The hallways of Young Elementary were filled with excitement this March as the Decatur ISD Education Foundation’s "Surprise Squad" arrived with oversized checks, pom-poms, and life-changing news for local educators. As part of a district-wide initiative that awarded nearly $90,000 this month, Young Elementary teachers secured an impressive $12,285.01 to bring innovative projects to life.
Elevating the Classroom Experience
The grants awarded to Young Elementary cover a diverse range of subjects, focusing heavily on literacy, creative arts, and hands-on science.
One of the largest grants, $3,314.97, was awarded to the team of Gracie Reynolds, Tiffany McCalip, and Brittany Barksdale for their project, "From Learning Letters to Loving Literature." This initiative aims to bridge the gap for early learners, turning foundational phonics into a lifelong passion for reading. Reynolds also received an individual grant of $779.14 for "The Literacy Launchpad," further cementing the campus’s commitment to reading excellence.
In the arts, Megan Hughes was awarded $3,054.00 for "Art on Display: Elevating Creativity with Showcase Screens."This project will provide professional-grade digital displays to showcase student work, giving young artists a public platform to share their talents with the school community.
Hands-On Learning and Student Growth
The Foundation also prioritized projects that get students moving and exploring. Tammy Rainey received $2,127.83 for her project, "Everyone in the Garden!", which will expand the school's outdoor learning space to be more inclusive and accessible. Additionally, Mika Pounds was awarded $950.00 for "Bright Minds, Busy Hands," focusing on tactile learning tools for student engagement.
Other notable winners included:
Alizabeth Worthington: $1,852.98 for "A Media Impact For Our Education"
Kimberly Cooper: $206.06 for "Gaming for Reading Skills!"
A Community Partnership
These grants are made possible through the generosity of local donors and the Foundation’s new Adopt-a-Grantprogram. Major supporters for the Young Elementary projects include the Stanley W. Ekstrom Foundation, the Cocanougher Foundation, Stephens, Bastian, & Cartwright, and community members like Kevin & Julie Haney and Mallory Rie.
"The energy at Young Elementary was absolutely contagious," said Monique Bird, Executive Director of the Decatur ISD Education Foundation. "Our teachers are constantly looking for creative ways to reach their students, and thanks to our incredible community partners, we are able to say 'yes' to these dreams. Seeing these projects come to life is a win for every student on this campus."