Spring Branch Education Foundation Announces Fall Grants

$98,567 Awarded to Projects for SBISD students

At its December Board meeting, Spring Branch Education Foundation (SBEF) approved $98,567 in grants to fund diverse education-enhancing projects throughout Spring Branch Independent School District.

Twice each year, the Foundation calls for grant applications, up to $5,000 each, from any of its 46 school campuses. District-wide projects are eligible for larger grants. Both faculty members and volunteers are encouraged to apply.

“Through these grants, the Education Foundation provides students and staff with opportunities for innovative projects,” said Donnie Roseman, a member of the SBEF Board of Directors and chair of the Program and Assessment Committee. “Community members make these grants possible by donating to the Foundation and supporting its fund-raisers.”

The Foundation awarded three district-wide grants:

• School-Age Parent Program – Portable infant equipment and laptops will benefit parenting students.
• Senior to Senior – Northbrook and Spring Woods juniors and seniors will take part in a community service event with senior citizens and participate in a college visit.
• Houston PREP Summer Camp – Transportation will be provided for rising 7th and 8th graders to attend University of Houston Downtown’s summer STEM program.

Other grants were designated for projects on SBISD campuses:

• Cedar Brook Elementary – During International Week, all classes will study a country’s history, culture and physical characteristics; the week will end in a “world tour.”
• Edgewood Elementary – Students will practice communication and technology skills with a new broadcast system.
• Lion Lane – A sensory motor lab will promote action-based learning and sensory motor skills necessary for whole brain development.
• Meadow Wood Elementary – Personalized programs will target specific reading and math learning opportunities for students in grades 1–4.
• Memorial High – New Chromebooks will be given to the school’s OneGoal classroom, which assists students with the college application process and ACT/SAT support.
• Northbrook Middle – Students will travel to a Houston-area college and investigate a variety of career opportunities during visits with professionals.
• Shadow Oaks Elementary – Students in grades 3–5 will participate in monthly Super Cool Saturday School to explore sports, crafts, science and technology.
• Sherwood Elementary – The school’s Two-Way Dual Language teachers will use this grant to develop a curriculum for word study and grammar.
• Spring Branch Middle – New microscopes will prepare students for further study of and preparation for STEM careers.
• Spring Oaks Middle – Ten teachers will attend the PreAP Middle School Institute at Rice University to continue growing the school’s PreAP program.
• Spring Shadows Elementary – First graders will dive into reading with new books that supplement the grade’s current guided reading library.
• Spring Woods High – The math department will receive TI Nspire CX calculators for student use.
• Westchester Academy for International Studies – A class set of United States History: Preparing for the Advance Placement Examination will be available to AP students.
• Westwood Elementary – Chromebooks in third grade classrooms will facilitate research and blended learning.
• Wilchester Elementary – Health Fitness students will use iPad minis to learn bones and muscles, time activities and integrate academics.
• Woodview Elementary – Students, staff and parents will learn strategies to overcome negativity and bullying and develop a positive outlook.

“We encourage PTAs, principals and teachers to apply for these grants,” says Cece Thompson, SBEF executive director. “Our next call for grants is Feb. 2016, and the recipients will be announced in May.”

Community members who wish to support a specific program at a designated campus can make a tax-deductible donation to the Foundation and earmark it for that school. Call 713.251.2381 or visit sbef@springbranchisd.com for more information.