Is it a bird... Is it a plane... No, it's Super-GEF with giant checks!
The Garland ISD Education Foundation (GEF) broke records in January when they delivered 200 grants and scholarships to teachers and staff across the district. A whopping $254,563 was awarded to employees to improve classroom and campus experiences for students or to further staff education.
Each year in the fall, district educators have the chance to submit grant proposals outlining their ideas for supporting GISD students. Watch district information channels in the second half of this year for when you can submit a 2023 proposal.
The predominant theme from the last round of proposals was SEL and student wellness. Campus staff focused on promoting well-adjusted citizens. Amy Sinclair, the counselor at Beaver Technology Center, applied for funds to create grief kits for students experiencing loss. The materials and resources provided in the take-home kits will give Amy the ability to reach students and parents on campus and beyond.
Traditional topics such as literacy, fine arts and math also received a share of the grants, though our imaginative teachers came up with creative ways to promote their subjects. Bradfield Elementary’s librarian, Kelsey Ray, applied for a grant to fund indoor/outdoor floor cushions for her campus. Bradfield students will now be able to enjoy reading in a variety of settings. For the second year running GISD campuses received funds to install book vending machines. These vending machines have proved so popular with young readers that our teachers came back for more. Students at Shugart and Watson will soon be enjoying books from their new vending machines.
Delivering grants to support kids in public education is about as feel-good an activity as you’ll find. Join GEF President Lisa Cox as she journeys across the district surprising grant recipients, and try to keep the smile off your face. Then see the full list of 2022 grant and scholarship recipients below.
