Ten Newport Teachers Win Grants for Classroom Innovation

The Rhode Island Foundation has awarded 10 Claiborne Pell Elementary School teachers nearly $10,000 in grants through a program that encourages classroom innovation in urban school districts.

Conceived by philanthropists Letitia and John Carter, the Spark Grants program funded proposals to engage students through unique experiences and creative learning methods in order to stimulate their interest in academics.

“The Carters are once again promoting change by example. Their vision is giving teachers a remarkable opportunity to be innovative,” said Neil Steinberg, president and CEO of the Foundation.

This was the first year the program was open to Newport elementary school teachers. Full-time, third-grade teachers could apply for grants of up to $1,000.

“Third grade is a crucial period in the academic development of children. We were impressed by the creativity and impact of last year’s proposals. Widening the reach of the program will put more youngsters on the road to a lifetime of academic achievement,” said Letitia Carter.

Eligible expenses included software licenses, field trips, equipment and other resources that otherwise would not be available in the classroom. Spark Grants are for one-time expenses and cannot provide ongoing funding to sustain projects.

Mary Falcone and Lori Delemos each received $1,000 to purchase “Engineering is Elementary” kits from the Boston Museum of Science. Students will apply their science knowledge to solve an ocean engineering problem related to floating and sinking. The experience will extend learning by engaging students in real-life situations that require them to utilize the skills they have been taught in the classroom.

Diane Sheehan was awarded $976 for “Without ART there would be no eARTh - Keeping it Green.” Her students will visit the Green Animals Topiary Garden in Portsmouth and sketch the animal sculptures during a springtime field trip. Upon returning to school, the students will formalize their drawings on handmade paper embedded with wildflower, herb or vegetable seeds. Once the botanical seed paper is artistically crafted, students will bury their drawings in the school’s garden, allowing the seeds to germinate into plants. The project is intended to stimulate interest in topics of sustainability, ecology and environmental stewardship.

Kathleen Breede, Audrey Boisvert, Jennifer Hole, Claire Mey, Terry Mey, Kate O’Neill and Jeannine Walsh received $7,000 to collaborate on dune restoration with Save the Bay’s Newport-based exploration center. The goal is for students to demonstrate their mastery of topics in marine science in the context of a local service learning project.

“These grants allow our teachers to do what they do best innovate and create lessons and learning opportunities that excite and make students want to learn more,” said Newport School Superintendent Colleen Jermain.

In addition to Newport, teachers in Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence and Woonsocket also received Spark Grants. The Foundation awarded nearly $148,000 to 157 teachers statewide.

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. In 2013, the Foundation made grants of more than $31 million to organizations addressing the state’s most pressing issues and needs of diverse communities. Through leadership, fundraising and grantmaking activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is helping Rhode Island reach its true potential. For more information, visit www.rifoundation.org.