The Poplar Bluff Public School Foundation awarded over $4,000 in mini-grants for innovative classroom projects proposed by teachers representing four schools across campus, benefitting students from kindergarten to high school.

In order to draw more faculty interest this year, the Foundation Board of Directors announced earlier that they would specifically fund three $1,500 projects during their bi-annual meeting on Monday, Nov. 14, in the Administrative Building. Since a few of the proposals of the eight submitted came in under budget, the Foundation opted to fund an extra one.

“The Foundation board was incredibly pleased to see an increase in participation from our teachers in seeking grants for their projects,” stated Dr. Amber Richardson, Foundation chairwoman. “It was clear that all the applicants were thoughtful in identifying ways to creatively meet the learning needs of our students. It is our hope the projects approved will provide an excellent supplement to our students in a variety of academic areas and for a variety of age ranges.”

Projects approved include GoPro cameras and a drone allowing Junior High science students to analyze experimentation frame by frame with zoom capabilities; backend funding toward a mobile 3-D projector for Middle School STEM students to experience intangibles such as blood traveling through a beating heart; an incubator for an embryology program at the Kindergarten Center; and formalin feline cadavers so High School anatomy and physiology students can perform comparative dissections.

The winning proposals selected by group tally were a combination of old fashioned hands on activities and those involving cutting edge technology, observed Foundation board treasurer Donna Gieselmann.

Since 2003, the Foundation has financed one-time classroom projects not included in the district’s operational budget that involve innovations, unusual field experiences, supportive curriculum resources and exceptional instructional strategies.

In addition to grants, the Foundation—a 501c3 nonprofit established in 1999—administers a series of memorial scholarships to students. To learn about making a tax-deductible donation, contact the office of Foundation board secretary Scott Dill, R-I superintendent, by calling 573-785-7751.

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Cutline: Eighth grader Jonathan Brower brings in his personal drone to Ashley Woolard’s class last month during Rocket Day. Now the science teacher will have her own aerial equipment.