Enriching Gifted Minds with Coding - Requesting coding robots to enrich the academic lessons with coding. We are requesting three different types of robots to work in conjunction with the TEKS to create lesson that will enhance learning.  Students will use Bee Bots, Dash, and Artie to learn simple coding techniques. This requires critical thinking skills and understanding of directional words. Students will use critical thinking to assess not only the TEK being taught, but will use coding skills to solve problems that will show mastery of the TEK or objective.

Students will plan and work as a team using sophisticated reasoning skills to code the Robot to correctly answer the problem at hand, all while mastering the TEK. The task is not only challenging, but students enjoy solving problems while collaboratively working with their team. 

Creativity in Physical Education - K-8 PE educators would like to request a shared Gaga Pit and 9-Square net. Both of these items would be used and shared throughout the district. Each is easily transported with ease of set-up and movement. Each of these physical activities develops strategic thinking, and incorporates agility, jumping, striking and dodging skills. Students will not lose interest and they develop hand-eye coordination and skills that will translate to other sports as they grow.

Storytelling Kits for Students - The special education students at Blackburn Elementary are in need of engaging visual literacy books. This will help students meet their IEP goals of being able to sit for a period of time, their reading comprehension, and recall a story. Most special education students, specifically students in the Academic Behavior Learning Environment class, are visual learners.

Theatre light board/lights - Our Fine arts campus is in need of lighting. Lighting equipment is so expensive but so crucial to helping show students the importance of visual elements in a show and how it can change the mood and tone of a story. These lights would also impact all fine arts enrichment classes for our yearly showcases such as our production on PAN this December.

Liven Up Genius Hour with a D.R.E.A.M. Studio -  At AAFAA, our students participate in research opportunities called Genius Hour. During this time, students are allowed to pursue their interests and become the genius of their unique topics. The goal of this grant is to create a DREAM (Design, Record, Edit, Animate and Make) Studio for our students to be able to take their learning and present it in true 21st century ways. This would be a space for all of our AAFAA students to utilize their creativity to its fullest potential, all while learning skills that prepare them for future careers that have not existed before.

Bee-Bot -  I would like to apply for a set of Terrapin robots. Bee-Bot is an exciting robot designed specifically for use by young children. This colorful, easy-to-operate, and friendly little robot is a perfect tool for teaching sequencing, estimation, problem-solving, and just having fun! This will be an in class extension used during genius hour/ enrichment for our K-2 Gifted/ Fine Art Academy. These Robots will service approximately 198 students at our campus. I would like to create a portable system to transfer the bots from class to class. Terrapin offers several learning bundles in addition to the bee bot to teach a wide variety of lessons while introducing coding and enhancing thinking skills.

STEM for Special Needs: From Cradle to Career -  The special education team at Blackburn Elementary/ Advanced Academic and Fine Arts Academy serves students in grades K-5. We have both an attendance zone and a gift and talented side, as well as an Academic Behavior Learning Environment (ABLE) unit on our campus.

STEM opportunities are sometimes only available to gifted and talented students, and special needs students are excluded from these experiences. We believe that providing this exposure to our students will spark their natural curiosity and build mental connections between ideas and mathematical and engineering concepts.   In the resource room, we never have more than 6 kids in at one time. This is the perfect amount of students to work together to complete the tasks outlined in the materials.

Pottery For Brown Middle Art Department -  We are requesting two professional pottery wheels as an addition to ceramics curriculum currently taught at Brown Middle School. Students will be introduced to throwing pottery on a wheel during Art classes which include Art 1, Art 2 and Advanced Art 2. Having these resources will permit the art department to open additional opportunities to students, faculty and the community by hosting extracurricular workshops. These opportunities will give students an opportunity to strengthen their tactile proficiency which is a paramount concern as our students increase their dependency on digital resources. We will measure the efficacy of these resources through observation of student achievement, growth of extra curricular groups and community interest.

Archery Equipment For Brown Middle School -  We are asking for the needed equipment to start a student archery program at Brown Middle School. We believe that introducing students to archery meets the need for physical exercise, personal discipline, while exposing students to an activity that they can enjoy over the course of their lifetime. Additionally this allows students to compete on the field of competition that may not meet the standard expectations of athletic abilities.

Lights, Camera, Action! -  Rather than it being "just another elective," our broadcast journalism students have quickly realized that this could be an actual career path. From anchoring, to producing, to operating the camera, there are so many pieces that make a fantastic broadcast team. To simulate the real-world by using up-to-date equipment, this grant will provide materials that allow students to fully simulate a real broadcast crew and learn the logistics behind the camera.

Math Fanatics -  The math team will use these materials to enrich the learning environment and provide a hands -on learning experience for the students to support the 7th grade TEKS.7.3(B) apply and extend previous understandings of operations to solve problems using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of rational numbers. 7.11(A) model and solve one‐variable, two‐step equations and inequalities. Students will engage in hands-on activities that will enrich the students learning environment and help them to continue to show growth.
 

Flexible Seating Grant -  We are proposing flexible seating for our classrooms. Seating Options would include Standing desks, Tall Stools and Tall Tables, Floor seating options, cushioned stools, Bouncy chairs, bungee chairs.

Math and Success ADD Up -  All students in 8th grade are able to use a calculator on all assignments, assessments, and even STAAR tests/benchmarks. This year, Forney ISD shifted to the use of the Desmos program for the calculator. Since this calculator is a new program on the computer, the use of a 10-key and mouse would be beneficial for all students to use the calculator swiftly and with ease. The teachers are continuing to teach content, but are also trying to teach how to use Desmos, and with a 10-key and regular mouse, the students will be able to move quicker and focus on content instead of a new calculator.

Don't Let Your Education ESCAPE You -  The best learning happens in the classroom when students don’t realize that they are learning because they are so immersed in the experience. This grant would provide all core-content teachers on our campus with access to ready-to-use escape room kits for facilitation within their classrooms. Each kit covers 10 TEKS, with most being readiness standards or supporting standards that students must have a deepened knowledge of. The work students must do to escape the rooms not only strengthens content knowledge, but helps students to develop critical thinking, social emotional learning, cooperative learning, and metacognitive strategies.

Powerful Partners with Parents: The 3 Ps of Effective Communication -  This grant proposal is requesting a parent resource library for psycho-educational books that will assist our parents in communicating, resolving conflict, disciplinary measures, and empowering their children effectively. In conjunction with the resource library, a bi-monthly topic will be selected based on a book and additional development opportunities will be offered to parents either in-person or written.

Adaptive Equipment for students with special needs -  Claybon Elementary houses 3 specialized units for students served through self-sustained special education. Our students have very high needs that must be met through a variety of sources. We currently have 4 students in wheelchairs, one student who is labeled visually impaired, and multiple students with sensory needs. We would like the opportunity to provide these students with a multisensory input opportunity through these sensory panels. We have a Motor Lab that is used specifically for students served in our units. These panels would be a great!

The Wonder of Wonderbooks -  In 1st grade we have a lot of emerging, and bilingual readers. Because of this we often use books on the computer or tapes and CD’s to read to them. It is very difficult for them to understand the outdated technology still being used in some of our classrooms. And, although the computer is effective, my desire is to get a book in their hands - a book where they can look at the pictures and turn the pages themselves. I have recently discovered Wonder Books at a public library. After checking it out, and allowing students to use it in stations, I was hooked. The students loved it, and it reads to them! It gives them a sound to turn the page, and it also has a place to insert headphones. The magic of a Wonder Book is that the students were so excited to listen to it, and it was very easy for them to understand how to play, or pause, or restart the story.

Short Circuits -  As a district of innovation our goal should be to improve/start computer science instruction at our campus and enhance hands-on learning using STEM products and solutions that support inquiry-based and active learning. Student learning will be significantly impacted with the underlying outcomes developed through these STEM activities that reach beyond the classroom walls: collaboration/ teamwork, critical thinking, creativity/ imagination and communication. Sphero BOLT programmable robots will teach students programming while completing educational activities. This robotics kit has everything educators need to teach robotics and coding skills in the classroom through hands-on STEM learning.

SPED Resources -  Requesting reading program kits specifically designed for students with special needs.

Rox Girls Group -  I would like to request start up funds for the ROX Group for Girls certification, curriculum, and student participants. Girls are struggling with self-confidence, difficulty managing stress, anxiety, lacking in STEM and AP courses, managing conflict with other girls & attempting to navigate social media. These challenges are holding girls back from reaching their full potential. As the national leader in research focused on girls, ROX provides support, motivation, connection and education to girls in challenging areas of their lives. Grounded in research, data-driven and professionally delivered, the ROX Program for Girls addresses the non-academic needs of female students in schools across the U.S.

Immersed in Math at Crosby -  We are striving to maximize our school day by immersing our students in math in all areas of the school. Crosby Elementary will be practicing math facts and skip counting while waiting in the hallway, playing math games when they finish breakfast or lunch and at recess, and incorporating addition and multiplication relays in PE. This grant would fund the materials necessary to implement these activities and assist with building and reinforcing foundational math skills that are vital for student success.

Environmental Water Monitoring -  Water quality testing is used in environmental science to identify potential sources of contamination, associated pollution impacts, and remediation techniques. As a major component of environmental content, water quality testing equipment can be used in lab investigations within every major topic covered throughout the school year. Additionally, students would be able to conduct water quality readings with in-class ecocolumns to learn about the water cycle within a variety of ecosystems. This offers students a way to experience a variety of real world situations that would otherwise be restricted by geographic limitations. Project funding would be designated toward the purchase of wireless sensors which test for five of the major water quality parameters including dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, nitrate ion, and conductivity. These innovative probes are wireless and have the ability to connect to student chromebooks via bluetooth or usb wired ports. Data readings are transmitted to the chromebooks quickly and offer a graphical data analysis option.

Pocket Translators -  These pocket translators offer 82 different languages on the device to translate to and from English. These innovative translators allow students to ask questions in their language, see what the English answer would be and then allows them to use that to learn English faster. It would also give teachers the ability to check for understanding and provide support for their students in real time while giving them the opportunity to hear the English language.

Life Skills/Daily Living -  The Daily Living classes in the Life Skills unit are in need of new kitchen equipment. Our current inventory is either rusted, dented, broken, or missing. Our students learn to prepare simple meals. Students and teachers create recipe cards with removable (Velcro) tags that can be moved when steps are complete. Students also make video journals of steps to complete a recipe, best presentation practices, and clean up routines. The students create video portfolios and share their work with family members. Students also prepare and serve a holiday meal and invite a favorite teacher or staff member to join them. These activities prepare students not just for independent living, but also for future employment in the culinary field.

Rubber Specimens for Dissection Science/CTE Labs -  The Science and CTE department at FHS are requesting a grant to help purchase rubber specimens for dissections. These specimens may be reused by different teachers at different times during the year. This would replace the repeat purchase of preserved specimens.

Jackrabbit Forensic Comparison Set -  We are requesting two digital comparison microscopes. One will be for the freshman hall that will be added to FHS and the other will be for the upper-class building. A comparison microscope is a device used to analyze side-by-side specimens. It consists of two microscopes connected by an optical bridge, which results in a split view window enabling two separate objects to be viewed simultaneously. For our purposes, this comparison microscope will be a fantastic tool that can be used by most of our science departments including Forensic Science, Environmental Science and Biology.

Tooling for Tech Theater -  Teaching students to be smart with their hands prepares them for the trades. Common sense develops from an intelligence seen and experienced. You cannot google and obtain confidence you have to grow into it. The tooling I am requesting helps them to experience a greater level of aesthetic expression resulting in the growth of common sense and leadership capabilities. We need an industrial grade bandsaw and an extension for the scaffold.

Wired For Success -  With the growth in Forney's student population, there is an increased need for lab equipment. One area where the shortfall is particularly acute is in the area of physics lab equipment.

Currently, we have six circuit board trainers, and these have served us well. For example, using these trainers allowed last year's AP Physics students to complete the circuits unit almost exclusively in hands-on lab activities. The students reported that these lab activities improved their understanding, and this was backed up by test scores.

However, the circuit trainers work best in small group activities where each student gets to take an active role. With only six circuit trainers and increased enrollment, small lab groups are not currently possible. Thus we are requesting a grant to purchase six more of the Vernier Circuit Board 2 trainers and accompanying power supplies

Vocational Portfolios -  Senior High and adult students with disabilities will create both concrete and digital vocational portfolios. Portfolios will include resumes, work samples, communication supports and any evaluations or certifications. The portfolio will grow with the student. These portfolios will be an important part of supporting students with disabilities as they seek gainful employment.

Bilingual Dictionaries in all ELAR Classrooms -  As an ESL and Eng II - Adv. teacher, I would like to see every classroom with Spanish-English dictionaries for the entire ELAR dept. This will allow for students to have better communication between themselves and their teachers, while even learning to speak with their peers. These students are becoming more and more prevalent in our schools and I want to ensure that they can have every possible tool at their disposal. As part of their growth plan, they must also be able to speak on a test and to others. Having these dictionaries will help them gain confidence to speak without fear.

No Phone? No Problem! -  I am asking for a tripods and photoboxes to photograph their artwork and upload to the apps we need to use for Artsonia and VASE. We would just like the proper equipment to show everyone else how amazing our art students are! They will be able to photograph their own artwork and upload it directly to the Artsonia app/website, which is a fundraising program we use. It also allows for friends/family to interact with the students' online portfolios as well as buy items with their art work printed on it. 

Gardening for Growth and Nutrition -  We started a school garden in August. Our students would like to continue with a spring garden in January. This garden has allowed us to increase learning across multiple core subjects as well as meeting social and emotional needs. Each student has chosen, from a wide variety of garden vegetables, what they wanted to grow personally. This has been a fun project that we would very much like to continue with your much needed help.

IXL Math Grant Request -  A thorough foundation in basic math computations is necessary for student success in higher grades. In recent years, students in early childhood education have missed some of the basics. In my experience in using IXL Math (and other IXL programs), students have been able to experience a hands-on approach in mastering various concepts.

IXL allows the instructor to assign specific TEKS where students may need additional support. With the proper components, lessons may be aligned as necessary. This program is easy for the teacher to assign and easy for the teacher to use, with thorough analytics.

IXL Math Grant Request -  A thorough foundation in basic math computations is necessary for student success in higher grades. In recent years, students in early childhood education have missed some of the basics. In my experience in using IXL Math (and other IXL programs), students have been able to experience a hands-on approach in mastering various concepts.


IXL allows the instructor to assign specific TEKS where students may need additional support. With the proper components, lessons may be aligned as necessary. This program is easy for the teacher to assign and easy for the teacher to use, with thorough analytics.

STEM Program -  I would like to start a STEM program at my school, Griffin Elementary. I would like to be apart of the state of Texas FLL Lego competition, next year. I would start with third grade first, with three lego robots. I would teach the students on how to code and also train them on how to build the robots for competition. STEM would cross all subject domains and TEKS for the 21 century learner. Each year I would add on another grade level. This year I would like to offer this opportunity to the 163 third graders that we serve.

ENGAGING all students -  Adolescents who participate in extracurricular activities demonstrate higher levels of academic achievement, greater character development, greater social development, and a greater sense of the importance of community involvement. We would like to provide the opportunity for 30 economically disadvantaged 3rd and 4th graders to participate in the after school program ENGAGE, offered by Forney ISD. We would award 10 scholarships per quarter.

Building Strong Readers - Our goal is 85% of students reading at grade level. We are providing targeted interventions with small groups of students. The Go Phonics resources will supplement the district’s curriculum. The decodable readers and phonics games will aid small groups to enhance concepts being taught in class. Not only will this complement our current curriculum, it will assist in bridging gaps in student learning. It has the added advantage of giving students additional materials to work with. 

Full Day Pre K -  In need of developmentally appropriate state curriculum items for the full day Pre K program.

Library and Listening Center -  This project will motivate students to read, comprehend text read aloud, and learn phonological awareness skills, alphabet knowledge, and print concepts while in the library and listening center.

School Counselor Toolbox -  While COVID is behind us (mostly) and teachers work to fill learning and achievement gaps, there is one area that students and parents are still struggling with...social emotional skills. Through Love and Logic parent training and SEL tools for therapy, parents, students, and staff would benefit by working to develop a collaborative understanding of the SEL needs of our students. Love and Logic will benefit parents through direct training from a certified trainer and provide them with tools to utilize at home. While at school, SEL tools will assist students in understanding and regulating their emotions in order to provide them with a greater sense of self-efficacy and cognizance of the world around them.

Corresponding Calming Corners -  We want to provide every classroom on campus with corresponding calming corners. This will be a specific location in each classroom that is equipped with tools that students can be taught to use in order to regulate their feelings. These corners will be utilized should a student become frustrated, sad, angry or even tired.

Enrichment : Be the best you can be! - Everyday life is a whirlwind of social-emotional learning (SEL) opportunities and challenges that shape who you are as an individual. From being confident in yourself to knowing how to deal with difficult situations, the collaborative activities in Emote Control will challenge students to recognize ways to be their best selves, no matter what life throws at them. Stress? Relationships? Self-control? No problem when you learn to take control with Emote Control!

Process Champion Student Recognition -  Our process champion team would like to continue building our campus community and support our student liaison subcommittee through recognizing our students with a raffle drum. This would allow us to host large scale recognition during lunch periods, pep rallies, and sporting events. This item could be used across all settings and impact the whole student population.

Enrichment For Middle School -  This will give students ideas of career path and what it takes for this to happen. All in a Day’s Work - Doctors and lawyers and teachers, oh my! What do YOU want to be when you grow up? Explore the inner workings of common and not so common occupations. Ever heard of a golf ball diver? What about a hippotherapist or a human mannequin? No matter the job, it’s all in a day’s work!

Robotics Club -  STEM and computational skills are in high demand in every industry within the workforce. Robotics is a fun, creative, and hands-on way to build these skills. VEX Robotics hosts the world’s largest robotics competition for students all over the world to compete against one another using a robot of their own design. Technology Applications students would have the opportunity to see their coding in action as well as use design thinking to record their creation processes in an engineers notebook.

Novels - We, as an 8th grade ELAR team, would love to broaden the variety of novels we currently have at Jackson Middle School. Student choice is important when it comes to engagement, comprehension, and overall enjoyment in reading! Providing us with four new sets of novels would help with the selection students have.

Building thinking Classrooms in Mathematics -  A thinking classroom is a classroom that is not only conducive to thinking but also occasions thinking, a space that is inhabited by thinking individuals as well as individuals thinking collectively, learning together, and constructing knowledge and understanding through activity and discussion. In a thinking classroom, students work daily with different groups of students in the class on non-permanent vertical surfaces, such as chalkboards or dry erase whiteboards.

Bringing Social Emotional Learning Home - To make the strategies in the classroom reach their full potential, we must create a climate that supports social and emotional learning at school and at home. I propose a book club for fathers, 'FEED' (For Emotionally Empowering Dads). We would discuss the "inner lives of boys", examine our beliefs about boys, "boy behavior" and how it lived out at home and school. Middle school facilitates inevitable events in a boy's life and it's critical for them to know that their fathers understand how they feel and they are there to support them. With that said, I am requesting 21 copies of "Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys.

Phonics Phun for Everyone! - Imagine sitting down with your family at night, pulling your child’s book out of their backpack, and witnessing a huge meltdown. Your child screams “I don’t know how to read.” Even with your help, your child is guessing at words, making up the story by looking at the pictures, and is very frustrated with reading. Now, imagine your child confidently naming the letter sounds, stretching out phonemes and blending sounds together to accurately read words. Purchasing “Phonics Books” will promote confident, skilled readers. Students will be able to use these books at school and at home to practice the phonics skills and patterns we are learning in class. We want reading success for ALL students at Johnson. No more tears, bring on amazing reading years!

Stations on the Go -  We have just moved into a beautiful new building with tons of places to learn outside of the classroom. We have common areas, outdoor learning patios, the Hub, additional outside locations, etc. We also have students who are struggling with math concepts and need small group instruction and practice. We want to move our learning out of the standard classroom. In order to do this, we need additional manipulatives and supplies to encourage and support our learning. We have worked on building up science learning supplies, but now need to focus on math. We need to close our gaps and could really make a big impact with these few items.

Reading is in the bag - We have spent a lot of time and money to provide our students with the best classroom library book selections. We allow students to "check out" books from our personal libraries to extend their reading and a sturdy bag allows them to carry their books from class to class as well as common areas in our school. Our students would be able to take their books to read on the patio and in our common areas while staying protected. Due to the sturdy material of these bags we hope to use them for a minimum of 2-3 years.

Panther Pastries! -  Panther Pastries! would provide an opportunity for our students in our special education programs (Resource and ABLE) to make treats for the staff, deliver the treats, and practice many skills along the way! Some of the skills that would be covered include: Math concepts (fractions, measuring, financial literacy, basic addition and subtraction), speech and social skills practice (asking questions, waiting for answers, responding appropriately), ELAR concepts: students will make flyers to share with the teachers which would help meet goals regarding using complete sentences, correct capitalization, punctuation, etc., Science: cover mixtures and solutions, hot and cold, and making observations based on senses.

PK Dual Team Request -  We are requesting various Early Childhood items that will facilitate the development of essential language, early literacy, math, and motor skills in playful and purposeful ways.

Self-Soothing in a Stressful Spot - SPOT is a visual-focused social-emotional learning program that empowers adolescents to embrace their feelings and meet them head-on with coping strategies. This promotes self-advocacy through healthy relationships with uncomfortable emotions. The students we serve need significant guidance in identifying and understanding how they and others feel. This program would be implemented during their scheduled social skill lessons and behavioral support times. With the visual and kinesthetic supports embedded in SPOT, our students will learn to independently process their feelings and achieve emotional self-sufficiency.

Class Library -  I am requesting additional books for my class library. I would like to expand my library with both fiction and nonfiction books to reinforce the skills that I am teaching in class. These books would give students to material to practice reading skills independently and also increase students reading stamina.

North Forney Robotics Team -  The North Forney High School robotics team is seeking funding for starter materials in order to compete in robotics competitions and supply materials for robotics classes starting in the 23-24 school year. The request includes a VEX Competition Super Kit and a V5 Systems Bundle. The North Forney robotics team is in its infancy and is competing for the first time during the 22-23 school year. In addition to competition, this equipment will be used for robotics classes at North Forney planning to start 23-24. The benefits of studying robotics for secondary students include practical applications of science and math, social-emotional learning, critical thinking, leadership, community involvement and more. Funding this grant will have a significant positive impact on a nascent program and will help to cultivate its long-term success.

Fun & Games for Social Gains - This initiative will provide healthy alternatives for students to engage with others during their lunch period by providing a mobile cart in the cafeteria filled with games, reading, and art materials that students can borrow. Board games build social skills, promote critical thinking, deductive reasoning and logic all within a safe, encouraging, fun environment. We hope these items will promote relationship-building and provide students with accessible ways to connect with one another. Additionally, we would provide some reading and art materials such as adult coloring books that could also be borrowed for use during the lunch period for those students who wish to have an activity to do individually.

Activities Build Culture Grant -  North Forney High School Student Council is dedicated to inspiring students and staff to reach their True North. We do that by providing meaningful opportunities to connect, have fun, and celebrate. We are seeking supplies to make posters to recognize our programs and build spirit in our halls and for a popular game called "Nine Square in the Air." We are confident that being provided with this grant will allow us to continue our great work. Campus culture matters and activities build culture.

Autopsy Cadaver - The majority of forensic evidence learning in our program is done with models of actual evidence. At this time, North Forney does not have a model of a human body to learn from during our autopsy unit in Forensics and our investigations of the structures in the human body in the Anatomy classes. I believe it will benefit our Forensic and Anatomy classes to be able to have an autopsy cadaver that is anatomically correct for our students to learn more about the structure and relationship of human body parts using a hands on approach.

Science in our Grasp! -  "Science in our Grasp!" involves bringing two hands-on science events to Rhea Intermediate. Thus, bringing science to the students' grasp with hands-on experiences, as well as having STAAR mastery in these areas within our grasp!

In the first event, each class will experience a visit from the Perot Museum who will host a class-wide experimental event, called "What's the Matter?" for 5 teachers.

The second event involves the Perot Museum hosting a Family Night on the topic of Earth and Space. Up to 500 guests will experience hands-on experiences involving Earth, space, weather and rockets at this community-friendly event designed for students to experience our objectives with their guardian.

The Watsons Go to Birmingham Novel Study - Reading is fundamental in improving student learning! I want my students to be engaged and really enjoy the books they read. When students are engaged, their comprehension levels increase. One of the books on the FISD Approved Reading list for 5th grade is The Watsons Go to Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis. In this book, Curtis creates characters that students today can empathize with and has a plot that is fun to read. The subject of this novel will bring diversity to our campus novel library.

Innovative Science Classroom - Opportunities for hands-on learning in the classroom has a significant impact on overall student learning. Teaching standards in a way that engages students in real-world, inquiry-based science lessons is important. Not only does this help with memory and retention of material, but also helps students see why what they're learning is important and how it actually connects to their own life. Hands-on lessons will provide more opportunities for practicing science and less memorizing science.

Holes by Louis Sachar Novel Study -  Reading is fundamental in improving student learning! I want my students to be engaged and really enjoy the books they read. When students are engaged, their comprehension levels increase. One of the books on the FISD Approved Reading list for 5th grade is Holes by Louis Sachar. In this book, Sachar creates characters that students today can empathize with and has a plot that is fun to read. Many of the novels on my campus are in the genre of historical fiction. Holes is set in more modern times and would add some literary diversity to our campus novel library.

SLC Mobile Snack Shack - I would like to purchase a cart and supplies for my students to have a "snack bar" that services the teachers. We would make shopping lists, budgets, follow recipes to have a rolling snack bar that comes around to each classroom sometime throughout the day and offers snack choices for teachers to purchase. I would like to have themed days where we make things such as coke floats, trick or treat bags, no back pies (Thanksgiving), etc. We can work on taking orders, taking money, making change, giving receipts and preparation of the snacks.

Our children will have more of a presence in the school and interact more with other staff which encourages their speech goals. The students will see them interacting more throughout the school which builds a more inclusive environment. My students and all staff and students at Rhea will feel like more of a "Forney Family" because we are including all members. My students will learn that they have something to contribute and can have a job one day.

Rockets - The 6th grade Science team would like to request the purchase of Estes Rocket Kits and equipment. Everything in the kit is reusable except for the engines. Students will be working in groups to build and launch a real rocket. Each student will be playing a role such as: Mission Control, Safety Officer, Mission Commander, Engineer Officer

Lego Education Sets for STEM -  These sets are requested for 6th grade STEM students. SPIKE™ Prime engages all students in thinking critically, analyzing data, and prototyping creative hands-on solutions for complex problems with real-world relevance. From easy-entry lessons to advanced experiences, students of all learning levels build their confidence and resilience along with the 21st-century skills that are vital to their future success.

Let's Engage with Math - Every year I have students who feel like they are simply not good at math and never will be. My job is to help them challenge this thought. I feel like the best way to do this is by providing them with opportunities to truly experiment with and think about the math concepts that we are learning. The best way to do this is with manipulatives and games. The supplies that I would receive from this generous grant would allow me to help my students challenge their beliefs about their math abilities as they truly engage with math in my classroom.

Whole World in Their Hands -  This grant request is to purchase world atlases for the 6th grade Social Studies classrooms. The 6th grade curriculum is World Geography and Cultures. Students have so many questions about where in the world the places we learn about are located. Having these atlases will allow the 6th grade students a comprehensive atlas they can reference at any time to enhance their understanding of their place in the world and how humans and the planet interact. The atlases will benefit the entire social studies department while enhancing the students geography skills and global awareness.

Raz-Plus - I am requesting a subscription to Raz-Plus for my 5th Grade Basic ELAR students. This resource will allow me to do several things. One, I can print out guided reading books for my students to use in the classroom with me and that I can also send home with them for additional fluency practice. The students in my class are several grades behind in reading, and the books I have available at school through LLI are too advanced for them. I struggle to find books at my students' levels that are not babyish. Secondly, I can also assign my students books to read online while I am working with groups. This will help accelerate their fluency and comprehension while working individually, instead of this only being limited to when they are working with me in a group. The online books will give me data in real time on how the students are doing with comprehension, and also has tools so they can record themselves reading for fluency practice. Other things included in this resource are ELL supports, skill practice, phonics and more. I have used this resource previously in another district and found it very easy to use while also being effective.

Artists Advancing Academics - To create great art, students need the proper tools of the trade. Our grant proposal would equip our students with all the tools they need to really develop their drawing skills and create true art. We are asking for basic artists’ staples that can be used several times a year for many years to come. This includes easels, drawing boards, aprons, and paintbrushes. These professional tools will give our students the confidence to inspire innovation.

Innovation Cubed - Since its innovative debut in 1974, the Rubik's Cube has continued to fascinate, bewilder and challenge people of all ages. The process of solving a Rubik's Cube nurtures critical thinking, problem-solving, mathematical reasoning, collaborative teamwork and social-emotional skills. This project will allow students to successfully learn the algorithm for solving a Rubik's Cube while also making mathematical and engineering connections related to its innovative and functional design. Once students master solving a Rubik’s cube, they will learn how to translate a meaningful photo into a pixelated image and work collaboratively to recreate it into a mosaic using Rubik's Cubes.

3D Printing - This grant request is for the purchase of a 3D printer and some accessories. This printer will serve two functions. 1. It will be used to allow students to print 3D models of designs they create as part of the 3D Modeling Club. 2. This printer can be used to print models for use in teaching.

Reading Intervention - In order to support student reading needs and help close or minimize gaps we are in dire need of extra reading materials and curriculum. With this campus being an intermediate school with reading standards focused on comprehension, these students can not master the necessary skills without their foundational phonemic awareness skills being met. Due to our unique needs at this campus we currently have a Reading Interventionist and a Learning loss teacher that will be sharing these materials with ELAR teachers in order to provide research based interventions.

Scholastic Scope - This application is requesting a year's subscription to the Scholastic Scope magazines for all of our 5th and 6th graders to use in their ELAR classrooms. There will be 8 sets of magazines for each classroom along with a digital platform the students can use while in their ELAR classes. The digital component also includes impactful lessons centered around the high-interest, multigene texts.

Functional Task Boxes - I would love to provide functional task boxes for my students. Task boxes are typically independent activities that target a specific goal. These goals include life skills and fine motor skills as well as academic skills. These task boxes will not only increase their skills but will also give the students a hands-on approach to learning.

Click Click Boom! Cameras in the Art Room! - To purchase digital cameras that the students can use to both learn the art of photography as well as to document and photograph the artwork they create throughout the year. We will be able to expand our lessons across our curriculum to include photography which will boost students' self esteem, teach them a new technical skill and introduce them in a more formal way to a possible future career. Having the use of a camera will expand the options for projects and students will immediately be learning in a new way. We will be able to use the cameras to create one of a kind artwork as well as to create and add to their digital portfolio on the Artsonia platform. This website allows our students to not only create an online portfolio, but also allows their family to interact with them; leaving them positive feedback and helping them gain confidence as students and artists. Parents and relatives view the art online, leave comments, and order keepsakes with the art imprinted. Artsonia then donates 20% of the purchases back to our school's art program. With students not having cell phones to snap a picture in the classroom, we see now more than ever, that we need a way to take photos in the art room!

Drum Fun - Research shows learning music increases overall academic performance because the student uses multiple parts of the brain. Drums are the perfect addition to music class because they are accessible to students of all abilities. In regards to social-emotional learning (which is also shown to increase academic achievement), drumming is proven to reduce anxiety and stress. Drum circles provide a sense of community and interpersonal support among students. Drums allow for a student-led classroom experience with engaged learners. For these reasons, this project seeks to equip the music classroom at Willett Elementary with tubano drums.

Innovative Interaction with the Qball - Using the Qball in the classroom engages the whole student body. This interactive project promotes personal interaction and strengthens inclusion. Students use the device to answer open-ended questions, during a guided discussion or to assess students’ knowledge of the common core. This project is feedback-based and process-driven. This device is an innovative tool to engage students. Students improve and share their understanding of concepts taught. It can be used in almost all settings and any subject that requires oral communication and listening. Students enjoy passing the Qball all the while gaining confidence, growing SEL skills, and growing their critical thinking.

Engaging Exceptional Learners - The students receiving special education services at Willett Elementary are in need of learning materials to meet all learning styles. We want to help them progress with their educational skills and enjoy learning. Many of our students have Autism and are in need of sensory items to help them reduce anxiety and promote participation in all classroom settings. We are requesting fun learning materials and sensory items to help all of our special education students at Willett Elementary.

Hangout Huggle  - We are requesting a hang out hugglepod. It would be a great addition for a cool down corner and our sensory needs for friends. It helps regulate their emotions to continue to de-escalate them.

Sensory Super Stations - Our students use a variety of sensory tools and equipment as a part of their learning. Sensory activities including tracing letters in sand to improve letter recognition and designated tools to improve self-regulation and social emotional development are all important parts of our student’s educational experiences. As an effort to help our students grow these skills, we use sensory tables to incorporate sand, rice, water and other mediums to improve letter recognition by tracing and to develop fine motor skills. We also use blocks, Legos and other build-able items that are essential in construction. These items enhance spatial awareness, measurement and rote counting through one-to-one correspondence. With the Jonti-Craft sensory table, the UTEX Construction play table and the Light Sandbox Activity table by LightSandbox, we will be able to work with our students to help them in the development of these various skills.

Pre-K 4 Funding - The materials being requested in this project will be used to help our students to be successful in their learning through play. Teaching math, science, reading, and writing would be nearly too challenging and impossible without adequate classroom supplies because our students would have no way to practice their skills. Knowledge cannot be simply transferred by simply talking, but the development of skills requires practice. Having dry erase boards and markers, magnetics manipulatives, letters, and ten frames will give students a chance to learn and show their knowledge and it also meets Pre-K Guidelines.

Pre-K - The items that are being requested are for the continued success and engagement of students. I am requesting items that will be used by the students on a daily basis for continued growth in the areas math, science, literacy and peer interactions. These items will be used in student center rotations and will give students access to resources that will help them learn and recognize the materials. This will promote student success this year and in the years to come as they progress through school. By setting good foundational skills and love of learning we are hopefully setting the students up for increased future achievements.

Pre-K - This grant would allow me the opportunity to supply my Pre K classroom with the necessary manipulatives to be successful throughout the school year. I am a new Pre K teacher at Willett Elementary and my new classroom is not fully equipped with the necessary tools to be successful. In Pre K children learn through play. This grant would provide me with the essential teaching tools that would help prepare my students for Kindergarten.

Having trouble deciding which grant to adopt? Love them all? Donate towards the Forney Education Foundation's Grant Fund to increase our investment in these grants. You can donate any amount and we will use your donation to support our Teachers and Students in Forney ISD. Please list your donation amount in the next section.