2020 MINI GRANT RECIPIENTS
Congratulations to the following staff members...recipients
of educational enhancement mini grants:
Book Clubs for Early Readers ~ Jamie Gustin
5th Grade Books ~ Andrea Hall
Music Manipulatives for Safe Learning ~ Kelly Chase
Fine Motor For the Classroom ~ Jeremy Holmes
Growing our Classroom Library ~ Jessica Tiefenbach
Classroom Mice ~ Kathy Six
NGS Waves ~ Rachel Brown
Flexible & Organized in 3rd Grade ~ Danielle Forrest
KleenSlate Whiteboards ~ Allie Krukowski
Molecular Model Kits ~ Jeff Woodard & Jaimee Bright
Mind/Body Connection ~ Julie Kolbe
Spreading Joy thru Greeting Cards ~ Robin Latsch
Breakout EDU Platform Access ~ Ben Ritsema
Gimkit ~ Tim McKeeby
Holocaust Remembrance Through Novel Studies ~ Jackie Ball & Dina Woodard
Tiny House Build/Floor Plan Design ~ Jamie Stahl
New FMS Robotics Team Start-up ~ Kris Cole
CPR Mannequin Updates ~ Judy Lynch
Cloud Identification & Weather Forecasting ~ Jay Stebelton
Funding for mini grants was made possible by donations from our generous community. Kudos to the businesses below for supporting staff and students. Click on their name to visit their website.
of educational enhancement mini grants:
Book Clubs for Early Readers ~ Jamie Gustin
5th Grade Books ~ Andrea Hall
Music Manipulatives for Safe Learning ~ Kelly Chase
Fine Motor For the Classroom ~ Jeremy Holmes
Growing our Classroom Library ~ Jessica Tiefenbach
Classroom Mice ~ Kathy Six
NGS Waves ~ Rachel Brown
Flexible & Organized in 3rd Grade ~ Danielle Forrest
KleenSlate Whiteboards ~ Allie Krukowski
Molecular Model Kits ~ Jeff Woodard & Jaimee Bright
Mind/Body Connection ~ Julie Kolbe
Spreading Joy thru Greeting Cards ~ Robin Latsch
Breakout EDU Platform Access ~ Ben Ritsema
Gimkit ~ Tim McKeeby
Holocaust Remembrance Through Novel Studies ~ Jackie Ball & Dina Woodard
Tiny House Build/Floor Plan Design ~ Jamie Stahl
New FMS Robotics Team Start-up ~ Kris Cole
CPR Mannequin Updates ~ Judy Lynch
Cloud Identification & Weather Forecasting ~ Jay Stebelton
Funding for mini grants was made possible by donations from our generous community. Kudos to the businesses below for supporting staff and students. Click on their name to visit their website.
Tiny House Build/Floor Plan
Middle school industrial arts instructor, Jamie Stahl, implemented a unique way for students to learn basic construction principles. After teaching lessons on scale, building and design techniques, he challenged his students to design and build model tiny houses on wheels! Using a scale of ½ inch=1 foot, students used small shop tools to cut and build small scale models of tiny houses in class. Each house design had to include the necessary components of a living space, kitchen, bathroom and sleeping area. Mr. Stahl stated he always wanted to teach construction principles but lacked the time and/or resources to accomplish the unit. Mini grant funding from the FEF provided the resources, and students enjoyed building and customizing their homes.
Middle school industrial arts instructor, Jamie Stahl, implemented a unique way for students to learn basic construction principles. After teaching lessons on scale, building and design techniques, he challenged his students to design and build model tiny houses on wheels! Using a scale of ½ inch=1 foot, students used small shop tools to cut and build small scale models of tiny houses in class. Each house design had to include the necessary components of a living space, kitchen, bathroom and sleeping area. Mr. Stahl stated he always wanted to teach construction principles but lacked the time and/or resources to accomplish the unit. Mini grant funding from the FEF provided the resources, and students enjoyed building and customizing their homes.
CPR training for students
Mannequins are used in the high school health class to meet the requirement that all students be trained in Hands-Only CPR. Mannequins are also used in the elective CPR and First Aid courses to provide individual students the opportunity to receive Adult CPR certification. The FEF supported a mini grant request from high school health instructor, Judy Lynch, to purchase a new model mannequin that allows for individual face shield lungs thus eliminating any possibility of bacterial or viral cross-contamination. The new mannequin helps students reach the correct depth and rate of compressions, skills that are vital to help adults, children and infants during breathing and cardiac emergencies.
Mannequins are used in the high school health class to meet the requirement that all students be trained in Hands-Only CPR. Mannequins are also used in the elective CPR and First Aid courses to provide individual students the opportunity to receive Adult CPR certification. The FEF supported a mini grant request from high school health instructor, Judy Lynch, to purchase a new model mannequin that allows for individual face shield lungs thus eliminating any possibility of bacterial or viral cross-contamination. The new mannequin helps students reach the correct depth and rate of compressions, skills that are vital to help adults, children and infants during breathing and cardiac emergencies.
Spreading Joy through Greeting Cards
When was the last time you hand wrote and mailed a greeting to someone or were the recipient of a handwritten note? FMS art instructor, Robin Latsch, wanted her students to learn about spreading joy ‘the old fashioned way’ by creating greeting cards. Using grant money from the FEF, Mrs. Latsch purchased technical drawing pens/markers (for drawing very small/fine illustrations), and ‘alcohol inks’ and ’ink paper’ to create beautiful abstract art on specialty paper, something her students have never used before. Students created note cards using a variety of art mediums learned in class.
56 illustrations adorn the covers of blank cards created by students ranging in grades 6th through 9th. In addition to artwork from current art students, Mrs. Latsch included illustrations from current 9th graders (former middle school art students) to showcase their amazing talent as the opportunity to display their art this past spring was hindered by the pandemic.
"The students love seeing their art pieces printed on an actual publication", states Mrs. Latsch. Ten cards were printed from each student design totaling 560 note cards. Student illustrated note cards were on display and available for purchase at FMS during the school year with proceeds benefiting the Fruitport Art Club.
When was the last time you hand wrote and mailed a greeting to someone or were the recipient of a handwritten note? FMS art instructor, Robin Latsch, wanted her students to learn about spreading joy ‘the old fashioned way’ by creating greeting cards. Using grant money from the FEF, Mrs. Latsch purchased technical drawing pens/markers (for drawing very small/fine illustrations), and ‘alcohol inks’ and ’ink paper’ to create beautiful abstract art on specialty paper, something her students have never used before. Students created note cards using a variety of art mediums learned in class.
56 illustrations adorn the covers of blank cards created by students ranging in grades 6th through 9th. In addition to artwork from current art students, Mrs. Latsch included illustrations from current 9th graders (former middle school art students) to showcase their amazing talent as the opportunity to display their art this past spring was hindered by the pandemic.
"The students love seeing their art pieces printed on an actual publication", states Mrs. Latsch. Ten cards were printed from each student design totaling 560 note cards. Student illustrated note cards were on display and available for purchase at FMS during the school year with proceeds benefiting the Fruitport Art Club.
Growing our classroom library
“Students need access to books that are relevant to their current interests to help them find a love of reading”, states 5th grade teacher Jessica Tiefenbach. To help grow her students as readers, she surveyed them about books they would like to see added to their classroom library. Using the survey results, along with a combination of popular and newly released titles, books were purchased through FEF mini grant funding. Students were excited to unbox the book order and see the variety of titles that were added to their classroom library. Rowynn literally fell out of her chair in excitement, states Ms. Tiefenbach. Jacob J. said "Yay!!! The Hunger Games series! I've seen the movies and can't wait to read the books."
“Students need access to books that are relevant to their current interests to help them find a love of reading”, states 5th grade teacher Jessica Tiefenbach. To help grow her students as readers, she surveyed them about books they would like to see added to their classroom library. Using the survey results, along with a combination of popular and newly released titles, books were purchased through FEF mini grant funding. Students were excited to unbox the book order and see the variety of titles that were added to their classroom library. Rowynn literally fell out of her chair in excitement, states Ms. Tiefenbach. Jacob J. said "Yay!!! The Hunger Games series! I've seen the movies and can't wait to read the books."
Book Clubs for Early Readers
Jamie Gustin, 2nd grade teacher at Beach Elementary, used grant money from the FEF to purchase chapter books for her classroom. “Engaging books for our book clubs help my students become more avid readers”, states Mrs. Gustin. “They get hooked on a series and want to read more to experience fun-filled adventures of their favorite characters.” Mrs. Gustin reads aloud the first book in each series to introduce students to the characters and writing style. Students then choose from various titles and form book clubs with their peers. During book club, they read, discuss, and answer comprehension questions about their reading. The goal of book clubs is to create lifelong readers while also building students' fluency and comprehension. She further states, “The love of books is extremely important for children to develop lifelong success as readers and writers. We are SO grateful for the support of the FEF.”
We think her students agree!
Kailynn L. said, “I love the book club books. They make me happy and make me smart.”
Cooper R. said, “I love that they are nice books!!!”
Olivia D. said, “I love books, even new books. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
Sylas H., “I like reading the books because they help me read harder words.”
Lauren J., “I like reading them because they are fun to read.”
Austin B., "I love reading the books. My favorite is Dragon Masters."
Jamie Gustin, 2nd grade teacher at Beach Elementary, used grant money from the FEF to purchase chapter books for her classroom. “Engaging books for our book clubs help my students become more avid readers”, states Mrs. Gustin. “They get hooked on a series and want to read more to experience fun-filled adventures of their favorite characters.” Mrs. Gustin reads aloud the first book in each series to introduce students to the characters and writing style. Students then choose from various titles and form book clubs with their peers. During book club, they read, discuss, and answer comprehension questions about their reading. The goal of book clubs is to create lifelong readers while also building students' fluency and comprehension. She further states, “The love of books is extremely important for children to develop lifelong success as readers and writers. We are SO grateful for the support of the FEF.”
We think her students agree!
Kailynn L. said, “I love the book club books. They make me happy and make me smart.”
Cooper R. said, “I love that they are nice books!!!”
Olivia D. said, “I love books, even new books. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
Sylas H., “I like reading the books because they help me read harder words.”
Lauren J., “I like reading them because they are fun to read.”
Austin B., "I love reading the books. My favorite is Dragon Masters."
FEF supports efforts to keep students safe
Staff and students have done an excellent job following safety protocols put into place to keep our schools and communities safe from the Coronavirus. The FEF was happy to play a small role in the effort to minimize the risk of Covid exposure by purchasing foam tiles and plastic totes for our younger students. To alleviate possible exposure from sharing classroom supplies in our kindergarten classrooms, individual totes were purchased to help keep student books, school supplies and personal items organized. “The tubs have been a life saver”, states Ms. Lockhart, Beach kindergarten teacher. “We store lots of things we may need so that we limit touching of materials. We have everything we need without leaving our seats!”
Colorful foam squares were also purchased to help K-2 students socially distance from each other both in the classroom and while learning outside. Teacher Julie Anderson states, “Beach kindergarten classes have been using our mats to take mask breaks outside. We also use them during our Brain Break time to look at books, color in coloring books, and rest. They also come in handy as we take turns washing our hands. The class does stretches as they wait for their turn to wash their hands.” Shettler kindergarten teacher, Jenna Teays states, "I love these foam mats because they help provide a boundary of space for students while trying to social distance." "Our class has enjoyed using our mats to spread out and learn outside so that we can enjoy the fresh air," states Ms. Gustin, second grade teacher at Beach Elementary. Based on their comments, her students agree:
"I like them because whenever we sit down on them we don't get dirty." ~ Monroe
"They're so squishy and soft and not hard as a rock!" ~ Olivia
"They're so soft!" ~ Lauren
"I like them because the grass won't poke you when you sit on them." ~ Emma
"When you sit on them, you don't get dirty." ~ Cooper
Colorful foam squares were also purchased to help K-2 students socially distance from each other both in the classroom and while learning outside. Teacher Julie Anderson states, “Beach kindergarten classes have been using our mats to take mask breaks outside. We also use them during our Brain Break time to look at books, color in coloring books, and rest. They also come in handy as we take turns washing our hands. The class does stretches as they wait for their turn to wash their hands.” Shettler kindergarten teacher, Jenna Teays states, "I love these foam mats because they help provide a boundary of space for students while trying to social distance." "Our class has enjoyed using our mats to spread out and learn outside so that we can enjoy the fresh air," states Ms. Gustin, second grade teacher at Beach Elementary. Based on their comments, her students agree:
"I like them because whenever we sit down on them we don't get dirty." ~ Monroe
"They're so squishy and soft and not hard as a rock!" ~ Olivia
"They're so soft!" ~ Lauren
"I like them because the grass won't poke you when you sit on them." ~ Emma
"When you sit on them, you don't get dirty." ~ Cooper
Prior to the 2019 holiday break students in Kathy Six's Edgewood classroom engaged in a social studies lesson on "Holidays Around the World" using a Breakout EDU kit.
Breakout EDU is a physical game kit and platform where students work together to solve various puzzles to open a locked box, similar to an escape room experience. Each kit provides the basic materials necessary to present puzzles for students to decipher, each clue leading to another, and ultimately to the locked strongbox. Games (Breakouts) teach teamwork, problem solving, critical thinking, and troubleshooting by presenting participants with challenges to problem-solve. Teams that don’t figure out each puzzle on their first try are rewarded when they learn from their missteps, reconsider their approach, and try again. Breakout EDU kits combine games with learning, providing a powerful combination that engages students to collaborate to solve problems in a fun and innovative way while gaining content area knowledge.
Kits were purchased by the FEF for each elementary building. Breakout EDU kits were also purchased through FEF mini grant funding for staff at Fruitport Middle School.
Breakout EDU is a physical game kit and platform where students work together to solve various puzzles to open a locked box, similar to an escape room experience. Each kit provides the basic materials necessary to present puzzles for students to decipher, each clue leading to another, and ultimately to the locked strongbox. Games (Breakouts) teach teamwork, problem solving, critical thinking, and troubleshooting by presenting participants with challenges to problem-solve. Teams that don’t figure out each puzzle on their first try are rewarded when they learn from their missteps, reconsider their approach, and try again. Breakout EDU kits combine games with learning, providing a powerful combination that engages students to collaborate to solve problems in a fun and innovative way while gaining content area knowledge.
Kits were purchased by the FEF for each elementary building. Breakout EDU kits were also purchased through FEF mini grant funding for staff at Fruitport Middle School.
Game kits make learning fun!
2019 mini grant recipients
metal stamping
After attending a conference and learning how to create metal stamped jewelry, high school art teacher, Dawn Jacobson, wanted to share this historical art process with her students. Thanks to mini grant funding last fall from the FEF, Jacobson purchased tools and supplies for students to create metal stamped bracelets. After students studied the historical and cultural background of metal arts, they created their own metal stamped bracelets that included a “power” word, a saying, or words of wisdom stamped on a metal strip connecting something meaningful in their lives to the project. “Not being aware of Covid 19 prior to starting the unit, I was moved by the students' choice of words,” stated Jacobson. Examples included, “One day at a time, Life goes on, Everything happens for a reason, Create your own sunshine, Not all wounds are visible, Heal. Learn. Go. Love.” Insightful and inspiring words as we all navigate through these uncertain times.
Smoothie, anyone?
A recipient of a FEF mini grant last fall, middle school health instructor, Ms. Schams, purchased blenders and other supplies for a fun student learning project. At the conclusion of a unit on nutrition, students in her classes were rewarded with smoothies! Students selected smoothie recipes and then were asked to analyze the cost of ingredients, number of servings, nutrients, etc. As an extension of the project, students were asked to modify their recipes based on a vegan diet, a low-fat diet, etc. Applying what they learned about safety & sanitation in a food preparation setting, students created cost-effective versions of their recipes and were able to enjoy their work. Ms. Schams stated it was a fun project that encouraged students to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their diets. Based on their smiles, we’d say the students loved the smoothie project!
classroom Book Boast
Students in Mrs. Hall’s middle school language arts classes recently received a variety of new classroom novels. The books were purchased with funds received from the FEF through mini-grant application. “Being able to regularly update my library allows students to have constant and easy access to high quality and high interest books,” stated Hall. “These are the books I use for book talks which help pull readers into new books.”
Her students expressed excitement with the variety of books to choose from and offered the following comments:
"I feel like new books give us more of a selection and more experiences with books.” - Blair
"Historical Fiction tells the truth of what happened years ago but with a fictional story so it teaches about the past with an exciting feel to it.” - Austin
"I believe new books are good because there is always something new to read.” - Dax
"I think books in a classroom are good for us because teachers never know if kids at home have books. Letting us bring books home allows us to read at school and at home.” - Matthew
"New books equal new learning.” - Jaden
"Graphic novels are good to have because it helps kids grow their imagination and shows kids a different way of reading and writing books.” - Blake
Her students expressed excitement with the variety of books to choose from and offered the following comments:
"I feel like new books give us more of a selection and more experiences with books.” - Blair
"Historical Fiction tells the truth of what happened years ago but with a fictional story so it teaches about the past with an exciting feel to it.” - Austin
"I believe new books are good because there is always something new to read.” - Dax
"I think books in a classroom are good for us because teachers never know if kids at home have books. Letting us bring books home allows us to read at school and at home.” - Matthew
"New books equal new learning.” - Jaden
"Graphic novels are good to have because it helps kids grow their imagination and shows kids a different way of reading and writing books.” - Blake
classroom comfort
Studies on lighting suggest that fluorescent lighting may be harder on the eyes, particularly with students who have eye issues. Given this data Edgewood 4th grade teacher, Kathy Six, aimed to provide an environment in her classroom that included natural lighting and freedom from distractions when students worked on independent activities. In her mini grant application she explained, “The number of students with a negative reaction to fluorescent lighting has increased dramatically. My plan is to reduce the exposure to this lighting through filters that meet fire codes. The filters are made of material that will not cause code violations and will allow sufficient light creating a more natural light for learning.” Mrs. Six received grant money from the FEF to provide light filters for her classroom. She also purchased privacy boards that help reduce distractions during testing and other independent learning, helping students stay focused on their work. “Since adding the light filters and privacy boards to my classroom, the room has become calmer, safer and better for doing our best work,” states Mrs. Six. Her students agree:
"It (dividers) gives us a good amount of space. They're good for tests and pretty useful." ~ Hailey
"I like it (aquarium light filter) a lot. The design is cool. I feel comfortable when I look at it." ~ Isaiah
"People don't see each other's work. They (individual dividers) help keep us from talking when we need to do our work." ~ Paxton
"It (dividers) gives us a good amount of space. They're good for tests and pretty useful." ~ Hailey
"I like it (aquarium light filter) a lot. The design is cool. I feel comfortable when I look at it." ~ Isaiah
"People don't see each other's work. They (individual dividers) help keep us from talking when we need to do our work." ~ Paxton
2018 Mini Grant Recipients
"I received a FEF grant to increase titles in the area of S.T.E.M. for our children. This "library" has been immensely popular, with many requests being made by our kids for additional books, even mentioning specific areas of study. This reassures me FEF funds were spent wisely and our children have definitely benefited from these resources. The books work well in conjunction with our great S.T.E.M. class."
~ Ms. Falkowski, Beach School Library Clerk
~ Ms. Falkowski, Beach School Library Clerk
Beach S.T.E.M. Library
SPRAY PAINT GALAXIES
"Artists have used spray paint to create quick finished pieces using a variety of masking techniques, newspapers for texture, and a smooth plastic surface to create spray paint art such as galaxies and waterfalls. I wanted my students to be able to try this as well. The advanced art students at FMS are enjoying the spray paint/ paper supplied by the FEF mini grant. I plan to have students demonstrate their abilities with this at the district K-12 art show in the spring."
~ Robin Latsch, FMS Art Teacher
~ Robin Latsch, FMS Art Teacher
CLASSROOM LIBRARY
"The FEF mini grant is an amazing opportunity for teachers. I am a first year teacher and the grant allowed me to purchase books for my classroom. Coming into the classroom there were no books and I had to start my library from scratch. This is a very time consuming and expensive venture. The grant allowed me to purchase books for the classroom that fit a variety of readers. I am so thankful for the FEF grant and the opportunity to grow my classroom library. The students become so excited when we introduce new books, they become the most sought after books after I share about them. These books purchased with grant money are no exception. Thank you for expanding the love of reading in my classroom."
~ Andrea Hall, 6th Grade ELA Teacher
~ Andrea Hall, 6th Grade ELA Teacher