We awarded the following grants to Hopkins Schools during the 2010 – 2011 school year:
Books on Hand — Grades 5 and 6
Classroom libraries, generally provided by teachers, vary in the size and content. These classroom libraries are important to build good reading skills because they are easy for kids to access. This grant will enhance classroom libraries in all our elementary schools by increasing the non-fiction offerings and providing engaging options for readers with diverse interests and skill levels.
Buzz for Learning:
Electronic buzzer systems encourage quick answers and a fun way to learn. Buzzers are used for academic teams to practice for competitions and are available to high school classroom teachers for games to help students review for tests.
Career Paths to Independence
Practical Assessment Exploration System (PAES) provides vocational curriculum and assessment tools to simulate a work environment for students with Individual Education Plans. Exploring career/vocational areas, the program encourages students to become as independent as possible. The PAES program ensures that Hopkins complies with the Individuals with Disabilities Act and provides cost savings by replacing the need to contract with an outside agency.
Kindle the Love of Reading
E-book pilot. Teachers can engage students by giving them quick access to popular new books. This 21st century technology helps disguise the difficulty level of books to reduce the embarrassment some students feel who are reading below grade level. Students needing additional support in reading can access increased font size, a built-in dictionary and use text to speech technology.
Learning by Gardening
NJH students learn to garden by participating in the entire growing cycle, from purchasing seeds, to planting flowers and vegetables in the McConnon greenhouse, to transplanting and caring for them in new raised beds in the courtyard. “School-grown” vegetables will be used in school lunches.
Learning Social Skills Through Video Role-Play
With FLIP cameras, students with disabilities can view themselves in role play and real-life interactions. These tapes are used for discussions on socially appropriate interactions.
Learning to Focus with Biofeedback
Students are more successful at learning when the mind, heart rate and emotions are in-sync. Biofeedback software teaches techniques to create a more balanced emotional state. The software will be used in the computer lab and with hand held units for classrooms to help students self regulate.
Mathematics Lab: Real-World Applications
Interactive labs will increase academic performance because students can apply concepts from each unit to real world mathematical situations. Using TI-Nspire CX math technology, the program provides concrete applications so students understand how the study of math is relevant to their life beyond school.
Mobile Film Lab
A mobile, dedicated film lab with laptops and cameras will provide interdisciplinary tools for students to learn to create and publish their work in this visual age. Current computers do not have the processing and memory power to handle new video formats. This rolling cart will allow people to effectively use the lab school-wide as students plan, act, film and edit projects from English to science.
Nooks: Any Book, Any Kid, Any Time
E-book pilot. Teachers can engage students by giving them quick access to popular new books. This 21st century technology helps disguise the difficulty level of books to reduce the embarrassment some students feel who are reading below grade level. Students needing additional support in reading can access increased font size, a built-in dictionary and use text to speech technology.
Nooks: “4” Books
E-book pilot. Teachers can engage students by giving them quick access to popular new books. This 21st century technology helps disguise the difficulty level of books to reduce the embarrassment some students feel who are reading below grade level. Students needing additional support in reading can access increased font size, a built-in dictionary and use text to speech technology.
On the Ball for Active Learning
All fourth grade students at Eisenhower can experience the benefits of active learning with stability balls. These balls help students focus on learning while also providing exercise.
Peaceful Playgrounds
Based on a well-researched program implemented in schools nation-wide, the Peaceful Playground helps kids with varied interests and abilities play together. Activity areas with up to 100 games motivate children to play cooperatively, learn to handle conflict, and increase physical activity.
Reflections Literary Magazine
The “Reflections” magazine showcasing student work is back! Works include short stories, poems, essays, photography, and artwork. The H.E.F. grant provides the start up costs. Sales will fund future editions of the magazine.
