2020 Grant Patrol

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Developing Writers

 Bee-Bot are interactive, programmable robots that are specifically designed for young children. They are easy to operate and perfect for teaching sequencing, estimation and problem solving in an exciting and fun learning experience. Pre-K students will be introduced to the coding process which is linked to the National Curriculum associated with STEM education. The Bee-Bot robots will open the minds of our PreK students to areas of creative play. 

 Kindergarten teachers were seeking to expand on students’ interaction and exposure to technological devices that offer greater problem-solving skills. Bee-Bot small programmable robots will be a unique and versatile classroom resource which will engage students in a wide variety of cross curricular learning activities. The Bee-Bot is the ideal support for helping to teach early computing and programming. With a simple child-friendly layout it’s a perfect starting point for teaching control, sequencing, directional language and algorithms. Bee-Bot robots will bring innovation and excitement to Wills Point Primary Kindergarten students through small group instruction and interaction. 

 The Primary School Science Lab will promote little learners with innovative hands-on opportunities that allow exploration, investigation, processing creative thinking and analysis with an emphasis on STEM based learning. Just like in the older grade levels, Primary students will now have a dedicated classroom for science where they can practice their difference processing skills and safety. The lab will contain all the materials necessary to provide innovative lessons and learning stations that have been developed with the learner framework in mind. Teachers will have designated times for use and develop their lessons according to appropriate TEKS or guidelines. The supplies and materials will be available to the entire campus learning community which reduces monetary expenditures for separate kits, classroom materials and storage.  

 Osmo is an innovative device that transforms an iPad into an interactive classroom accessory able to add a level of excitement that engages students in the learning process. This device has a range of learning tools that covers core subject areas, from math and spelling to coding and language. The fusion of technology and tangible learning engages and challenges students of different levels, while helping them build 21st-century skills. As students work together to overcome the different challenges in each app, they also learn cooperation, gain social and emotional understanding of their peers, recognize the strengths of others in the group, and foster leadership skills. 

 Five iPads will be utilized in the Life Skills program based on the Earnest O Woods Intermediate School campus. The current technology in the classroom consists of two desktops computers serving 10 students. With new technology, these students will be able to use programs that are currently purchased by the district and serve as an instructional tool to promote active learning in the classroom. Technology like an iPad captivates students and provides an alternative resource to aid in building critical foundational skills for their future. 

 The Junior High School’s robotics-STEM class produces students with engineering and programming skills that can segue into the High School’s programming and computer courses. The elective course is teaching math, science, engineering and technology in a different way than in the traditional classroom. Instead of students sitting and learning through lecture and worksheets, robotics gives them a way to learn in a practical and hand-on way utilizing problem solving techniques. Studies have shown that students remember things better when coupled with personal experiences and engagement. Funding for this grant will be to purchase additional equipment for the program due to increased course enrollment. Classroom supplies purchased through the project are meant to be non-consumable. These supplies will be used year in and year out. After our initial purchase of supplies, the only thing needed is replacement parts. These can be attained through fundraising, other smaller grants, and community partners. 

 This grant has three innovative ideas designed to engage students in the problem solving, collaboration and investigation. All devices will be housed with the Instructional Technology Coach at the Administration office and checked out by a teacher for purposes related to their curriculum. Google Expeditions is a brand-new Virtual Reality experience that enables teachers and students to explore new destinations through virtual field trips. VR technology provides immersive and engaging experiences for students, which can be supplemental to lesson plans in a seemingly limitless variety of subjects. The Qball is a soft, throwable wireless microphone capable of projecting the voice of the individual holding the device. This is a great way to make a class a little more engaging and fun and invites everyone to participate in classroom discussions. A Sphero is a tennis ball sized robot connected via Bluetooth to a mobile device and can be used to transform teaching and learning across various curriculum areas. All these STEM related devices will provide district teachers with more resources to incorporate into lessons and increase student problem solving and engagement. 

 The Intermediate School Library understands that a library is not just a room full of books; it also needs to be a media center where students and teachers have access to technology. The addition of 8 Chromebooks to the already existing library will create a much needed, forward thinking, project development space. The area of the library will be used for group and individual research projects, Accelerated Reading testing, group Break-out EDU activities, and other creative opportunities. The space will also provide students with access to the online card catalog where they can search for available books that interest then and for explore the online TEXQuest databases. 

 5th Grade Science – 12 5th Grade ELAR – 12 JH ELA – 11 HS LOTE – 11 

Campus leaders wanted to enhance the library experience for their students by making a flexible seating space where students could read, work in Renaissance Learning, do academic research and AR testing. Research shows that standing desks and workstations are designed specifically to improve health benefits which in turn promote improved academics and productivity. Alternative seating will allow the campus library to encourage students away from sedentary lifestyles that lead to poor health, low self-esteem, and absenteeism.  This grant serve as a foundation to accomplish many of the innovative ideas that Woods Intermediate has for the library in the next few years.  

The annual GT spring trip was tradition for many years for Intermediate students until a few years ago. Mrs. Mullin brought this experience back last year, and this year invited the Middle School students. The total cost of the trip exceeds both campus budgets. In order to try to defer some costs for the students, campus leaders asked for grant money to help supplement their costs.  

In today's classrooms, technology is being implemented more than ever. At Wills Point Junior High, they are trying to keep up with these technological demands. Chromebooks are used on a daily basis at the Junior High, most of the time, during each class period. These devices help to provide electronic delivery of instruction to all students. Teachers use them to provide technology based lessons and activities that are engaging to their students. Currently, the classrooms on the campus average 25 students. There are currently 12 Chromebooks in each class, which is a 2:1 ratio occurring; 2 students to every 1 chromebook. The campus asked the Education Foundation to provide the funds to purchase 19 more Lenovo N23 Chromebooks. This would allow 1 additional Chromebook in each classroom, ultimately putting more technology into the students' hands. The goal is to have even more Chromebooks available to students next year. 

The WPISD Bookmobile has operated for four years without using local tax dollars for support. This past year the program received a State/Title 1 grant allowing them to purchase and retrofit a motorhome into a much larger mobile library.  Many families in the district have poor or no internet service. By adding Internet service the community will have access to a free, quality internet connection inside the bookmobile. Children participating in the program will be able to have virtual experiences and access learning programs. The bookmobile also wants to reach parents by allowing them access to the internet for the parent portal, career exploration and email. The program also hopes to improve home/school communication in the future through an expanded program. 

Hands-on laboratory science experiences are critical to the learning process across all areas of study. Research has shown that students who engage in well-designed laboratory experiences develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, as well as gain exposure to reactions, materials, and equipment in a lab setting. The High School Science Department requested funding for new microscopes. Education Foundation saw this as a way to provide additional hands-on experiences to help inspire students.