WPS teachers surprised with Education EDGE classroom grants

Thirteen teachers and school-based staff members across the district were recently surprised with the announcement that they received Education EDGE grants to support their classroom projects. District administrators and members of the Education EDGE steering team surprised them in their classrooms to celebrate their grant. $13,000 in grants were awarded.

The recipients are:

• Benton Elementary School kindergarten teacher Allison Pyle won a $1,000 grant to create hands-on, engaging literacy centers for her class.
• Buckner Performing Arts and Science Magnet Elementary behavior intervention specialist Emily McCray, won a $1,000 grant to help improve students’ mental health and wellness.
• Coleman Environmental Magnet Middle School science teacher Monica Gross, won a $1,000 grant for an Eco Exploratorium to help students learn more about our native prairie ecosystem.
• Dodge Literacy Magnet second-grade teacher Jill Windholz won a $1,000 grant for her . This grant will give Our Exciting Second Grade Journey into knowledge of history, culture, and technological advancements.
• Earhart Environmental Magnet Elementary School resource teacher Kasey Candea-Kromm won a $1,000 grant to purchase new raised flower beds and gardening learning materials.
• East High School Spanish teacher Hannah Rood won a $1,000 grant to purchase two class sets of novels to foster reading together for proficiency.
• East High school special education teacher Christianna Marcy won a $1,000 grant for United Sounds.
• Marshall Middle School social studies teacher Marisela Manga won a $1,000 grant to purchase reading material, stop watches, and tape measurers for her sports science class.
• Marshall Middle School math teacher Julie Guldner won a $1,000 grant for her Lego Lab/Math Lab class.
• Mayberry Middle School English teacher Allison Carson won a $1,000 grant to purchase portfolios to hold writing prompts and photos for students.
• Mead Middle School music teacher Sarah Willhoite won a $1,000 grant to  purchase method books, as well as cleaning and maintenance supplies for students who will be participating in first year band.
• Mueller Aerospace and Engineering Discovery Magnet Elementary School vocal music teacher Natasha Hallam won a $1,000 grant to purchase resonator bells to enhance the school’s music education program.
• Southeast High School English teacher Tracy Catlin won a $1,000 grant to purchase headphones for students to be able to listen to learning material quietly, privately, with the ability to focus on what they are to learn through the videos created to follow the MCP classroom model of learning. 

The Education EDGE is the district's educational foundation that allows private donors to support three key areas: classroom mini-grants, fine arts and athletics. For information on additional grant opportunities visit usd259.org/edge.