Springfield Schools Foundation is a non-profit, community-based organization that promotes excellence and innovation in Springfield Local Schools.  With the help of parents, staff, alumni and local business leaders, the Foundation’s volunteer board has raised over $150,000 to support high impact, teacher-initiated programs that enrich the educational experience for all Springfield students.  We appreciate your support of Springfield Schools Foundation! 

Spring 2013 Classroom Grant Winners Announced  

“I’m Done.  What Can I Do Now?” 
- Debora Weidman (Holland Elementary)
When kindergarten students complete their station work, they will have a variety of independent learning activities from which to choose while waiting for the next station rotation.  This will allow students to continue practicing kindergarten skills while the teacher is providing small group instruction.

“Can You Survive an Earthquake?”
- Amy Merrill-Wyatt (SMS Technology)
 Students will design an earthquake-proof building and then test it by simulating an actual earthquake.  Through this experience, students will learn about the geological processes that result in earthquakes and the physical forces that affect buildings during such events.

“Making Meaningful Connections with Literature Using Glogster, Google, and Edmodo on the Galaxy Tab 2”
- Jamie Lenox & Lisa Stirn (SMS Language Arts)
The use of Android Galaxy tablets will provide the means for teachers to upload documents, quizzes, videos, etc.  The tablets will also allow students to use free social networking to create a digital “book report” and share it with their classmates and others, and then hold online book discussions.

“Programming Our Minds”
- Lisa Holden (SMS Technology)
The purchase of additional Lego Mindstorm Robots will aid the new technology teacher in teaching how computers work in general and what students need to do to get the best results from any program they use. Students will better understand both the computer’s limits and its possibilities.

“Integration of Technology with Reciprocal Teaching” 
- Shannon Gwozdz  (Dorr Elementary)
The purchase of three Hover Cam T3’s will enable the teachers to project the pages of any book for teaching reading comprehension.  The document cameras will also aid students in learning the concepts of predictions, strategies, finding answers, and summarizing.

“Black Light Painting”
- Jessica Cancio (Holloway/Dorr Elementary Art)
With inspiration gained from Rousseau’s “Tiger in a Tropical Storm,” students will draw their own jungle animal. Then, the students will paint their animals using neon
paints and black lights, implementing an entirely new approach to creating art.

“iPad and PE”
- Brad Kerns (Dorr Elementary, Physical Education)                    
With the use of the iPad 2, the teacher will be able to videotape students performing skills.  These videotapes can be used to help students evaluate themselves and make changes to master skills.  It will also provide the teacher another means to report information about student progress.