Copperas Cove Education Foundation distributes nearly $50,000 in grants

By PAMELA GRANT

Cove Leader-Press

Cowbells rang, silly string flew through the air, and teachers jumped for joy as members of the Copperas Cove Education Foundation presented them with a giant check awarding them money to help fund various projects, ultimately enhancing the learning experiences of hundreds of students.

The board of the Copperas Cove Education Foundation surprised several lucky teachers from nine schools on Thursday morning by awarding them nearly $50,000 in grants to help fund 19 innovative teaching projects. The CCEF raises money to help support various CCISD educational programs that teachers might not otherwise be able to afford. The grants are chosen anonymously based on a variety of criteria including innovation, number of students affected, and whether or not a project is sustainable. 

“I’m passionate about education and I think that if there’s anything we can do to enhance what the teachers are already doing and to help the school district, it’s outstanding,” said Education Foundation President, Etta Kay Kirkpatrick. “There are a lot of things that these students can benefit doing that may not be in their regular curriculum, so this gives them the opportunity to do something extra.”

Hettie Halstead Elementary music teacher, Paige Mitchell, received $848 for her “Drum Fit” program. Mitchell described her program as a non-competitive program for the body and the brain. Aside from being a cardio workout, it will teach students teamwork and rhythmic ability while enhancing motor control and developing their understanding of the world around them through music and rhythm.

“I think it will make them more interested in what we do in here…I think they will enjoy it a lot. It will be something fun and something different from what they’ve done before,” said Mitchell. This was her first time receiving a grant from the Education Foundation. “I’m so excited!”

Gabrielle Carr, a PE teacher at House Creek Elementary, had a similar “Drum Fit” program receive funding. She described her program as a way of incorporating music with engaging and active workout routines which will teach students to learn to love fitness and have fun while doing so.

Other projects funded included a class for students to learn to play the ukulele, another project which includes sustaining a greenhouse to teach students about the importance of agriculture and supporting local farming communities, and a variety of programs which seek to increase vocabulary and reading comprehension.

Each of the 19 projects seeks to find fun and creative ways to help students learn and grow whether it’s physically or mentally, and, in many cases, both.

S.C. Lee Junior High School counselor, Amy Trimm, came up with a project geared towards enhancing what she calls the whole child. Trimm received $3,999 for her project called “Character Strong.” Her project seeks to transform school culture and climate by teaching the whole child and promoting positive interactions and relationship skills. Her program will cover topics such as empathy, healthy habit development, emotional intelligence, kindness, respect, acceptance, and more. This curriculum will encourage students to make a positive difference teaching them to make an impact through their own actions. 

“We’re really trying to build a culture with kids,” said Trimm. “We’re excited to be able to utilize it here and try to make a difference.”

Trimm’s project is just one example of the many newly funded projects which will positively impact CCISD schools, teachers, students, and ultimately, the community.