The St. Joseph School District Foundation awarded nearly $8000 to 8 staff members in the district as part of the annual Apple Seed Grant program. Applications were submitted by 18 staff – mainly teachers and librarians. The projects submitted were unique classroom or school-wide initiatives that would provide SJSD students with support and unique experiences.
Rachel Stobbs, Engaging and Supporting Students Through All Stages of Learning, Hosea Elementary ($982)
This project will allow students to grow academically, socially and emotionally by collaborating in all subject areas. Whiteboard tables in the classrooms will give students the opportunity to work together in a fun and engaging way so they can collaborate and learn from each other through social interactions. Paper and pencil is the old school way of learning and does not create high levels of engagement. Students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through this project.
Susan Williams, Pre-Academic Kits, Early Learning Center ($543)
This project will promote many key pre-academic concepts through play for students who need extra assistance. Every student in the Early Learning Center can potentially be helped by this program. Bags of materials will contain a game that can be played either matching, sorting or naming an item, counting/numeral recognition game, letter matching game and interactive books. Each child will benefit from extra exposure to concepts through play.
Alycen Shewell, Mayan Civilization, Carden Park Elementary ($1,496)
Sixth-grade students at Carden Park Elementary will metaphorically travel to South America to learn about the physical geography, history and life in the region. They will focus on the Mayan civilization and its advancements. Students will visit the Maya Exhibition at Union Station in Kansas City in early December. Students will use the knowledge they gain from their studies to construct their own civilization using the same elements as the Mayans. Students can also choose to write an informational essay on the technological advances that were invented by the Mayans.
Gina Babcock, Building Confidence: One Lego at a Time, Lindbergh Elementary ($549)
Lego Kit Library will be offered as an incentive. Using the kit will require a student to organize, follow directions, use fine motor skills, and read diagrams. Building with logos can also promote teamwork, creativity, and boost self-esteem. When students have completed a kit, they will have their picture taken with the finished product and posted on school social media. The hope is that looking forward to creating something new with Legos, will help encourage the students to come to school and meet their daily goals.
Melissa Corey, You Can Do the Cube, Robidoux Middle School ($1,100)
This program will allow students to learn various algorithms to solve a standard 3x3 Rubik’s Cube which incorporates problem solving skills, higher order thinking and math concepts. Students will learn about 2D vs 3D shapes, geometric ideas and system of measurement. Students can develop their own mosaic patterns learn to solve a Rubik’s Cube, and engage with other students in the school library. The program will be open to all students at Robidoux any time during the school year.
Trish Campbell, Sew Much Fun, Oak Grove Elementary ($877)
The project will be used to build relationships with students, encourage giving, attendance and tie mathematical concepts such as measurement, geometry, and fractions to the skill of sewing. Students will start by learning to use the sewing machine and sew by hand. Students will make tooth fairy pillows for the nurses’ office to give to students who lose their first tooth at school and one for the student themselves.
Elizabeth Hoskins, Bode Book Kits, Bode Middle School ($507)
The project will connect students to diverse reading materials and to encourage them to read outside of the genres they may typically choose. This will include sharing both fiction and nonfiction selections with students on a variety of topics.
Te kits will include the personalized book selections, bookmarks, an activity, and a snack. Each month the participating students will be entered into a drawing to win a brand new book of their choice. The program will increase student engagement and promote literacy.
Charisse Giseburt, Movers and Makers: Mobile MakerSpace, Truman Middle School ($1,360)
A mobile makerspace cart will allow student to choose an activity to support all core content areas and enrichment activities. All staff would be encouraged to use the cart for their students. Most of the activities will be small groups that will promote collaboration, interpersonal skills, taking responsibility for shared materials and being respectful of supplies and resources. Examples of supplies on the three-tier rolling cart will include: magnetic building blocks, origami paper, play doh, world puzzles, markers, craft supplies, riddle games.