Bill Brown Elementary

Project Publish ($4,500)

Teachers:  Sandra Kilpper, Martha Davis, Debbie Temple, Jennifer Dawley, and Shirley Gerdes

  Project Publish uses technology to improve student writing, revising, editing, and publishing skills.  With the help of AlphaSmarts, an electronic computer companion, the fourth- grade students improve their writing process skills and visually see the results.  The AlphaSmarts allows students to organize text and enter it in order to send it to any computer for formatting and printing.  The final product is a bound publication of each student's work.

Canyon High School

Teaching Algebra Through Technology ($4,000)

Teachers:  Heather Sanders, Gail Engler, Joanna Henry, Michelle Koehl, and Claudelle Sigle

  The state has mandated the use of graphing calculators on the TAKS test.  This creates the need to purchase additional TI 83+ graphing calculators so that every math student has access to a calculator.  Using a calculator on a regular basis will not only give students confidence in technology, it will also enhance the students' learning of algebraic concepts, increase their motivation to learn, and ultimately maximize their scores on the TAKS test.

Canyon Middle School

Transitioning from Traditional to Integrated and Advanced Computer Instruction ($4,000)

Teachers:  Sal Cadena, Sandra Shelton, James Orth, Ron Rychel, Linda Dreibrodt, Joan Stevens, and Frances Walker

 Students currently receive computer literacy instruction through mandatory segregated computer lit classes.  Due to the growing, diverse student population needs, campus personnel believe transitioning to an integrated computer literacy approach will 1) ensure that all students receive the instruction and 2) allow for expansion of the technology program to include advanced classes similar to those being taught at other district middle schools. 

Canyon Middle School

Multi-sensory Application of Geographical and Map Skills Instruction for Student Success on Grade Level and EXIT Level TAAS/TAKS exams ($4,500)

Teachers:  Linda Dreibrodt, Laurel Schumacher, Shanna Kellner, Rick Ruhl, Beth Polk, Melody Lopez, C. Weidner, and Dale Forehand

It is critical that students receive a strong foundation in map skills and analytical application of learned concepts due to continued emphasis of these skills on exit-level assessments.  The addition of wall maps in each regular education social studies classroom, along with structured curriculum planning/assessment, will greatly enhance students' abilities to be successful on grade level social studies assessments as well as future exit-level exams.

Comal Elementary School

SureSight Vision Screening Study ($4,000)

Teachers:  Sharon Wright, RN, Patrice Chauret, RN, Sylvia Frank, RN, Denise Beard, RN, Karen Voosen, RN, and Lindsay Warren-Davis, RN

  By enlisting the help of teachers, parents, and local optometrists, school nurses will conduct a study of vision screening using SureSight Vision Screener compared with the Snellen Eye Chart method.  The technology allows nurses to detect a much greater range of vision problems, including many that have gone undetected by the traditional eye chart method.  Undiagnosed and uncorrected vision problems in children pose a significant impediment of literacy and success in school.

Smithson Valley High School

Adventure Outdoors/ROTC Climbing/Rappelling Tower ($4,500)

Teachers:  Paul Cunningham and John Sondergaard

  Adventure Outdoors and ROTC are TEA approved physical education electives.  Rappelling and climbing are vital units of both programs and have to be conducted off campus.  Construction of a rappelling/climbing tower places activities on campus.  Students develop rock climbing/rappelling skills, develop trust, teamwork, and build self-esteem.  Teachers engage in meaningful learning experiences with the students, and work with school and community to develop an innovative teaching tool.

Smithson Valley High School

Foreign Language Multimedia Learning Laboratory ($4,500)

Teachers:  Pam Finley, Juan Garcia-Maria, Donna Hickl, Fani Schmidt, Gene Stewart, and Judy Weill

  A multimedia-learning laboratory is a vital tool of language learning.  A language lab is especially important now with the speaking and listening portions of the AP exams.  It also will help students meet the foreign language requirements under their graduation plans.  A lab provides the instructor time to work on individual student needs while the remainder of the class actively engages in lessons.  The lab permits the students to listen and speak with privacy, encouraging participation without inhibition.