EDUCATION GRANTS

The San Marcos Education Foundation provided 13 grants to San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District teachers totaling almost $8,000.

Teachers apply for the grants for specific projects. The largest grant in this batch was $1,000, of which two were given out.

One of the $1,000 grants went to Miller Middle School for the “Soaring with Drones” project for the Career and Technical Education program.

“The ‘Soaring with Drones: Middle School Technology Education’ project at Doris Miller Middle School aims to ignite the curiosity and passion for technology among our students by introducing them to the fascinating world of drones.” The project application placed by CTE/Technology Teacher Aaron Martin said. “This project will enable students to explore the principles of aviation, engineering, and innovation in a hands-on and engaging way. Through dronebased activities, students will develop critical skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and digital literacy, all while fostering an appreciation for emerging technologies.”

The other $1,000 grant is intended to purchase different items to help with sensory and gross motor tools for special needs students.

“Students with special needs have significant gross motor and sensory needs,” the application said. “They need lots of opportunities to try new skills and new sensory experiences to learn how to use their body and regulate themselves.” The items purchased include a multipoint suspension swing frame, cocoon climbing swing, mesh therapy swing, Mobo Trinton bike and a toy PlasmaCar.

Another grant helped buy items for Bowie Elementary’s Sensory Lab.

“These materials will help students during their social skills lesson that they receive so they can better understand their emotions,” the grant submitted by Corina Ramirez said. “These items can be beneficial because it will help with generalization of skills being taught, practice turn taking, winning and losing at games. Some of the items listed are also for the Sensory/motor lab where students who need a break, have a safe space they can do and reset. When coming into this space they should pick a gross motor, fine motor, and sensory activity then go back to class once their timer is up.”

There was also a grant for elementary school artists to have their clay sculptures glazed. One grant will help purchase of an online independent reading program for native Spanish speakers and bilingual students. Another grant will purchase a camera for the Miller Middle School Yearbook Class as well as other grants.

This is one of multiple times each year SMEF gives out grants. During SMCISD Convocation, just under $15,000 was given away.