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Three projects designed by local teachers are to be awarded $750 grants from the Greater Cleveland County Schools’ Educational Foundation’s Charles I. Dover Teacher Incentive Program for 2007-08. Susan Beam and Jami Bumgarner of Washington Elementary, Beth Revis of Burns High School and Lynda Woods of North Shelby School will receive grants for the innovative ideas they submitted for consideration.
Mrs. Beam and Mrs. Bumgarner will provide “Happy Trails” adventures for K-5 students at Washington using the school’s nature trail to teach science, music and literary skills. Students will have age appropriate science lessons covering animal habitats, plant life and conservation in preparation of their nature walks. They also will learn folk and campfire songs and study related literature. Fifth-graders will culminate their nature trail adventures with a campfire experience and a hike that concludes with an exploration of the creek, its tributaries and animal life. Grant money will be used to purchase mini plastic aqua-terriums, water shoes, water nets, nature guide books, magnifiers and campfire song books.
Mrs. Revis sponsors an active Creative Writing Club at Burns, and will use her grant to fund production of a student literary magazine and purchase chapbooks. Magazines will be sold and the profits used to print next year’s publication. Writing Club members will submit their works and also solicit stories and poetry from other students for inclusion in the magazine. They will gain experience in magazine production and all will experience the thrill of having their work published. Students will create chapbooks of poetry that will be read aloud in a coffee-house setting such as the public library or a coffee shop. These students will gain skills in public speaking as well as writing.
Mrs. Woods’ grant will be used to provide more reading opportunities and ensure accessibility for all students in North Shelby’s new library. Additional recorded and interactive books will be purchased to provide more diverse titles in grades K-12. Students will be able to activate the books at a Listening Center and enjoy self-selected independent reading during their library period. This project mirrors North Shelby’s mission of providing specialized and individualized education and support services that empower students with the skills they need to function self-reliantly. In addition to the recorded book sets, grant funds will be used to purchase a CD/cassette recorder, and an eight-station junction box with eight headphones.
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