The Education Foundation of Hudson recently awarded Star Grants for innovative classroom projects and curriculum training. The foundation awarded seven grants totaling $20,342.63 for projects involving educators at the Hudson School District, St. Patrick School and Trinity Academy.
Foundation Board President John Kromer, and other board members, presented the awards during ceremonies at Hudson High School on April 24. Kromer told recipients that the foundation and community are proud of the educators’ efforts to bring innovative ideas to the classrooms of local schools.
Grants included:
- Video Production and HRPN News submitted by School-to-Work Coordinator Leslie Bleskachek from Hudson High School. The will grant will be used by the Technology and Engineering Education Department for updating streaming and other equipment that can be used by the video production class. The class produces a news show titled HRPN News. The foundation awarded $5,000.
- Laser engraver submitted by teacher Tom Klatt from Hudson High School. The grant will be used by the Technology and Engineering Education Department. The grant will be used to purchase a new laser engraver in the STEM lab. The foundation awarded $4,255.
- Core Knowledge National Conference submitted by teachers Traci Wolfe, Jenna Weiland and Kelsey Albarado on behalf of elementary schools in the Hudson School District. The grant covers the cost of attending a national convention this summer. The Core Knowledge program is designed to enhance reading and spelling skills at the elementary level. The foundation awarded $3,000.
- 4K Tool Kits submitted by teachers Anita Horne and Susan Erickson on behalf of elementary schools in the Hudson School District. The grant involves the purchase of numerous tools to assist in the 4K (four-year-old kindergarten) education process, emphasizing visual support. The foundation awarded $1,014.94
- Motor Spaces for 4K classrooms submitted by teachers Anita Horne and Susan Erickson on behalf of elementary schools in the Hudson School District. Similar to the above grant, this involves the purchase of numerous pieces of equipment to assist in the 4K )four-year-old kindergarten) education process, emphasizing motor skills support. The foundation awarded $1,820.16.
- Advanced Vowel decoding submitted by teacher Heather Fey at St. Patrick School. The program, for grades three and up, aims to identify and help students struggling with intermediate reading skills. The foundation awarded $2,964.
- Fifth Grade Classroom Organization Enhancement Project submitted by teacher Matthew Johnson at Trinity Academy. The proposal involves organizational updates to improve student skills regarding time management and organization. The project includes a number of items, including a mailbox, shelving, storage units, Skylight calendars, etc. The foundation $2,288.58.
The foundation is funded by private donations, mostly coming from local and area businesses, individuals and foundations. Star Grants offer financial support for projects that would not typically be funded in the normal budgeting process. The foundation, founded in 1990, is a private organization established to strengthen community participation in all local schools and inspire both teachers and students. With the April grants, the foundation has funded just over $2,160,000 in local education projects and awards since the organization’s inception.
In addition to Kromer, current foundation board members are, Lynn Krueger, Dr. Ron Bernth, Jodell Krause, Doug Stohlberg, Heidi Gilbert and Scott Snyder. Steven Keller is the organization’s volunteer executive director.
Learn more about the Education Foundation at https://hudsonraiders.org/educationfoundation/
Pictured above, front row left to right, Heather Fey, Susan Erickson, Anita Horne, Leslie Bleskachek, and Tom Klatt: back row left to right, Foundation President John Kromer, Kelsey Albarado, Traci Wolfe, Matthew Johnson and Foundation Board members Scott Snyder and Lynn Kreuger.