Oak Ridge Educators Surprised with over $36,000 in Grant Funds
Before heading into Spring Break, the Oak Ridge Public Schools Education Foundation (ORPSEF) surprised ORS educators with fourteen grants totaling over $36,000 to be used during the 2024-25 school year. Since 2005, ORPSEF has raised and contributed over $1,036,000 in grants for teachers in all schools and at all grades. View this yearās grant award winners and their projects below.Ā
Grant winners will be publicly recognized at the annual Grant Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, April 16, and demonstrations of their recent classroom grants will be on display.Ā Ā
Amelia Bell, Glenwood – “Ecosystem Encounters in East Tennessee: Whatās It Like Where We Live?” ($3,800)
Elementary students at Oak Ridge Learning Camp will explore local ecosystems through scientific inquiry and hands-on activities. This project fosters curiosity and critical thinking as students investigate biodiversity in East Tennessee.
Amy Lytle, RMS – “SNS LEGO Project” ($2,573.40)
Eighth-grade students will learn about the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory by building LEGO models and participating in a STEM Day visit to ORNL. This project connects classroom learning to real-world science and careers.
Brian Smith, JMS – “Map… to the Future” ($3,824.85)
Students will learn Geographic Information Systems (GIS) through digital mapping tools and fieldwork. New GPS units will provide hands-on experience with modern mapping technology.
Clark Ward, Glenwood – “3D Design” ($2,000)
Students from kindergarten to fourth grade will engage in 3D design using Tinkercad and 3D pens. Each student will complete a design project, enhancing STEM skills and creativity while preparing for future learning.
Jennifer Bolton, RMS – “Community Garden Revitalization Project” ($3,000)
STEM, Service Learning, and GIVE Club students will redesign and maintain the schoolās garden beds. This project fosters leadership, collaboration, and environmental stewardship while improving the school grounds.
John Mitchell, JMS – “STEM Hydroponics Buildout” ($6,000)
Students will design and expand hydroponic gardens, learning sustainable food production methods. This hands-on project emphasizes environmental science and engineering while providing practical solutions for year-round food growth.
Julia Harris, Willow Brook – “iPads for RoBEARtics” ($900)
The RoBEARtics team will receive iPads to enhance their robot coding and competition capabilities. These dedicated devices will streamline the design and programming process.
Lisa Meidl, Willow Brook – “Exploring, Creating, and Collaborating with Picasso Tiles” ($280)
Young students will explore shapes and structures using Picasso Tiles in the library. This creative station encourages collaboration and spatial reasoning through hands-on building activities.
Michelle Chenot, Willow Brook – “Just One More LEGO for the RoBEARtics” ($715)
The RoBEARtics club will acquire additional LEGO robots, allowing students to innovate and expand their designs. This supports hands-on learning and teamwork in competitive robotics.
Randy Doss, RMS – “Ram Robotics: Empowering Students to Utilize Technology” ($7,249.65)
The Top Ram Engineer program will expand to include the design and coding of antweight robots. Students will develop advanced robotics skills using remote controls and Python programming.
Sabine Nebenfuehr, ORHS – “3 Class Sets of German Readers” ($713.09)
German language learners will deepen their comprehension through longer, immersive stories. This project enhances language retention and cultural understanding through engaging narratives.
Tabatha Gard, Preschool – “Little Green Thumbs: Growing with Indoor Garden Towers” ($3,166)
Preschoolers will explore plant growth and sustainability through hydroponic garden towers. This hands-on project integrates STEM concepts while promoting healthy eating and real-world math applications.
Tiffany Collins, Willow Brook & Linden – “Code & Create: Story Adventures for Curious Kids” ($671.78)
This STREAM program blends storytelling with foundational computer science concepts for K-4 students. Through hands-on activities, students will develop coding skills while enhancing creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving.
Tiffany Collins, Willow Brook – “Activate & Energize: Revolutionizing Wellness with Makey Makey Fitness Zones” ($1,280)
Interactive Makey Makey-powered exercise stations will engage students in physical activity while promoting STEM learning and critical thinking. This initiative combines technology and wellness for a holistic educational experience.
About ORSPEF
The Oak Ridge Public Schools Education Foundation (ORPSEF) invests in the Oak Ridge Public Schools beyond what public tax dollars can provide to ensure the highest quality of education for our students. The Foundation raises funds through grants and private donations and then invests in enhanced educational programming, innovative technology, and state of the art facilities for our teachers and students. We also encourage and provide lifelong learning opportunities for our teachers. The Foundation adds significant value to the investment in our school system made by our city and community members. The Foundation works to ensure that the Oak Ridge Public Schools provide the best public education possible and that our school system sets the standard of excellence in public education throughout the 21st century and beyond.
