Spring Branch Education Foundation gives out grants to enhance innovative projects

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The Spring Branch Education Foundation continues to enhance the educational initiatives of teachers throughout the district, giving out $67,900 in grants across all campuses.

At its May Board meeting, SBEF approved grants to fund innovative education-enhancing projects throughout Spring Branch Independent School District. Each year, the Foundation calls for grant applications, up to $5,000 each, from any of its 46 school campuses. Districtwide projects are eligible for larger grants. Faculty members and volunteers are encouraged to apply.

"These Spring Branch Education Foundation grants provide students and staff with opportunities for innovative projects," said Donnie Roseman, a member of the SBEF Board of Directors and chair of the Program and Assessment Committee. "Community members make these grants possible by donating to the Foundation and by supporting its fundraisers."

The Foundation awarded four districtwide grants:

Altharetta Yeargin Art Museum – The grant will fund Road Shows that take the museum to first-grade classrooms and Study Trips for second graders who travel to the museum. A third program, Tall Tales and Art, is a community summer reading and art experience led by SBISD art teachers. All are closely coordinated with grade-level curriculum.

Houston Prep Summer Camp – This grant provides transportation for up to 75 high-performing SBISD students to the University of Houston Downtown Houston Prep Program where they will study science, technology, engineering and math. This first-time exposure to a college campus can be life-changing.

J. Landon Short Mini-Grants for Educators – This block grant provides individual grants to SBISD educators who wish to go beyond standard curricula activities and materials to enrich the learning environment. It fosters new best practices for teaching and learning.

SpringBoard Mentoring Program – Almost 600 students on 36 SBISD campuses spend an hour each week with mentors thanks to this grant. The relationships help students build self-confidence, develop communication and interpersonal skills, discover their passions and find meaningful connections between school and the future.

More Information About Spring Branch Education Foundation: Spring Branch Education Foundation is committed to supporting SBISD students and educators. It partners with the district and community to fund programs that enhance education and ̅students for the future. In 2016, Caruthers Institute ranked SBEF 42nd in the nation among 188 K-12 education foundations and in the top 10 of its division of foundations with $1 million to $1,999,999 in revenues. Since 1993, the Foundation has donated more than $10 million to the district. SBEF is a 501(c)3 organization; all donations are tax deductible. About Spring Branch education foundation Spring Branch Education Foundation is committed to supporting SBISD students and educators. It partners with the district and community to fund programs that enhance education and ̅students for the future. In 2016, Caruthers Institute ranked SBEF 42nd in the nation among 188 K-12 education foundations and in the top 10 of its division of foundations with $1 million to $1,999,999 in revenues. Since 1993, the Foundation has donated more than $10 million to the district. SBEF is a 501(c)3 organization; all donations are tax deductible.

Other grants were designated for campus projects:

Edgewood Elementary School – Peer-to-Peer Tutoring benefits second-graders who struggle with reading and third-graders who need math support as well as their tutors, older students who are emerging leaders.

Memorial High School – Chromebooks will create a digital classroom that will provide English Language Learners access to online resources and applications.

Northbrook Middle School – Students will explore T-2-4 goals by visiting schools and surrounding life experiences (museums, parks etc.). Preparations leading to these field trips will bolster students to make decisions about college and other T-2-4 decisions.

Nottingham Elementary School – In the school's new Blended Learning Lab, teachers will introduce Chromebooks to increase access, equity and engagement into personalized learning.

Pine Shadows Elementary School – Flexible seating options (fitness balls, stools, lap desks, etc.) and one-on-one technology will help fourth-grade students take ownership of their learning.

Ridgecrest Elementary School – The school is expanding its Action-Based Learning labs to include third- through fifth-graders, based on the success of the labs for younger students and data that exercise boosts brain function. Action-based learning increases academics and engagement and decreases negative behavior.

Spring Branch Middle School – Eighth-grade science classes will benefit from online learning and language support for English Language Learners. This is especially useful for students who do not have access to technology at home.

Spring Woods and Northbrook High Schools – High school juniors and seniors who interact with senior citizens in community engagement activities will participate in college visits, SAT reviews and more to prepare them for T-2-4 opportunities.

Stratford High School – New iMacs will be added to the school's photography lab where students edit photos and create photography books and artist websites.

Terrace Elementary School – The fifth-grade book club library will increase by 100 books that represent the school's student population. Familiar authors and characters motivate students to read.

The Tiger Trail School – Picnic tables will furnish the school's outdoor classroom for science/art activities, book read-alouds and social interaction.

Woodview Elementary School – Parents will be invited to school to hear about topics ranging from Homework Help to Using Love and Logic. The library will be open for parents to see or use the electronic tools available to their children.

"We encourage PTAs, principals and teachers to apply for these grants," Thompson said. Community members who wish to support a specific program at a designated campus can make a tax-deductible donation to the Foundation and earmark it for that school. Call 713.251.2381 or visit springbrancheducationfoundation.com for more information.