The Shannon Foundation for Excellence in Public Education recognized 14 teachers in Charlottesville and Albemarle County for thinking outside the box when it comes to ideas in the classroom.
The ceremony was held Friday at the Charlottesville - Albemarle Technical Education Center. The grants range from $200 to $5,000 to fund innovative projects that will directly affect students.
Teachers in Charlottesville and Albemarle County received a total of $16,755 in grants to inspire their students. Ideas ranged from iPads in the classroom to studying renewable energy. Other ideas that received grants Friday include studying the life cycle of a quail, the calming effects of chamomile, and generating electricity through exercise.
The money is spent in classrooms across grade levels for things that are not funded through the basic budget. The foundation says teachers are always thankful for the extra help.
Stephanie Leech of the Shannon Foundation said, "I can't think of a single teacher I've known who doesn't spend money from his or her own pocket to fund projects - wonderful ideas that they have to do for their students - so when we're able to kick in some funds they are so grateful."
Since the foundation formed in 1996, it has given a total of $304,000 to more than 200 teachers.
Shannon Foundation 2012-2013 GRANT WINNERS
$16,755 total funding for 14 grants
Charlottesville City Public Schools:
Zoe A. Padron, Clark Elementary, $4,968, "iPads in the Classroom"
Rachel McLaughlin, Charlottesville High, $750, "Living Photographs"
Rebecca Bassett, Greenbrier Elementary, $450, "Lights! CRITTERS! Action!"
Patricia Wilson, Greenbrier Elementary, $439, "Twinkle, Twinkle, Reading STARS"
Carol Williams, Venable Elementary, $657, "Story Time for Me"
Albemarle County Public Schools:
Rob Dent & Brandon Lee, Jouett Middle, $4,665, "Electricity Through Exercise"
Nancy Kendall Williams, Baker-Butler Elementary, $279, "Life Cycle of a Quail"
Jennifer Whitenack, Baker-Butler Elementary, $622, "Chamomile for Calm"
Dawn Lane, Crozet Elementary, $700, "Where in the USA is...?"
Susan Anhold, Crozet Elementary, $750, "Learn, Create, Share"
Kristen Hunt & Shannon McLaughlin, Greer Elementary, $750, "Playing to Learn"
Anne Straume, Meriwether Lewis Elementary, $725, "Step into My Parlor"
Hollins Mills, Murray Elementary, $600, "Exploring Renewables: An Investigation of Energy"
Tricia Spradlin, Yancey Elementary, $400, "Make Your Own Museum"
