La Biblioteca
Annie Winkler, Olathe Northwest High School - $500
Carmen Smull, Olathe East High School- $500

Olathe East and Northwest international language departments created a library of authentic Spanish books, magazines, music and movies. All students will use these up-to-date materials to increase their reading and listening comprehension with popular, classic and current materials from Spanish culture

AnatoME AcadaME!
Deena Shipley, Olathe North High School, $2,500

Eight human body investigation stations will be designed for daily usage by Anatomy and Physiology students as well as visiting elementary students. Those who visit will experience hands-on activities such as suturing and be able to participate in a life-size Operation game.

Graphic Novels
Tina Sollars, CHOICES Specialty School- $1,000

Teaching classic literature to reluctant high school readers is the goal of this program. Graphic novels use pictures to capture the interest of these below-grade level high school students and help them to understand the story line without being overwhelmed with large amounts of difficult text. Used in conjunction with the traditional text literature, these students are able to visualize the text they are reading, get excited about what they are reading instead of dreading the formidable task that grade-level reading presents to this population.

Climate of Literacy
Leigh Anne Rogers, Forest View Elementary School, $856

Teachers learn and share this innovative program which encompasses goal setting by students in the areas of comprehension, accuracy, fluency and expanded vocabulary with their students and colleagues. Students are surrounded by tools, visual aids, a reading rug and personal cassette players which promote a climate of literacy in the classroom. They regularly participate in individual conferences with their teachers about their progress

Teen Issues: Getting Help
Heather Rice, California Trail Junior High School, $831

This grant connects students to literature on a personal level by involving them in a study group focused on a social issue. The novels are read and discussed and each focus group then prepares a public awareness campaign on the social issue including brochures, commercials,  and posters. The group then shares their campaign with the school population as well as parents and administrators at an evening presentation.

Community Collaboration
Debby Byrne, West Dennis Learning Center, $480

Playing games at home with their children is what will increase achievement scores at Green Springs through the Family Fun-Packs. Each of 24 games address a different skill that needs to be further developed and parents can get involved through a fun, positive experience.

Opera, You Say?
Teresa Murray, Scarborough Elementary School, $345

Music Creator software and set materials will assist these fourth-graders in writing and performing three one-act operas. Students will learn all aspects of theatre production and will apply for jobs as costume designer, performer, craftsman, composer, make-up artist, etc. All fourth graders will participate in this multi-curricular activity.

Action-Based Learning Lab
Julie Dunnaway, Manchester Park Elementary School, $1,000

Through concepts based on brain research that supports the link of movement and physical activity to increased academic performance, this series of physically active stations are each designed to prepare the brain for input and processing. During physical education class, students have the opportunity to be physically active while learning math facts and/or reading site words.

Hawks to Hawks
Jill Vohs, Olathe East, $500

Meeting basic needs is essential to academic success. That’s why the Olathe East professional learning communities students created this resource closet that will provide clothing and school supplies for students in need in a dignified and confidential store-like setting..

Action-based Learning Lab
Tara Griffin, Madison Place, $1,000

Through concepts based on brain research that supports the link of movement and physical activity to increased academic performance, this series of physically active stations are each designed to prepare the brain for input and processing. During physical education class, students have the opportunity to be physically active while learning math facts and/or reading site words.

Flashmaster Math Manipulatives
Stefanie Parrish, Madison Place Elementary School, $1,000

These digital alternatives to flashcards helped teach basic math skills to fourth grade students, avoiding the devastating effect of not being able to quickly recall math facts has on students’ future math skills. This device is a fun way for students to learn basic arithmetic facts because it works similarly to handheld gaming units, being used at home without the necessity of parent assistance.

Math Triumphs
David Sasser, Prairie Learning Center, $2,685

This math program is specifically designed to help older students who are performing several grade levels below the average student to develop skills as well as confidence in their math abilities.

Caught on Camera
Kelly Ralston, Santa Fe Trail Junior High School, $1,000

Flip video cameras will allow members of this school’s Freshman Legacy Club assist the school-wide implementation, education and maintenance of their Positive Behavior Intervention Support through the creation of “real life” videos portraying student examples of what positive behavior does and does not look like.

Student Newspaper
Misty Lambeth, Countryside Elementary School, $837

Equipment purchased for the publication of a school newspaper will provide students with an opportunity to not only expand their skills in writing but also develop artistic talents through photography, design and layout.

Sensory Integration
Melissa Thomas & Shelle Ellis, Walnut Grove Elementary School, $1,000

Dizzy disks, rolling pins, ball tunnels, cuddle loops and wiggle seats are sensory input tools which are important to the overall behavioral, social, motor, and cognitive development of these early childhood disability students. Special Education teachers and occupational therapists will work together to incorporate kinesthetic learning into the everyday environment, increasing the ability to attend to task, learn new information and control behaviors.