Support

Project Description:
This grant will provide high-quality, durable headphones for classroom use to support focused, equitable learning. Reliable headphones allow students to fully engage with digital lessons, instructional videos, language practice, assessments, and enrichment activities without distraction. Access to quality audio tools is especially important for students who benefit from individualized pacing, auditory support, or reduced classroom noise. By equipping the classroom with consistent, comfortable headphones, students will be able to concentrate more effectively, participate confidently in technology-based instruction, and maximize learning time.

Impact:
This mini grant will help ensure students have equitable access to technology-based instruction by reducing distractions and supporting focused, individualized learning experiences.

Project Description:
This grant will provide hands-on math manipulatives to support addition and subtraction instruction during the second semester. These engaging, playful materials will help students practice solving real-world math scenarios while building a deeper understanding of math concepts and how they apply to everyday life.

Impact:
This mini grant will help kindergarten students strengthen foundational math skills through active, meaningful learning experiences that boost engagement and real-world problem-solving.

Project Description:
This grant provides a first-grade classroom with headphones, clipboards, and anchor chart paper to support focused learning, flexible seating, and clear visual instruction. These materials will enhance student engagement, strengthen early literacy skills, and create a more effective and organized learning environment.

Impact:
This mini grant will help create a structured, engaging classroom that supports early literacy development and allows students to learn with greater focus and flexibility.

Project Description:
This grant will provide students with access to a dedicated collaboration table and new, durable puzzles to use throughout the school year during flexible learning times. This calm, structured space will support social-emotional well-being by giving students a constructive way to reset, self-regulate, and re-engage with learning. Puzzle activities promote perseverance, problem-solving, spatial reasoning, and collaboration, while encouraging respectful communication, patience, and focus. A rolling table with drawers will allow students to securely store works in progress, reinforcing responsibility and task completion.

Impact:
This mini grant will help foster collaboration, persistence, and social-emotional growth while providing students with a meaningful, engaging way to strengthen problem-solving skills.

Project Description:
This grant will fund the creation of interactive, reusable visual comprehension tools, including story maps, picture-symbol retelling boards, sequencing cards, vocabulary visuals, and adaptive comprehension books. These materials will be organized into literacy centers and designed for independent use, peer collaboration, and sustained engagement. The visuals will support accurate comprehension responses and language development for all learners, including students who require specially designed instruction for language or developmental delays.

Impact:
This mini grant will help strengthen early language and comprehension skills by providing accessible, engaging visual supports that promote independence, attention, and inclusive learning.

Project Description:
This grant will support the creation of a thoughtfully designed STEM and literacy space in a preschool classroom serving up to 20 students each year. Through engaging books focused on weather and the months of the year, literacy will come to life as students build vocabulary, listening comprehension, and early reading skills while making meaningful connections to the world around them. The STEM and literacy materials will encourage curiosity, creativity, and a genuine love of learning in a warm, nurturing classroom environment.

Impact:
This mini grant will help provide enriching STEM and literacy experiences that spark wonder, support early skill development, and lay a strong foundation for lifelong learning for both current and future students.

Project Description: This grant will support improvements to the daily classroom experience for 8th grade science and Honors Biology students by providing organized storage for student materials, classroom supplies, and collaborative learning tools. Funded items include bookcases and storage crates for binders, supply caddies for table organization, a pencil sharpener, highlighters, a class set of wired headphones, and a rolling whiteboard. The headphones will support students who use text-to-speech tools or benefit from quieter learning environments, while the rolling whiteboard will create flexible space for collaboration and problem-solving. A special incentive chair will also be used to recognize and encourage positive student behavior. 

Impact: This mini grant will help create a more organized, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment that supports focus, collaboration, and positive learning behaviors for a large number of students.

Project Description:
This grant will support a full-day, place-based learning experience at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, OH, for AP Interdisciplinary Studies and AP African American Studies students. Students will participate in guided programs, self-directed exhibit exploration, and structured notetaking aligned to AP skills such as sourcing, corroboration, and contextualization. The experience includes on-site reflection, discussion protocols, lunch, and same-day charter bus travel. 

Impact:
By engaging directly with primary sources, artifacts, and interactive exhibits, students will transform learning from passive reading into active, immersive exploration. This experience will deepen historical understanding while strengthening critical-thinking, inquiry, and analysis skills. Providing transportation, breakfast, snacks, and lunch ensure equitable access for all students, allowing them to fully benefit from this high-impact learning opportunity.

Project Description:
This grant will support a hands-on Stock Market Challenge for 50 students, providing opportunities to learn about investing, financial decision-making, and real-world business concepts. Students will engage in simulations and activities that develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and financial literacy.

Impact:
By participating in this challenge, students will gain practical experience in the stock market, deepen their understanding of economics and business principles, and build confidence in making informed financial decisions. This program encourages collaboration, problem-solving, and strategic thinking—skills essential for both academic and future career success.
 

Project Description:
This grant will support mental health and wellness initiatives for students, focusing on building resilience, self-awareness, and emotional regulation. Funded activities and resources will provide students with tools and strategies to manage stress, develop coping skills, and foster positive mental health habits.

Impact:
By prioritizing mental health in the classroom, this project empowers students to strengthen resilience, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being. Students will gain practical strategies to navigate challenges, supporting both academic success and personal growth.

Project Description:
This grant provides podcasting equipment and portable recording booths to support students in creating media projects in a quieter, more focused environment. With these resources, students can produce podcasts and other creative projects without background noise interference. The V8max Voice Changer equipment adds an additional layer of creativity, and the booths can also be used by the music program for recording purposes.

Impact:
By offering dedicated, high-quality podcasting tools, this project enhances student engagement, creativity, and collaboration for approximately 300 students. It provides hands-on experience with modern media production, empowering students to develop communication, technical, and creative skills in a fun and educational way.

Project Description:
This grant will provide manipulatives and hands-on materials to enhance math lessons and support reading projects for students. These tools will help students engage with abstract concepts in math, build problem-solving skills, and make learning more interactive and accessible. In reading, students will benefit from materials that encourage creativity, comprehension, and active participation in projects.

Impact:
By incorporating manipulatives and interactive learning tools, this project promotes deeper understanding, engagement, and confidence across math and reading. Students will develop critical thinking, collaborative skills, and a stronger connection to their learning, creating a more inclusive and effective classroom environment.

Project Description:
This grant will support the creation of a highly organized and engaging classroom library for students. Books will be color-coded and categorized in labeled bins by genre, topic, and reading level, making it easy for students to independently select materials that match their interests. The library will also feature cozy seating options, providing a comfortable, welcoming environment for independent and small group reading.

Impact:
By designing a student-centered and flexible reading space, this project fosters engagement, independence, and a love of reading. Students will benefit from increased focus, stamina, and enjoyment, ultimately supporting higher literacy achievement and creating a positive classroom culture around reading.
 

Project Description:
This grant will support a Safari-themed End-of-Year Celebration for preschool students, providing hands-on activities, decorations, and interactive experiences that showcase their learning about animals, nature, and habitats. The celebration will highlight student creativity and growth while offering families an engaging way to connect with their children’s classroom experiences.

Impact:
By funding this themed celebration, students will enjoy a joyful, memorable experience that reinforces their learning and accomplishments. Families will be able to participate fully, strengthening school-community connections and creating positive memories as children close out the school year. This inclusive event ensures that all students can celebrate their hard work, regardless of family resources.
 

Project Description:
This grant will support The Spark Lab, a multi-sensory, technology-enhanced learning initiative for students. Using Lenovo Idea Tab tablets, HEX lights sensory lights, and Jelly Box Stash ‘n’ Stack materials, students engage in hands-on exploration, digital learning, and tactile play. The project supports diverse learning styles while fostering fine motor development, spatial reasoning, and creativity.

Impact:
The Spark Lab creates an inclusive, engaging environment where students build confidence, curiosity, and a love for learning. By providing equitable access to innovative tools, this initiative empowers students to explore, problem-solve, and express their creativity while developing essential 21st-century skills.

Project Description:
This grant will support a hands-on Pinewood Derby Car Design, Build & Test project for students. Working in pairs, students will design, construct, and test their own derby cars, following the Engineering Design Process: Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, and Improve. Teams will consider limitations such as weight and size, sketch ideas, gather materials, and iteratively test and refine their cars on a track in the STEM lab. A panel of judges will evaluate craftsmanship, design, and creativity in a friendly competition.

Impact:
This project promotes collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking while giving students a practical application of STEM principles. By engaging in iterative design and testing, students build engineering skills, creativity, and confidence, culminating in an exciting and educational competition that emphasizes learning through doing.

Project Description:
This grant will provide interactive literacy games and kits from Lakeshore Learning to create engaging language arts workstations for students. The goal is to support 5th graders who are not yet meeting expected reading benchmarks by providing additional, hands-on practice in a fun and collaborative way.

Impact:
By incorporating interactive centers, students will build literacy skills while also learning to work cooperatively. This approach promotes engagement, reinforces key reading concepts, and helps students make measurable progress toward personal, school, and district literacy goals.

Project Description:
This grant will fund a secure charging station and compatible cables to support technology use in the music classroom for approximately 800 students. Students regularly use tablets, laptops, tuners, metronome apps, digital sheet music, and recording tools. The charging station will ensure devices remain powered, organized, and accessible, allowing seamless integration of technology into music lessons.

Impact:
By providing a dedicated charging solution, this project will:

• Increase instructional time by minimizing disruptions from dead batteries

• Support technology-based music learning, composition, and recording

• Promote equitable access to devices for all students

• Improve classroom organization and safety by reducing loose cords

This initiative enhances student engagement and learning while fostering modern, technology-rich music education.

Project Description:
This grant will fund CPR Mini Anne Plus manikins to implement Hands-Only CPR training for 500+ high school students annually. By practicing proper chest compression techniques in a safe, controlled classroom environment, students gain hands-on experience and confidence that goes beyond textbook instruction.

Impact:
By participating in this training, students will develop muscle memory, confidence, and the skills necessary to act in real-life emergencies. This initiative empowers teenagers with life-saving knowledge, promotes responsibility, and helps prepare them to respond effectively to sudden cardiac arrest, a leading cause of death in the United States.

Project Description:
This grant will provide preschool students with hands-on learning experiences that encourage exploration, creativity, and peer interaction. By engaging in new activities and materials made possible through this grant, students will develop fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and collaborative skills in a playful and meaningful way.

Impact:
Little Hands, Big Possibilities empowers young learners to explore, create, and grow through interactive experiences. Students will benefit from enhanced engagement, social development, and early learning skills that set a strong foundation for future academic and personal success.

Project Description:
This grant will support hands-on creative learning for 350 young students by combining drawing, artwork, and building projects. Students will explore designing and constructing buildings with a variety of materials, strengthening fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and patience while fostering creativity and imagination.

Impact:
Create and Imagine empowers students to develop essential early learning skills while expressing creativity and problem-solving abilities. By engaging in both artistic and building activities, students cultivate confidence, collaboration, and a love for learning through imaginative, hands-on experiences.

Project Description:
This grant will provide high-quality fiction novels for 125 students to read independently over the summer, connecting classroom learning to broader literary experiences. By exploring diverse characters, themes, and genres, students will deepen their understanding of ELA concepts while making real-world connections.

Impact:
Fiction Connection ELA encourages reading engagement, critical thinking, and exposure to a variety of authors and perspectives. This project supports students in building literacy skills, broadening cultural understanding, and preparing for future academic and personal success, fostering growth as thoughtful and diligent global citizens.
 

Project Description:
This grant will provide LEGO sets for 120 students to use as hands-on learning tools in 7th grade science. Students can collaborate and build when assignments are complete, fostering creativity, imagination, and teamwork while exploring engineering and design concepts aligned with science standards.

Impact:
Let’s Go Lego promotes engagement, problem-solving, and cooperative learning. By integrating hands-on building activities, students develop critical thinking, creativity, and relationship-building skills, all while connecting to real-world engineering and science principles in a fun and interactive way.

Project Description:
This grant will fund a student-led media space where students create and submit video segments for the school’s morning announcements. Students will take on roles as writers, presenters, editors, and crew members, using recording devices, microphones, lighting, cue cards, and classroom storage to produce high-quality content. The studio provides an authentic platform for student voice, collaboration, and creative expression, particularly supporting English language learners and dual-language students.

Impact:
Student Social Media Studio builds 21st-century communication, leadership, and oral language skills. By producing content weekly, students gain confidence, strengthen speaking and listening skills, and develop a sense of pride and purpose in representing their school community. This initiative fosters collaboration, creativity, and real-world digital literacy in a supportive, hands-on environment.

Project Description:
This grant will support a literacy initiative for 350 students, combining engaging reading activities with a structured reward system to inspire a lifelong love of reading. Students will work toward individualized reading goals and earn recognition for their achievements. The program emphasizes comprehension, empathy, courage, collaboration, and reflection on personal values through story discussions.

Impact:
Literacy for Beginners Pilots: We Read for Fun! fosters motivation, perseverance, responsibility, and self-motivation while building foundational literacy skills. By creating a positive, goal-oriented reading culture, students will develop both academic skills and lifelong habits that support learning, resilience, and personal growth.

Project Description:
This grant will fund the creation of an Executive Functioning (EF) and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum for 156 middle school students. Materials will be paired with existing resources and Lori Desautel’s work to develop a scope and sequence that can be implemented consistently across advisory and resource classes for semesters to come.

Impact:
Smart But Scatters: EF/SEL Curriculum will help students strengthen executive functioning skills such as organization, time management, planning, and self-regulation, while supporting social-emotional growth. By providing a structured, reusable curriculum, this initiative fosters long-term student success, resilience, and well-being across multiple middle school settings.
 

Project Description:
This grant will enhance the dual kindergarten learning environment for students by providing developmentally appropriate toys, hands-on learning materials, and healthy snacks. Through purposeful play and structured activities, students will strengthen early literacy, math, fine motor, and problem-solving skills, while developing social-emotional skills such as collaboration, sharing, and self-regulation. The materials will support small-group instruction, independent exploration, and differentiated learning for diverse learners, including English Learners.

Impact:
Early Learning Essentials / Esenciales del Aprendizaje Temprano creates a nurturing, inclusive, and engaging classroom where students feel supported and excited to learn. By combining interactive materials with healthy snacks, this project promotes focus, emotional regulation, and holistic growth, setting a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Project Description:
This grant will provide incentives to celebrate the achievements of approximately 200 students who pass the IREAD3 assessment. By recognizing student success, the project aims to build self-efficacy, motivate continued growth, and highlight accomplishments alongside the support given to struggling learners.

Impact:
Celebrate Success! fosters a positive learning culture where student achievements are recognized and celebrated. By acknowledging progress and mastery, this initiative reinforces confidence, motivation, and a love of reading, encouraging students to continue striving for academic excellence.

Project Description:
This grant will fund a Preschool Maker Space for 150 students, providing a dedicated area for creativity, building, and imaginative play. Students will have opportunities to design, explore, and construct while developing fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and social-emotional skills through collaborative activities.

Impact:
Preschool Maker Space encourages creativity, curiosity, and hands-on learning while fostering friendships and teamwork. By providing an engaging, interactive environment, this initiative supports early learning, social development, and a love of exploration that lays the foundation for lifelong learning.

Project Description:
This grant will provide a variety of prizes to recognize and celebrate up to 88 students who pass the IREAD assessment or demonstrate measurable improvement during the spring of 2026. These rewards aim to motivate students, acknowledge their hard work, and foster a sense of accomplishment in reading.

Impact:
3rd Grade Reading Rockstar Rewards promotes a positive reading culture by celebrating student success and growth. Recognizing achievement encourages confidence, perseverance, and continued engagement in literacy, helping students develop a love for reading and a drive to reach their academic goals.

Project Description:
This grant will provide 34 Crayola airbrush guns to support creative expression and explore the intersection of art and STEM concepts for 530 students. Through hands-on projects such as airbrushed designs and graffiti-inspired murals, students will experiment with color blending, textures, and design principles while learning about physics concepts like air pressure and flow.

Impact:
Expanding Artistic Development Through Exploration fosters creativity, technical skill development, and innovative thinking. Students will engage in problem-solving, gain confidence in artistic expression, and develop a deeper appreciation for how art connects with science, technology, and engineering, sparking curiosity and passion for learning across disciplines.

Project Description:
This grant will provide essential supplies and learning resources for 100 preschool students at the Brook Park ELC program. The materials will support hands-on learning experiences, early literacy, and foundational skills that promote academic and social-emotional growth.

Impact:
Setting Them Up for Success creates a nurturing, well-equipped classroom environment where students can explore, learn, and grow. By providing these resources, the project helps foster long-term learning, engagement, and readiness for future academic success.

Project Description:
This grant will support the I-Learn Checkpoint Level Up Celebrations, an initiative designed to recognize student growth, motivate achievement, and foster a positive school culture. Students who demonstrate academic growth or proficiency on checkpoint assessments will be celebrated with food, games, decorations, and incentives. The program transforms high-stress assessment moments into opportunities for encouragement, community-building, and celebration of effort and progress.

Impact:
Belzer Math Level Up Checkpoint Celebrations encourages students to take ownership of their learning, build confidence, and develop perseverance, resilience, and goal-setting skills. By publicly recognizing growth—not just final achievement—this initiative motivates students at all levels, promotes equity and inclusion, and cultivates a school culture where academic effort and success are celebrated. The program positively impacts hundreds of students annually and reinforces lifelong learning habits.
 

Project Description:
This grant will provide high-quality reading materials and a designated reading buddy to support 90 second-grade students in strengthening literacy skills beyond the classroom. The program encourages at-home reading practice and focuses on building fluency, comprehension, and confidence through engaging and meaningful literacy experiences.

Impact:
Ready for Take Off: Second Grade Reading fosters a love of reading while promoting academic growth and lifelong literacy habits. By providing structured support and engaging materials, the project empowers students to develop reading skills, gain confidence, and achieve success both inside and outside the classroom.

Project Description:
This grant will provide incentives to celebrate roughly 100 students who successfully pass the IREAD assessment, either as second graders last year or as current third graders. The project aims to recognize and honor students’ hard work and achievements while helping them feel proud of their literacy accomplishments.

Impact:
IREAD Champions fosters a positive reading culture by celebrating student success and motivating continued growth. Recognizing achievement encourages confidence, perseverance, and a love of reading, giving students a sense of pride in their academic accomplishments and reinforcing the value of effort throughout the school year.

Project Description:
This grant will support a classroom environment that promotes student choice, responsibility, and engagement for students. Flexible seating options and the addition of the classroom pet, Leo, provide a calming presence and hands-on learning opportunities. Students learn to care for the pet while developing focus, responsibility, and collaboration skills.

Impact:
Nurturing Responsibility, Focus, and Engagement Through Flexible Seating and a Classroom Pet fosters a positive classroom community where students are empowered to take ownership of their learning. By combining interactive, student-centered seating with the presence of Leo, this project enhances engagement, social-emotional growth, and the overall classroom experience.

Project Description:
This grant will provide essential equipment, hands-on tools, and curriculum materials to support 35 students (and future cohorts) in the Applied Careers Exploration course within the Exceptional Learners department. Students will gain practical job skills such as technology care, workplace organization, customer service, and following directions, while engaging with interactive curricula covering six career areas across eight pathways—including Healthcare, Food Service & Hospitality, Retail, Childcare, Office Administration & IT, Animal Care, Manufacturing, and Construction & Trades. Materials include vocational role-play guides, life skills stories, and hands-on tools that simulate real workplace tasks.

Impact:
Building Career Pathways for Every Student 2.0 prepares students for real-world challenges by developing responsibility, technical skills, and workplace readiness. By combining experiential learning with structured curriculum, students gain confidence, independence, and employability skills, fostering lifelong success and engagement in meaningful career pathways.

Project Description:
This grant will support the Success You Can See initiative, designed to make academic success visible, aspirational, and attainable for 25–30 scholars. Students demonstrating growth, consistency, and achievement will receive two meaningful incentives: professional quarter-zip pullovers symbolizing pride and preparedness, and high-interest, grade-appropriate books to promote literacy and continued academic growth.

Impact:
Success You Can See reinforces positive academic identity, encourages pride in effort and achievement, and normalizes college- and career-ready habits. By linking recognition to clear criteria such as growth, mastery, and perseverance, the initiative builds a school culture where success is celebrated, motivation is inspired, and students begin to internalize what it means to be a successful learner.

Project Description:
This grant will create a dedicated Box Thru My Emotions area where students can work through their feelings using movement, exercise, and guided discussion. Under adult supervision, students will engage in safe boxing activities that help them process emotions, build mental discipline, and develop healthy coping strategies. The project combines social-emotional learning with physical activity to support students’ well-being.

Impact:
Box Thru My Emotions provides students with tools to understand and manage their emotions, fostering resilience, self-regulation, and confidence. By integrating movement and mindfulness, this initiative helps students prepare for middle school and beyond, supporting their overall mental, emotional, and social development in a safe and structured environment.

Project Description:
This grant will support the placement of a certified facility therapy dog at Lawrence North High School, helping to continue the legacy of Nugget, the school’s first facility dog. The dog will provide emotional support, sensory comfort, and a grounding presence for students and staff, including those with individual education goals. Funding will assist with placement costs through ICAN and can also guide additional fundraising efforts to secure the remainder of the necessary funds.

Impact:
LNHS Facility Dog will strengthen school climate, support mental health, and foster meaningful connections across the school community. By offering a consistent source of comfort and emotional regulation, the facility dog helps students manage stress and anxiety, promotes well-being, and creates an inclusive, supportive environment for all.

Project Description:
This grant will bring oversized versions of students’ favorite games into the Big Play Room, giving children the opportunity to play on a giant scale while having fun and staying active. These large-format games will encourage movement, coordination, and muscle development in an engaging, playful environment.

Impact:
This mini grant will help promote physical development, active play, and joyful learning experiences for more than 350 students in a fun and interactive setting.