Board of Education News:  Programs That Make a Difference

 

 

At the May 11, 2006 meeting, the “Program Highlights” section focused on Coventry’s Mini-Grants program.  These grants are designed to promote new ideas and initiatives.  Each year teachers must apply, and if chosen, they receive $500-$700 each.  There were six grants awarded for the 05-06 school year.  Details of some of the projects were presented at the Board meeting.  Anne Burke, teacher at George H. Robertson School, was presented her “Science at Your Fingertips” project for grade 3.  Grant money was used to buy materials to create science kits for lessons in Changes in Matter, Habitats, Water, and Earth Materials.  Catherine Garrity, teacher at Coventry High School, also attended and spoke about her project. She used her funds for a “Spanish Language Classroom Library.”  This grant enabled her to incorporate high-interest reading material and magazine subscriptions written in Spanish into her classroom.  Dr. Bernard talked about two of the other winning projects.  Coventry Grammar School teacher, Bruce Gale, used his grant money for “Technology in the Classroom,” which teaches grade 1 students how to use the web.  Christine Kessler and Rick Young, teachers at Capt. Nathan Hale School, used money to purchase pedometers for their “Get Healthy, Get Fit” project, a wellness program involving walking/running for grade 6.  Brightly colored “Get Healthy, Get Fit” T-shirts were presented to the Board.  Audience and Board members were very impressed with the quality and innovation that went into these grants.  Tune in to Munivision, Channel 13 to learn more about “Programs that Make a Difference.”