YORK EDUCATION FOUNDATION GRANTS FOR THE 2007 – 2008 SCHOOL YEAR

The York Education Foundation funded four grants for the 2007-2008 school year, with one at York Middle School, one at Coastal Ridge Elementary School, one at Village Elementary School,  and one at York High School.

Literacy Team Recording Project, Paula Dickinson, VES:

This grant supports the purchase of a computer and recording equipment to be used in the assessment of reading recovery literacy students.  Individual student recordings will be used to develop reading fluency, comprehension and additional reading strategies through self-assessing with a reading instructor.  In addition, Reading Recovery instructors will share the recorded lessons with each other as they collaborate to identify issues or develop strategies for particular students.

Understanding the Community Around Us:  Protecting the Natural Resources of the York River, Charlotte Pierce, CRES:

This project offers an interdisciplinary curriculum to 4th grade students that will introduce them to the historical, ecological and scientific importance of the York River.  The project includes both in-class and on-site learning experiences using a wide variety of materials such as models, topographic maps, scientific measuring equipment, GIS and photography.  Students will learn the important role of the York River in defining the character and economy of our town and realize their responsibility in protecting this resource;  in addition, they will learn about the missions of the York Land Trust, York River Association, and several governmental groups.  The project will culminate with a public exhibit at the York Public Library where students’ work and research will be on display.

Improving Literacy Through the Reading Workshop, Margot Simonds, YMS:

Description: This grant will support the purchase of books in order to establish classroom libraries for Reading Workshops which are being implemented by 2 of the fifth grade teams and a 7th/8th grade reading teacher.  This concept was presented at a professional development session, and part of its success is dependent on large and evolving classroom libraries that are made up of books that students are interested in reading.

Living Language Lab, Stephanie Carbonneau, YHS:

This grant will support the purchase of recording headsets by the World Languages Department to be used in conjunction with interactive language software.  This equipment will facilitate a more effective interactive learning process for language students in the classroom as they work to improve their verbal skills.