Grants Awarded 2009

Chariho Community Innovative Projects Grants

Grants Awarded in the Spring and Fall 2009 Cycle

· Richmond Elementary, Tami Neill tami.neill@chariho.k12.ri.us. $ 500

“Handwriting without Tears” - The purpose of this program would be to make handwriting a natural and automatic skill for children. This program works nicely with special needs students as well as typical developing students.

· Chariho Middle School Grade 8, Stephen Cormier – stephen.cormier@chariho.k12.ri.us $ 600

“Salt Marsh Nursery” – Funds would be used to purchase 8 Grow Light Systems. Students would be involved in the Save the Bay Salt Marsh Nursery Program. They would visit an area salt marsh in the fall and learn about the different species of plants that grow in these areas and collect seeds to start seedlings in early Spring to plant later to help the marshes.

· Chariho Middle School Library Media Center, Michelle Steever michelle.steever@chariho.k12.ri.us $ 450

“U.S. Presidents” - The new curriculum now places special emphasis on the first 10 presidents, specifically their political platform, highlights and challenges of their presidency. The funds would be used to purchase books that are specific to these topics.

· Chariho Middle School Library Media Center, Michelle Steever michelle.steever@chariho.k12.ri.us $ 450

“Native Americans” - The new curriculum now places special emphasis on the specific tribes and region characteristics. The funds would be used to purchase books that are specific to these topics and so students will have access for research projects.

· Chariho Middle School Library Media Center, Michelle Steever michelle.steever@chariho.k12.ri.us $ 345

“Flip Video” - The funds will be used to purchase 3 Flip Camcorders. With this equipment, students would be able to easily videotape and download evidence of their learning. These videos may be added to power point presentations, photo story, movie maker, etc.

· Chariho Middle School, Cheryl Lightfritz cheryl.lightfritz@chariho.k12.ri.us $ 285

“Digital Camea/Printer” - Our students have special needs that prevent them from being able to go home and tell their family about their school day. Through the use of digital pictures we can create the communication for the family so they may see what they have been learning.

· Chariho High School, Grade 10, Vin Levcowich vincent.levcowich@chariho.k12.ri.us $ 672

“Human Rights and Resiliency” - This project will incorporate the, First They Killed My Father: A Cambodian Daughter Remembers by Loung Ung. The book connects to the 10th grade's overarching theme - coming of age. Because of the book's message, all students, especially those considered to be "at risk" will have a positive connection.

· Chariho High School, Library Media Center, Mary Moen - mary.moen@chariho.k12.ri.us $ 1,000

“Chariho Reads” - Funds continue the annual program that circulates a carefully chosen book among students, teachers, staff and parents. Subsequent discussions in school and after school promote inter-generation communications.

· Career & Technical, Linda Musch lsmus@chariho.k12.ri.us $ 750

“Thanksgiving” - Cross Generational Dinner that the Students will plan, prepare, and serve to the senior citizens in the community.

· Ashaway Elementary , Karen Mann – kmman@chariho.k12.ri.us $ 500

“Discovering Quality Literature” – Purpose of the grant is to replace 46 old worn-out books with a new edition to put them back into circulation.

· Charlestown Elementary , Cynthia Reiser-Jones – cerei@chariho.k12.ri.us $ 900

“Playaway Digital Audiobooks” – Purchase 20 Playaway Digital Audiobooks to update listening resources for students.

· Charlestown Elementary , Holly Manchester/Nancy Sherman – holly.manchester@chariho.k12.ri.us $ 1,000

“Kids on Keyboards” – Research shows a signigicant gain in math and science for students who participate in music lessons. Purpose is to pilot a music program where second graders get a weekly piano lesson followed by in class practice time.

· Hope Valley Elementary , Kerry Pastore/Mary Ann Mello – kapas@chariho.k12.ri.us $ 590

“Hands On Reading Manipulatives” – The purpose is to purchase of hands on reading manipulatives to help teach phonics in the classroom Research shows that using a kinesthetic approach helps to reach all children.

· Chariho Middle School , James McMonigle – james.mcmonigle@chariho.k12.ri.us $ 152

“American Burying Beetle” – Funds would be used to purchase supplies to participate in the restoration of an endangered species. Participants will trap carrion beetles in order to ascertain if any of the target beetles are in the local area.

· Chariho Middle School Library Media Center, Kate Kelley kate.kelley@chariho.k12.ri.us $ 477

“Filling in the Gaps” - Funds would be used to purchase additional copies and additional books in some newer curriculum areas like War of 1812, types of government, composers, robotics, etc.

· Chariho Middle School Library Media Center, Kate Kelley kate.kelley@chariho.k12.ri.us $ 481

“Reaching Out to Reluctant Readers” - Funds would be used to expand our collection to provide more titles for the reluctant readers especially our most popular authors and/or series.

· Chariho Middle School , Susan Davis scdav@chariho.k12.ri.us $ 450

“Serendipity” - The purpose of Serendipity is to encourage adults and students to form a reading partnership and for participants to experience reading as an enjoyable, recreational activity. Funds will be used to purchase multiple copies of a book chosen for the Book Club.

Total Grants for 2009 $ 9,602