Dr. Dan Kahler Innovative Teaching Grant Winners
2012-2013 GRANT WINNERS
More than 3,400 students who attend North Kansas City Schools are benefiting from nearly $20,000 in grants funded by the Education Foundation for the 2012-2013 school year. Grant-winning staff members were surprised during the annual Great Grant Giveaway on April 3, 2012.
For more information about the program, contact Jan Lewis at jlewis1@nkcschools.org or (816) 413-5004.
The Education Foundation’s Dr. Dan Kahler Innovative Teaching Grants Program is named for Kahler, a retired principal in the district. Since 1997, the Education Foundation has awarded 159 grants totaling approximately $182,000. Staff members and schools submit grants that demonstrate creative and effective ways to meet student needs while increasing their achievement and motivation to learn.
TEACHING GRANT WINNERS
AD Us 1.2: Eddie James, North Kansas City High School
This continuing grant is paying for additional equipment and materials that allow Advanced Marketing students to operate an advertising agency for nonprofit organizations, giving them real-world, hands-on experiences. Their client list has included the Education Foundation, Northland Assistance League, Northland Meals on Wheels and the North Kansas City Rotary Club.
Black Belt Attitude: Teaching the Most Important Techniques: Jamie Neibling, New Mark Middle School
Students in this after-school Taekwondo program learn more than blocking, punching and kicking. They also learn that the three most important martial arts techniques – respect, focus and a positive mental attitude – are needed to be successful in school and in life.
Language LaunchPad: Kristen Keilman Chadwick, Gracemor Elementary School
Kindergarteners have access to an iPad with language and literacy enrichment applications to help improve their reading skills. The technology also is used in the school’s self-contained classroom, where students with autism work to overcome communication challenges.
Technology Talks: Vanessa Robinson, Fox Hill Elementary School/New Mark Middle School
An iPad and special applications help students who require additional speech and language instruction. These hands-on tools provide an innovative and interactive way for them to practice and improve their communication skills.
SITE GRANTS
Brain and Brawn Go Together: Gena Hill, Oakwood Manor Elementary School
When cold or rain results in indoor recess, students have access to yoga equipment and XBOX Kinects to keep them physically active. The teacher is testing students’ flexibility and aerobic capacity to determine if daily exercise positively impacts classroom achievement.
Geocaching Across the Curriculum: Kristina Francis & Barbara Madden, Staley High School
Geocaching (geo = earth + caching = hidden treasure) provides creative, hands-on learning experiences for students. These GPS devices teach students longitude and latitude as they search for clues and directions that reinforce lessons in math, science and English.
Go Green in Science!: Margaret Helwig, Ravenwood Elementary School
This grant has purchased materials for the school’s recycling program and on-site organic garden, as well as equipment for a weather station in the outdoor classroom. Students collect and analyze data and provide a daily weather report during morning announcements.
How Do You Spell Science? F_U_N! Increasing Scientific & Mathematical Literacy in the Classroom Through Inquiry: Susie Helwig, North Kansas City High School
Biology, chemistry and physics classes engage in investigative science by having access to an aquarium and aerogarden purchased with grant funds. In addition, microscopes and detection kits allow the students to study Line Creek and its pollution levels.
Intervening with iPads: Topping Elementary School
Students on behavior plans set goals and monitor their progress. When they reach a predetermined milestone, they earn time with an iPad and the school’s principal or another staff member who work with them, with the goal of improving their academic success.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT GRANT
Midwest Band & Orchestra Clinic: Adam Farley, Oak Park High School/Antioch Middle School
Considered the country’s top annual music education event, this clinic offers a wealth of instructional strategies and innovative techniques for teaching students music. Information gleaned from the clinic is shared with all instrumental music teachers in the district.
