Grants take classrooms to a new level with innovation

PISD awards grants to teachers who plan to implement innovative ideas in their classroom to take learning to the next level.

Teachers have been busy as they put the funding to work, including:

Princeton Senior High School anatomy and physiology teacher Deshawn Garner was awarded a skeletal system for his classroom.

He recently worked with his students as they used the skeleton to analyze and name structures of the skeletal system, as well as bones of the skeleton.

"This introduces innovative hands-on activities that bridge anatomy and physiology with real-world applications," Deshawn Garner said. "Instead of relying solely on textbook diagrams, students will engage in active learning through model-based analysis."

The Princeton Senior High School theater department received a rolling ladder.

"The theater department and auditorium staff at the high school require a rolling ladder to enhance the safety, efficiency and functionality of our production operations," Alexa Buck said. "A rolling ladder will provide essential access to lighting fixtures, rigging and storage areas, ensuring that students and staff can perform necessary tasks with improved safety and ease."

Clark Middle School math teacher Erin Edwards was awarded a SMARTBoard for her classroom.

“Having a SMARTBoard is a great way to get the students excited about a new way to learn and interact,” Erin Edwards said. “This is another way for my students to get more practice using technology in the classroom.”

Mayfield Elementary kindergarten teacher Geneva Lofton was awarded Bee Bots, which are simple, programmable floor robots shaped like bees, designed to teach children basic programming, sequencing and problem-solving skills.

Ms. Lofton recently worked with her kinder students using the Bee Bots to reinforce several reading basics, including sight words.

“Bee-Bots enable learners to engage with technology," Ms. Lofton said. "This will provide students with a dynamic, hands-on way to explore foundational STEM concepts.”

Mayfield Elementary 3rd-grade math teacher Jodie Walker was awarded hands-on math manipulatives for her classroom.

She recently worked with her students in small groups as they solved problems and applied real-life examples as they utilized the new manipulatives.

"This project goes beyond the traditional classroom by integrating real-world applications of math," Jodie Walker said. "Students will not only learn foundational math skills but also see how these concepts apply to everyday life."

Lovelady High School ESL teachers Michaela Brannon and Mewish Nayar received language translating devices for their students.

"Translating devices help minimize the frustration and confusion of learning a second language," Michaela Brannon said. "These translation devices will also allow educators to communicate effectively with their students and help establish positive relationships."

Riley Hooks’ 4th-grade reading class at James Elementary received hands-on reading comprehension games.

"This introduces hands-on literacy centers to make reading instruction more engaging and effective," Mrs. Hooks said. "The skills will also have real-world benefits, helping students become stronger readers."

The games are interactive and serve as a valuable activity during Pride Time.

Both Harper Elementary music teacher Virginia Hicks and Green Elementary School music teacher Kameron McClure were awarded Orff percussion instruments for their campus music programs.

Ms. Hicks said these instruments stand the test of time.

"These instruments are simply music at its most elementary form," Ms. Hicks said. "They aren't going to be obsolete when the newest gizmo is released."

Ms. McClure recently worked with 1st-grade students as they played a song with the instruments.

"As our student population grows, so must the inventory," Ms. McClure said. "This allows for students to have a more hands-on and musical experience."