The grants were awarded on the basis of applications submitted by the teachers. The funds will be used for innovative programs and projects the teachers wish to implement.
Barbara Emrich, computer technology teacher at West Pine Middle School, requested funds to purchase equipment for the sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade Web site teams. The equipment will give them the ability to do digital storytelling and video production. Their goal is to produce a DVD quality movie and sell it for a nominal fee as a fund-raiser. The funds received will be used to purchase more materials and expand the program.
Pam Zell, a second-grade teacher at Academy Heights Elementary School, requested funds for a holiday project to be implemented between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The funds will be used to purchase supplies for making holiday gifts.
At the end of the project, the students will be able to purchase these gifts using reward money they have accumulated in their savings books through returning homework, completing class work and showing responsible behavior.
Janet Dunn, technology teacher at West Pine Middle School, requested funds to purchase an Applied Educational System desktop publishing software program.
It will be used by about 120 students and will be especially helpful for students who are having difficulty with computer skills.
Orchestra teachers Karen Sellers, Wendy Steslicke, Paul Murphy, Eric Kopeck, Geoff White and Mike Jones — who teach at West Pine Middle, New Century Middle, Southern Middle, Elise Middle, North Moore, Pinecrest and Union Pines High Schools — requested funds to bring in an author of children’s book to spend the day talking with students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The author’s visit will be enhanced by subsequent teaching activities related to reading, writing and math.
Adrienne Noll, a first-grade teacher at Academy Heights Elementary School, requested funds to purchase materials to be used by her students in creating their own personal books of favorite poems.
It will be an ongoing project throughout the school year.
The Public Education Foundation seeks to enhance excellence in the education of children in the public schools of Moore County. The grants awarded are funded through private donations and through fund-raising activities, such as its annual golf tournament. Grant application forms are available online at the foundation’s Web site www.mcpubedfoundation.org or the Moore County Schools Web site www.mcs.k12.nc.us.
