The Partners In Education Foundation, Inc. (PIE) made its tour of El Dorado schools February 23rd to distribute this year’s Spring Awards. Two different types of awards were presented: $6,500 in Grants to Schools, and $4,800 in awards from the Felix Alton Cantrell Jr. Fund.
The bi-annual Grants to Schools awards are initiated by the instructors, librarians, or staff of the schools when they apply for grants using innovative curriculum, creative books, or other items that facilitate a positive classroom experience. A PIE committee reviews and selects the grants to be awarded based on the quality of the requests and the funds available. PIE has over twenty-five endowed funds that facilitate these grants. This year Commerce Bancshares Foundation provided additional grant funding.
At Skelly Elementary: One Cantrell grant was awarded to Sarah Harms & Tiffany Scheutz –
“Move Your Body-Move Your Mind”At Blackmore Elementary: Amber McLaren – “Wellness Center”, Denise Carter - “Sowing the Seeds of Learning”, Luanna Lewis - “Rock Chalk Jayhawker”, and “Making it Stick” was awarded to the Kindergarten Team. One Cantrell grant was awarded to Kelly Ankrom – “Emergency Buckets”
At Grandview Elementary; Misty Currier – “Blue Hall Camping” & “ABCs in Play”, Tonya Cogan – “Wild Gator Classroom”
Grants benefiting all the Elementary School: Christie Henderson – “Girls in Real Life Situations”
El Dorado Middle School: LuAnne Vides – “Social Skills Games, Part 2”, Karla King – “Think before you Post” a presentation for EMS & EHS students
At El Dorado High School: Megan Sturm – “Wellness Center”
The generosity of Jeanette Rudy continues to benefit our community by using the Felix Alton Cantrell Jr. Fund entrusted to PIE. The Cantrell Committee selected 5 requests totaling over $4,800. These grants will provide students with special needs equipment that enhance their ability to learn and prosper. Items this year will provide exercise equipment, communication tools, coordination tools, and other integrated curriculum aids. Two of these awards are listed above, the other three are: “Project Search/Coach Ability” by Becca Soper, “Self Regulation Through Play” and “Social & Emotional Support” by Stephanie Linn.
Partners In Education Foundation is a not-for-profit foundation established in 1989 to enhance the educational opportunities for the students of USD 490. For more information visit our web page www.pie490.org, or contact Rod Blackburn, Development Director at rod.blackburn@pie490.org, 316.322.4800.
L-R: Laura Luehrs(PIE) , Bernie Spradling (PIE), Kelly Ankrom (BE SPED Teacher), Julie Jensen (PIE)