Corsicana — The Corsicana Education Foundation (CEF) kicked off the 2012-2013 school year at Corsicana ISD’s Convocation on Monday by awarding over $28,990 in Innovative Teaching Grants.

The Eleanor Thornell English/Language Arts grant was awarded for the Mobile Learning Center. The CISD Curriculum Department had already collected more than 5,000 books to utilize in the retro-fitted RV that will bring not only reading opportunities to students in the community, but also computer access for families.

In total, 9 grants were awarded to CISD staff to create new and enhanced learning opportunities for students. This marks over $400,000 given to Corsicana ISD by CEF in its 10-year history.

CEF President Terry Jacobson and Vice President Jarod Gordon, along with Board Members Paula Cook, Christina Janecka, Belinda Adams, Gina Middleton and Leah Blackard presented checks to CISD staff.  

Grant applications are submitted by CISD staff, and the CEF Grants Committee conducts a blind review to make selections.

Last week, the Collins University held a “pre-opening” celebration in the CISD — its startup aided in part by a $5,000 grant from the Corsicana Education Foundation at last year’s convocation. That grant begins returning dividends this year.

In an effort to continue expanding the grant program, CEF will be hosting a the C & B Seen Gala on Sept. 22 at the IOOF Event Center. All proceeds benefit the Foundation. Tickets are $75 per person, and sponsorships are available. It is black-tie optional, and the theme for the evening is Stetsons & Stilettos. The evening will include a gourmet meal, silent and live auctions, and entertainment by The Randy Brown Band.

For questions about the Corsicana Education Foundation, please contact the CEF Executive Director Kristin Zastoupil or Assistant Director Danielle Pillans at (903) 874-7441.



—————

Want to “soundoff” on this story? Email: soundoff@corsicanadailysun.com

A complete list of grants awarded Monday

Title: Mobile Learning Center

Writers: Debbie Cottar & Marti Shaner

Campus: All Pre-K

Grade(s): All & Pre-School

Subject(s): All

Amount Granted: $6,796.00

The Eleanor Thornell English/Language Arts grant was awarded for the Mobile Learning Center.  The CISD Curriculum Department had already collected more than 5,000 books to utilize in the retro-fitted RV that will bring not only reading opportunities to students in the community, but also computer access for families.



Title: Count Around the “Can” (CorsiCANa)

Writers:

Cheryl Pratt (K), Robin Stevens(K), Tana Sharp(K0, Cheri Mertens(K), Emily Griggs, (1)Doris Wesley(1), Tara Springer(1), Tonya Edwards(1), Heather Thornton(Deaf Ed. 1st Grade)

Campus: Fannin

Grade(s): Kindergarten & 1st

Subject(s): Math, Social Studies, Language Arts, Health & P.E.

Amount Granted: $3,000.00

This grant from Fannin Elementary aims to build a walking/riding track with simple buildings and riding toys will help the Kindergartners and First Graders not only stay physically fit, but will integrate math, vocabulary, communication, social skills, problem-solving, decision making, and independent thinking skills through role-playing.



Title: Crazy for Culture

Writers:

Monica (Monique) Morgan and Denise Goodrich

Campus: Collins

Grade(s): 7th & 8th

Subject(s): All Subjects

Amount Granted: $2,500.00

This grant will teach kids about world cultures and help them appreciate the differences in people and their traditions. Through Collins Middle School Culture Club, students will travel around the globe without ever needing a suitcase.



Title: Adventures with Orff

Writers: Mitch Cooper

Campus: Bowie

Grade(s): K-5th

Subject(s): Fine Arts

Amount Granted: $2,742.93

This grant will incorporate Orff Schulwerk method into music sessions in the fine arts classroom at Bowie Elementary, which combines improvisation, cooperative learning, individual and group performance, and higher order thinking skills while it engages and excites students about making music.



Title: Expanding the Borders of the Classroom

Writers: Kemuel A De Castro

Campus: CHS

Grade(s): 11th & 12th

Subject(s): Physics

Amount Granted: $2,157.00

11th and 12th grade physics students will have an opportunity to visit the NASA Space Center in Houston this year through:



Title: Ready, Set. RESEARCH!

Writers: Mary Lou Smith, Sara Lewis, Julia Carrillo & Faye Alonzo

Campus: Navarro

Grade(s): Kindergarten - 3rd

Subject(s): Earth & Space Science, Animal Science, and Biographies

Amount Granted: $895.00

Utilizing a new technology-based research tool for emergent readers called PebbleGo.com, Navarro students will be able to improve reading skills next year.  



Title: Picture This

Writers: Jody Dragoo

Campus: Sam Houston

Grade(s): PreK-5th

Subject(s): Technology Applications

Amount Granted: $1,200.00

Students at Sam Houston will be using digital cameras next year to capture images and then create 21st century digital media products, such as slide shows, videos, blogs, animotos and digital yearbooks.



Title: Walkie-Talkie Readers

Writers: Randi Dunn- Bowie, Sabrina Tidwell- Fannin, Amy McMath- Sam Houston, Judy Paschal- Navarro, and Kristen Smith- Carroll

Campus: All Elementaries

Grade(s): 3rd

Subject(s): English Language Arts/Reading

Amount Granted: $2,199.72

Utilizing walkie-talkies for students to partner read will engage students as their reading fluency increases, and this grant will impact all 3rd graders across the district.



Title: Expansion of the Instrumental Arts

Writers: Breanna Osbourn, Jeffrey Osbourn, Curtis Oakley, Derek Morris

Campus: CHS, Collins

Grade(s): 6th-12th

Subject(s): Band

Amount Granted: $7,500.00

In order to meet the needs of a program that is growing so rapidly there isn’t enough equipment to meet the demand of eager secondary students, the CEF is proud to award a grant to Collins and CHS for expansion of the instrumental arts.

CISD MEETING BRIEFS

By Bob Belcher/Daily Sun Staff Writer



District Improvement Plan approved

  Trustees accepted and approved the proposed District Plan and District Improvement Plan for 2012-2013. Board President Kerri Anderson-Donica suggested the board receive updates on the plan relating to improving AP scores. Superintendent Dr. Diane Frost suggested an update in December at mid-year, and again in June when scores were available.



Audit engagement approved

  Trustees approved the selection of Anderson, Marx and Bohl to conduct the annual audit of the school district for the year ending Aug. 31, 2012.



Budget discussed

  Assistant Superintendent of Business Mike Nielsen went over changes in budget categories for the proposed budget, set for adoption next week. Deputy Superintendent Dr. Joe Young reviewed plans for pay increases and incentives for district employees, including plans for a 3 percent increase for support staff and several plans for educators, counselors, diagnosticians and nurses that would include step and possible retention incentives. Dr. Young said the plans presented would help the district stay competitive and reward longevity with the district. Donica and Dr. Frost praised administration members for their work putting the plans together for trustees to consider.



Consent agenda approved

  Trustees approved the board’s consent agenda, including minutes of the meetings held July 16 and Aug. 6, the financial report, and accepted a donation of $500 from Charter Builders.



Announcements

Dr. Frost said the Monday convocation was a success, with the Corsicana Education Foundation presenting several grants for teachers and classrooms. “They’ll be doing some creative and innovative things with the grants,” Frost said. Frost said board meetings would be scheduled for next week to hold public hearings on the budget and tax rate, and also announced a board workshop for 6 p.m. Sept. 10, and a regular meeting for 6 p.m. Sept. 17.



Closed Session

   Trustees went into a closed session to discuss personnel matters, deliberate regarding real estate, and consult with an attorney, according to the posted agenda for the meeting.