the staff and students to use.

Please send the requested grant information to:

Name _____________________________________________________

Address ________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip ____________________________________________________

Phone/Email _________________________________________________________

If you would like more information about the Education Enhancement Program. Please call 218-681-8711, email: foundation@trfeducationfoundation.com or mail us at: Thief River Falls Education Foundation, 230 LaBree Avenue South, Thief River Falls, MN 56701