The MCPS Education Foundation is pleased to announce that it has awarded more than $74,000 to programs in Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS) this year. The Foundation’s Grants program encourages educators to identify and develop solutions to educational challenges.
Lisa Harlow, STEM Instructional Coach earned funding for a new program “Take a Closer Look”, which will provide each classroom at Haydon Elementary with a hand held microscope/camera and an iPad to view the images. “This will allow students to more closely examine the scientific world around them. From simple observations in Kindergarten to the study of plant reproduction in grade four, access to these microscopes and the ability to view and record the images will enhance our students understanding of the standards they are expected to master.”
To address a deficit on 3rd grade History SOLs, Ancient China artifact boxes will be used in 2nd grade classes at each elementary school in the District . Students will use the artifacts to develop an understanding for the process by which evaluating primary sources requires.
Special Education Case Managers will be getting some needed help with the Assistive Technology/Alternative Augmentative Communication Program (AT/AAC). Due to motor, cognitive, or communication issues, these students often struggle to demonstrate what they have learned or to communicate basic information. This program will provide tools, resources, and training sessions that will help the instructional team to tailor communication systems to student’s individual needs and abilities.
Lego StoryStarter will be utilized school-wide at Haydon Elementary. StoryStarter is a hands-on tool that is designed to motivate students to write. Using specially selected LEGO bricks and minifigures, students can work collaboratively or individually to create a scene or story that they then put into writing. “This tool will provide the motivation that many students need to express themselves and their ideas” said Diana Hahn, Reading Interventionist.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) funding comprises the majority of the Education Foundation grants. Together, Micron Technology Foundation and Lockheed Martin generously contributed more than $56,000 to the MCPS Education Foundation to be used specifically for STEM initiatives such as FIRST LEGO League at Elementary Schools, VEX Robotics at Mayfield Intermediate, Robotics Programs at Metz Middle School and Osbourn High School, as well as Summer Engineering Camps.
The Foundation awarded a total of 18 grants including support for a Mathletes program at Jennie Dean Elementary, Saturday Learning Seminars, Backpack Attack Program of Manassas, Brain Games Cart at Baldwin Elementary, Youth Salute Leadership Council, and other Literacy and Physical Fitness programs.
The MCPS Education Foundation is preparing to assess scholarship applications for graduating Osbourn High School Seniors . Scholarship applications are due by April 7, 2015. Additionally, up to sixteen $250 Summer enrichment scholarships will be available this year and these applications are due by May 15. For applications and more information about the MCPS Education Foundation, visit www.mcpsedfoundation.org
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