If you were offered $400 to enhance your students’ learning opportunities, how would you use it?
The Rotary Club of Pagosa Springs posed that question to preschool through high school teachers in Pagosa Springs. Teachers who responded with creative, innovative ideas to inspire students were awarded Rotary teacher mini grants.
Of the 19 applications received from seven different schools, the selection committee awarded funds to 14 applicants.
Congratulations to Ruby Archuleta-Pitts and Jennifer Montoya from Seeds of Learning; Lori Lucero, Linda Lutomski, Abigail Monroe, Laura Mijares, and Malinda Burnett, Katrina Thomas and Terri Lindstrom from Pagosa Springs Middle School and Pagosa Family School; Devin Wilson and Shelby Kutulas from Wings Early Childhood Center; Andrea Cox from Valor Academy; Leo Baughman and Krisha Doocy, Garrett Fong, and Kelly Lewis from Pagosa Springs High School; and Grace Thompson from Pagosa Springs Elementary School.
Rotary’s Teacher Mini Grant Program awarded a total of $4,000 to teachers.
The mini grants provide funds to innovative teachers who want to develop new programs to enrich the student classroom experience, specifically materials or projects that are not funded through the school district. To stretch Rotary’s $4,000 to serve as many projects as possible, the committee chose to partially fund some requests and suggested other resources.
The interesting and fun projects funded this year include microscopes, 3-D printing kits, parts to revamp unused or broken equipment into functioning equipment, Spanish reading books, and fly-tying as related to conservation and ecology. Preschoolers will enjoy tools to improve their fine motor skills as well sensory skills.
Teachers have responded with notes saying, “Thank you so much. This is a huge help!” Another wrote, “Thank you so much! We will put the money to good use!” and, “Rotary is always so gracious and generous.” Other teachers wrote, “The kids are asking every day and are so excited about the possibility! We appreciate the support,” and, “Thank you! I am very grateful for this funding.”
The Rotary Club of Pagosa Springs is proud to support our wonderful teachers who work so hard to excite and educate our children.
Rotary also awards $20,000 in scholarships to Pagosa’s graduating seniors each year.
The Rotary Club of Pagosa Springs offers these opportunities in education through the support of the community in the form of Rotary sponsorships, participation in Rotary fundraisers and donations. Thank you to our generous community.
