And The Winners Are in….
The 2017-2018 Classroom Innovation Grants have been awarded to 19 educators and total approximately $25,000 funded by the generosity of local businesses, corporate donations, community members and fundraising events.
Gilbert Education Foundation (GEF) board members, GPS governing board members, GPS administrators, sponsors and volunteers visited more than a dozen schools on Monday, December 18, 2017 to surprise educators who have been awarded GEF Classroom Innovation Grants. This program awards much-needed funds that enable educators to offer innovative programs and curricula, technology and experiences in the classroom.
All grantees are awarded through a “blind read” of each application with a ranking process, and the applications that receive the highest scores are awarded a grant up to $1,500 to fund requests that enhance the classroom learning environment focusing on literacy, technology and/or enrichment.
We want to thank all the educators who put forth a great effort in writing a grant for this year’s program. As we raise more money each year our hope is to increase the number of grants awarded. Below is a list of this year’s winners:
| Name | Location | Project Title |
| Cheryl Sciutto | Burke (Special Education) | Kinesthetic Learning opportunity in the Special Education Classroom |
| Sara Flaherty | Campo Verde High School | Book Recommendation Podcasts |
| Kerry Draney | Canyon Rim Elementary | Game Day |
| Gabi Rullamas | Carol Rae (SPICE) | STEM Learning Lab for Students with Autism |
| Kristin Qualls | Carol Rae Ranch Elementary | Chromebooks for SPICE 1 Intermediate Autism Students |
| Addie Lafferty-Beakley | Carol Rae Ranch Special Education | iLearning: Building New Opportunities for Students with Autism |
| Vicki Jones | Distrct Office – Department of PD | Blended Learning in Action |
| Pier O’Brien | Gilbert Classical Academy | Character Advisory Curriculum |
| Jenni Feidler-Aguilar | Gilbert Elementary | STEAM Sculptures |
| Christa McKirchy | Houston Elementary | Second Step Social Emotional Learning program |
| Holly Dempsey | Mesquite Elementary (Adapted PE) | Adapted PE goes hand in hand with technology |
| Nancy Masterson | Mesquite Elementary School | Research and Innovative Designing with Chrome Books |
| Josie Brennan | Mesquite Elementary School | Emotional Social Learning Curriculum for 6th Grade |