Winners announced for spring 2021
From the Grants Review Committee, made up of students, teachers, and parents:
We would like to thank all JA and Summit staff members who took part in the Spring 2021 grant cycle. The proposals we read highlighted your creativity, innovative teaching and passion for our students. Although we wish we could fund every request through this process, that was not possible. We are pursuing alternate funding channels for everyone who submitted a proposal in this cycle and we encourage all staff members to consider funding their big ideas through the JA Foundation next year.
Based on the scoring rubric, the following four winners were chosen by the committee and will receive $500 to fund their ‘big idea’. Congratulations to our winners, and many thanks to all staff members who submitted a proposal!
Branden Robinson (1st grade, JA Elementary), for his proposal to bring The Magic Treehouse to life for his students, create a fun experience around reading, and incorporate various curriculum goals for 1st graders, including math, vocabulary, character, classroom rules, and more.
Tracy Carey (P.E., JA Elementary), for her plan to create a library of ‘fitness backpacks’ for students to check out and take home. These backpacks will encourage physical activity at home, with ideas and equipment to have fun and move, and can be used by any student at JA Elementary.
Amy Vander Kooi (Teacher, The Summit Academy South), for her proposal to create an Orienteering/Adventure Racing instructional kit for students at Summit South. This kit combines state standards for many earth science concepts, while encouraging physical activity.
Hayley Middaugh & Ann Longtain (Gardening & Book Club, The Summit Academy Westminster), for their plan to develop a combined greenhouse and book library for students at Summit Westminster. The project will provide a laboratory experience for current and future gardening students, as well as provide a positive experience for all students in the areas of reading and gardening.