Partners In Education Foundation, Inc. (PIE) made its tour of El Dorado schools February 22nd to distribute this year’s Spring Awards. Two different types of awards were presented: $9,400 in Grants to Schools, and $2,100 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 and HF Sinclair provided additional grant funding.
At Skelly Elementary: David Hinton – “Cardio Drumming for Fitness", Colten McCarthy – “Microscope & 3D Printer for the STEM room”, Taryn O’Brein-Ogg – “Pure Gold”
At Blackmore Elementary: Luanna Lewis - “What’s the Difference”, Four Cantrell grants were awarded; Tiffany Schuetz & Megan Litke – “Get LIT(eracy)”, Kate Hadley – “Show Me Your Tongue Like a Snake”, Megan Litke received two more – “Early Literacy Felt Fun” & “Flexible Seating Supports”
At Grandview Elementary; Cathie Rollings – “School-Wide Gradual Release of Responsibility”, Sidnie Davidson – “Rhythm Builders”
El Dorado Middle School: Alyssa Richarson & Kelly Payé – “EMS Sensory & Calming Room”
El Dorado Extend School – Remington Putter – “Visual Learning in the Gym”
At El Dorado High School: Deloris Thompson – “Tools for the Trade”, Ashley Durr – “Biology Projects”, Ali Hill – “Capturing our Story”, Shawn McGuire – “eSports”
Lastly, the Felix Alton Cantrell Jr. Special Education Fund committee elected to fund the CoachAbility Internship Program a grant, “T-Shirt Heat Press”
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 $2,100. 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. They are listed above as Cantrell grants at Blackmore Elementary and the CoachAbility Internship Program.
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.
Pictured above, Shawn McGuire receives his award for “eSports” He is joined by PIE board members Laura Luehrs, Julie Jensen and Cindy Koehler. Ian Hett, USD 490 Executive Director of Technology as Papple.
Pictured above, from left to right. PIE Boad member Julie Jensen, USD 490 Executive Director of Fiscal Services Kathy Roberson (Papple), Cantrell Grant recipients; Kate Hadley, Tiffany Schuetz, & Megan Litke. PIE board members Cindy Koehler & Laura Luehrs.