YORK EDUCATION FOUNDATION GRANTS FOR THE 2017 – 2018 SCHOOL YEAR

The York Education Foundation funded five grants for the 2017-2018 school year, with three grants at York Middle School, one at York High School, and one for Adult Education.

Physics Park, Mr. Moy, Science teacher, YMS:

Description: Quincy Moy  will be overseeing the construction of a new “Physics Park” on the York Middle School grounds, expanding the classroom to the outdoors for a hands-on learning experience in at least science, health and physical education classes. This physics park will also create a new activity-based space for students during recess, offering a greater opportunity to release energy than is currently available. Mr. Moy is working closely with Facilities management and other administration, as appropriate, to ensure this space is built to code and is safe and sustainable.

Dark Side of Chocolate, Mrs. Lindbom, 7th grade Social Studies, YMS:

Mrs. Lindbom will expand her unit on the cocoa industry in West Africa, “The Dark Side of Chocolate,” to incorporate perspectives from all the academic disciplines, creating a comprehensive learning experience for 7th grade students on the Puma team.

Classroom Movement, Kevin Enter, Math Teacher, YMS:

Mr. Etter, 8th grade Math teacher, will purchase foot and body movement tools and furniture that will allow students in all 8th grade classes to have the benefit of moving, while leaving their hands free to work on academics. In recent years, there has been an increasing need for students to be physically active in the classroom, and by having several options of tools in each class, students can determine which is most effective for them. The use of these tools will be managed by the teachers in terms of equity among students who need it and appropriate use without distraction to others.

Flexible Seating, Mrs. Bean, Math teacher, YHS:

Mrs. Bean’s Math classroom will be transformed into a collaborative learning environment with new flexible seating that will encourage movement and group-style learning, and enable Mrs. Bean to be responsive to a wide range of needs within the classroom. This new environment supports the new proficiency-based learning being implemented at YHS next year, as the teacher can adapt her style and the classroom space to better meet the needs of students and accomplish the curriculum goals. Mrs. Bean has offered to share her space with other teachers interested in the concept and will share her findings with her colleagues both in the math department and school-wide.

Intensive English for Work and Life, Adult Education:

With the assist of YEF will support York Adult and Continuing Education by covering costs for learning materials for a new evening program for non-native speaking adults over age 25, “Intensive English for Work and Life,” focusing on language development for workforce preparedness and safety. This class could have a positive impact for families as the students improve their communication skills and likelihood for employment.