The Parsons Educational Foundation has announced the recipients of its 2024-2025 mini grants, which totaled $3,847.88.
The mission of the PEF is to secure and distribute resources for the purpose of preserving, maintaining, and improving public education in the Parsons Unified School District.
Every year that mission includes the distribution of mini grants to some applying teachers. All applications were reviewed and judged by a committee of board members. This year the judges were Ray Feess, Molly Coomes, and Andrea Hetlinger.
This year, nine applicants' mini grants were approved.
At Lincoln School, first grade teacher Allison Hutley received a $257.88 grant to provide all 144 first grade students at the school with their own individual whiteboards. The whiteboards allow students to demonstrate understanding across all curriculums, enabling quick teacher assessment, in addition to reducing paper waste.
At Garfield School, Speech Language Pathologist Emily Ray received a $515 grant for the purchase of a recess communication board. Ray said the board allows for enhanced social interactions during recess with nonspeaking or minimally speaking students.
She was thrilled when she saw the board completed and installed for all students to use.
Students can point to objects on the board, alphabet letters or numbers to communicate their wants and needs.
“My students were so impressed to see this and immediately started to use it to communicate non-verbally with each other,” second grade teacher Sherri Tierney said. “It will be so helpful even to those who can communicate, but not know the exact words to say.”
Christy Armstrong at Guthridge received a $500 grant for Mystery Science and Generation Genius Supplies which complement the online curriculum. These supplies include chalk, glue, nails, worms, goggles, etc.
Guthridge Counselor Guthridge Toni Martinez received a $100 grant for “How to Be a Friend” Supplies, which include friendship books and bracelet materials to teach empathy, kindness, and true friendship.
At Parsons Middle School, Special Education Teacher Kim Bartelli received $135 to further develop Creative Centers to boost reading and writing. The funding will provide enhancements for Lego and soft seat reading centers,and small rewards for students.
Also at Parsons Middle School, Joe Campmier was awarded $600 for a Bamboo Labs A1 3D Printer to supplement CAD/3D printing labs and assist in TSA competitions.
Campmier said they have already received the printer and it runs pretty much non-stop.
Recipients at Parsons High School include Social Worker Krsitina Mayhue who received a $605 mini grant to upgrade Regulation Room seating and equipment. Mayhue said she needed a more durable vinyl couch for improved hygiene
and functionality. She also wants to purchase new noise machines and lighting.
PHS Special Education teacher Nichole Helton received a $700 mini grant for Vocational Program Equipment, including a convection oven, shredder, and kitchen tools.
Lastly, PHS Special Education Science Teacher Brenda Ozier was awarded $435 for Amaryllis Lab Supplies for tracking amaryllis bulb growth, integrating various skills and data analysis.
“My two science classes have doubled in size, and in the years past, I’ve always bought the amaryllis plants with my own money so I really appreciate this grant this year because I didn’t think I was going to be able to afford to do that,” Ozier said. “This gives the students an opportunity to engage in hands-on learning, explore the beauty of science, nature and growth. The students always seem to enjoy this lab. We will start after we come back from Christmas break.”