The Carthage ISD Education Foundation awarded more than $222,000 in grants to teachers and campuses this morning in recognition of their dedication and commitment to providing exceptional student learning experiences.
The grants were awarded to teachers at all levels, from kindergarten through high school, and will be used to support innovative projects and programs that enhance learning for students. Some of the projects that were funded include educational field trips for students, hands-on classroom instructional tools, programs to promote literacy, and innovative technology to facilitate immersive learning experiences for students.
“This is one of my favorite days of the year because the excitement that’s written on our students’ faces is priceless,” said Carthage ISD Education Foundation Executive Director Cynthia Harkrider. “We are so fortunate to live in an incredibly generous community here in Carthage, and we appreciate all of our donors so much.”
The team at Carthage Junior High is particularly excited about a grant that will provide virtual reality simulators for the student technology lab, allowing them to actually experience lessons rather than just hearing or reading about them. CJH Principal Wade Watson and teacher Chuck Waggoner were particularly interested in these VR simulators because of the increased student engagement that would occur as they are incorporated into the classroom.
The Libby Elementary team is looking forward to kicking off their summer reading program, a collaborative effort with Baker-Koonce, to bridge the transition gap between third and fourth grade. Libby teacher Kirstin Davis was awarded this grant because it will encourage and promote daily reading throughout the summer by providing students a drawstring bag with three books and an activity journal to take home in May. Reading these books over the summer will allow them to earn great prizes when they begin their fourth grade year at Baker-Koonce in August.
“We are grateful for the continued support that the Carthage ISD Education Foundation provides for our teachers and students,” said Superintendent Jarrod Bitter. “The grants that our faculty members received today will have a huge impact on the student experience for our Bulldogs for years to come.”
The Carthage ISD Education Foundation is a non-profit organization that was established in 2002 with the goal of providing financial support to teachers and students in the district. The foundation relies on donations from the community, local businesses, and individuals to fund its programs and initiatives.
The grant awards were presented to teachers at their campuses today by foundation board members, district administrators and community leaders.
Carthage Primary received nine grants totaling more than $24,000, Libby Elementary received 16 grants totaling more than $46,000, Baker-Koonce received 20 grants totaling more than $50,000, Carthage Junior High received six grants totaling more than $32,000, Carthage High School received 16 grants totaling more than $67,000, and PACE Academy received one grant for more than $1,800.
Overall, the Carthage ISD Education Foundation's grant program is a testament to the power of community support and the importance of investing in education. By providing teachers with the resources they need to create innovative and engaging programs, the foundation is helping to ensure that students in Carthage ISD receive a quality education that prepares them for success in the future.