Grants in Action – January 2019

January 16, 2019refGrants in Action

Enhanced English Learning

By Audra Williams, English Teacher, Reading Memorial High School

The high school English department purchased laptops to enhance student learning. Students can create and revise their writing in real time with peer and teacher conferencing, allowing for greater on-the-spot revision.

We have been able to explore more hands-on activities (such as “Snapchat Vocab”) since the laptops have photo and touch-screen capability. We are continuing to find new ways to utilize the laptops’ features. Thank you!

Senior Students working on a character voice activity for Honors Story Writing class

Celebrating Students

By Sarah Marchant, Principal, Coolidge Middle School and Marcia Grant, Technology Integration Specialist, Coolidge Middle School

Coolidge Middle School has a REF funded video screen in the entrance way to help celebrate students and their accomplishments.

The screen showcases pictures of students, staff, artwork, events, etc. The school shares birthdays, upcoming calendar events, and announcements. The students love seeing themselves on the screen, love checking out what’s going on, and they feel good. It really fulfilled the desire to “celebrate students”!

Thank you for granting us with this special display!

Birch Meadow Kiln

By Christina Erb, Art Teacher, Birch Meadow Elementary School

A new kiln was installed at Birch Meadow Elementary School to allow ceramics projects to be fired at the school. I want to extend my gratitude and thanks for the funds REF provided to make our art curriculum here at Birch Meadow a success!

Having a kiln at the school enchances the art curriculum, reduces transportation time of student artwork, and reduces breakage of student work.

Here are some projects waiting to be fired, in the kiln and out of the kiln.

Soprano Ukuleles for Elementary School Students

By Melissa Steiger, Music Specialist and Choral Director, Wood End and Birch Meadow Elementary School All Reading elementary schools have new soprano ukuleles for music studies. The smaller size of the soprano ukulele, compared to the current baritone instruments, allows students to play with more ease and makes it easier for them to strum. Students are excited to learn the chords and music teacher can progress through the curriculum a little faster because the instruments are easier to handle, functional and create a beautiful tone.