Huntington Foundation Announces Mini-Grant Awards
The Huntington Foundation for Excellence in Education has announced its mini-grant awards for the 2011/12 school year. The six grants amount to more than $3,600 in value. Approved mini-grant proposals are funded at levels up to $1,000 each.
This year's approved mini-grants will fund the following initiatives:
Grant: Educational Math Games at Woodull School
Teacher: Christine Barresi
Too often students coming to AIS math do not perceive this support as motivating and interesting. By offering new opportunities that were made possible by funding this grant, the students will be able to view mathematical concepts in a game-like manner and consequently have more of an investment in understanding the material.
Grant: Shining Star in the French - Flip Camera for Finley
and Huntington High School
Teacher: Gina Marie Trigian-Molvaut
By introducing a digital camera into French language classrooms, students will be able to view and assess their strengths and weaknesses in social interaction and will be able to create original works as an expression/reflection of themselves. As a group, they will be engaged in sharing and collaborating in mini-productions that will reflect each student's individuality and unique contribution as a member of the class.
Grant: iPod Touch for the Instrumental Music Department
at Woodull School
Teacher: Tara Adams
Learning an instrument is a slow process and immediate feedback is invaluable. With the addition of 2 iPod's, a whole new realm of musical experiences will be accessible for students. Using the iPod Touch, a student will be able to use "apps" such as "The Note Trainer." There is a also a metronome, tune, flash cards, digital recorder and music player, volume meter, percussion instruments and the ability to change the speed of a recording without changing the pitch. All these devices will help improve the gap between in-school lessons and at-home practice and open doors to musical exploration outside of the classroom.
Grant: The Power of the Rubik Cube for all 6th Grade Math Teachers
Teacher: Maryann Daly
The Huntington Foundation will supply Rubik's Cube math kits to classroom teachers to offer students an opportunity to experience a unique and exciting way to learn math concepts. Critical thinking and problem solving skills of the students are expected to improve through the use of these materials. Hopefully, more youngsters will understand the concept of spatial relationships. Students will be exposed to problems related to abstract thinking using a concrete manipulative and thereby gain understanding and master important math concepts.
Grant: Wireless Airliner for a 3rd grade classroom at Flower Hill School
Teacher: Tracey McManus
Imagine a classroom where the teacher doesn't have to turn her back to students while writing something on the SMART Board. An Airliner is a wireless white board with a mouse and a drawing tool that will enable the teacher to facilitate all of the wonderful SMART Board activities while circulating throughout the classroom. It will help the teacher more easily keep track of those who need more assistance; call on those children who have the correct answer but are reluctant to raise their hand and make sure everyone is working.
Grant: Art Honor Society Beautification Project for Huntington High School
Teacher: Kasmira Mohanty and Kristin Singer
The Art Honor Society has developed a plan to add to and replace artwork around the high school's hallways through the purchase of nine 40 x 50 canvases. By improving the appearance of the school, it is hoped that student morale will rise and school spirit will increase. Student artists will have their work highlighted by displaying it in prominent locations throughout the building.
For more information about the Huntington Foundation, log onto to the Huntington School District website at www.hufsd.edu, click on the School Community link and then on the link for the Foundation.