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  • Home
  • Who We Are
  • How We Help
    • Campus Celebrations
    • End of Year Awards
    • Senior Celebration
    • Teaching Grants >
      • Grant Winner Report
      • Grants Awarded 2017-2018
      • Grants Awarded 2016-2017
      • Grants Awarded 2015-2016
      • Grants Awarded 2014-2015
      • Grants Awarded 2013-2014
      • Grants Awarded 2012-2013
  • How You Can Help
    • Annual Gala
    • CISD Staff Drive
    • Everyday Giving
    • Paddle Battle Pickleball
    • Wish Lists
  • Contact Us

CEF AWARDS $68,089
IN TEACHING GRANTS

May 20, 2016

On Friday, May 20, 2016, the Corsicana Education Foundation awarded $68,098 through 25 Innovative Teaching Grants to Corsicana ISD students and teachers.

With the $urprize Patrol, CEF loaded a bus with the CHS drum line and large checks to give the surprise of the year.  These grants will be implemented during the 2016-2017 school year.

Through donations, CEF has given over $1.6 million to programs that support CISD students since 2002. 

A special thank you to our donors who named grants this year:

Charles & Jane Biltz Grants
Citizens National Bank of Texas
Eleanor Thornell English Language/Arts Grants

Guardian Industries, Inc.
​Huffman Communications
Joeris General Contractors
Kohl's Associates In Action
Lauren Dill Hammett Grant
Reese & Dill Blackard Grant
Whataburger
Zane Stites Educational Grant​
Flight Simulation Room
Grant Given in Honor of: Huffman Communications Grant
Campus: CHS
Amount Awarded: $2,830.29
Written By: Roger Hardie, Student: Cadet Siler Monk 
Description: We hope to implement a functioning flight simulation room where the cadets of TX-952 will be able to further perpetuate cadet leadership.  The room will house a flight simulator where senior cadets instruct other cadets on the use of the simulator, teaching simulated missions, utilizing a wide variety of aircraft  ranging from military and commercial to remote controlled aircraft such as drones and quadcopters.
 
Word Work: Building Readers and Writers
Grant Given in Honor of: Eleanor Thornell English/Language Arts Grant
Campus: Bowie
Amount Awarded: $1,000.00
Written By: Laura Ackley, Jennifer Hill, Amy Womack, Guadalupe Aguilar, Taylor Jones
Description: With “Word Work: Building Readers and Writers,” students will engage with purposeful word building activities that develop reading, writing, and spelling skills. Word Work (word building), is a key component of The Daily 5 Literacy Program that is used during English and Language Arts. With “Word Work: Building Readers and Writers,” we hope to develop the following academic skills: rhyming, blending, spelling CVC and CCVC words, digraphs, blends, etc. Our goal is that we will have a 90% pass rate on the phonemic awareness portion of the Istation, fluent readers and writers, and 90% pass rate on Spalding Phonics weekly spelling tests.
 
Giving our Students an Edge: Educational Development of Giftedness for Everyone
Grant Given in Honor of: Eleanor Thornell English/Language Arts Grant
Campus: All Elementary (Pre-K-6th)
Amount Awarded: $817.95
Written By: Laura Green,
Description: Our students need an enrichment curriculum to develop higher order thinking skills including creative thinking, critical thinking and problem solving. We will develop a collection of 30 lessons for each kindergarten teacher in CISD that will be supported by the trade and activity books that will be funded by this grant.  Each lesson will foster either a creative thinking skill (Fluency, Flexibility, Originality, and Elaboration) or a critical thinking skill (Compare/Contrast, Cause/Effect, Analogy, Inferencing, etc.)  These books will be resources and tools that will accompany a yearlong lesson guide that will be in the 2 inch 3-ring binders also in the grant.
 
Researching the Right Way
Campus: Navarro
Amount Awarded: $1,195.00
Written By: Sara Lewis, Mary Lou Smith, Alexdandra Diamantopolous, Sara Hayes
Description: Due to the need in our school for a technology-based research tool for emergent readers, we have been using PebbleGo.com.  PebbleGo.com is a database that allows students to do research safely and on their reading level.  For ELL and non-readers, PebbleGo.com reads the information to the student.  Secondly, this program emphasizes vocabulary, utilizes color pictures, and is early elementary student user friendly.  Thirdly, PebbleGo.com is an excellent, innovative supplement to the TEKS Resource System K-3 science and social studies curriculum.  It also addresses ELAR TEKS for writing and research by scaffolding student research skills.  These skills include locating information, gathering data, proper format, and citing sources.  Lastly, PebbleGo.com is student accessible from school and home from via the Corsicana ISD website.
 
It's all "Wrapped-up"!
Grant Given in Honor of: The Citizens National Bank Grant
Campus: Fannin
Amount Awarded: $999.99
Written By: Risa Marx, Anele Richardson & Laurena Roberts
Description: CEF, we have a problem here!  Our targeted students struggle with learning their math facts.  The "Wrap-up" keys are a hands-on, self-checking way to reinforce basic mathematical facts.  These math "keys" have a cord that wraps in various ways matching the facts and the answers.  Just flip over the key and celebrate your success!
 
"Life Savers" ....Training in CPR, AED, Heimlich
Grant Given in Honor of: The Jane Biltz Grant
Campus: District-wide
Amount Awarded: $3,500.00        
Written By: Carla Whitt
Description: Employees of CISD will attend a hands on training class of how to perform CPR, use of an AED     (Automated External Defibrillator) and how to assist a choking victim.  Training will provide the required knowledge, skill and confidence to respond appropriately to a student, faculty member or parent in a life threatening situation.
 
Numbers with Digi-Blocks
Campus: Carroll
Amount Awarded: $4,554.00        
Written By: Molly Corrington, Tiffany Vernon, Michelle Jenkins, LaReese Arnold, Casey Gordon, Marvelous Betts, Shannon Mahoney,
Description: First through fifth grade students will get hands on learning to solidify their conceptual understanding in number sense by utilizing Digi-Blocks in small groups and in RTI groups. By making Digi-Blocks available and used by all teachers that teach place value, students will learn using the same concepts (a true base 10 system of numbers).
 
In Tune With Technology
Campus: All Secondary (7th-12th)
Amount Awarded: $3,400.00        
Written By: Bre Osbourn, Jeff Osbourn, Ricky Hinton, Mike Belew
Description: There are new and user-friendly tools and applications that can be used to train musicians in both aural and visual settings. These tools provide a tactile way to learn the physics of your instrument via the Harmony Director keyboard, a visual interpretation of tuning and sound waves through the Ipad and tuner apps that are displayed on the projector screen and the ipad itself and each student can clip a small tuner and mic to their own instrument to watch and listen to their tuning throughout a rehearsal or practice session. These tools will enable us to help students refine their musicianship through aural, visual and tactile learning styles.
 
An Eagle Eye on the 8 to 5 (step)
Grant Given in Honor of: The Reese & Dill Blackard Grant
Campus: CHS
Amount Awarded: $1,100.00        
Written By: Bre Osbourn, Mike Belew, Jeff Osbourn, Ricky Hinton
Description: By attaching a GoPro camera to members of the marching band we can offer a live feed of their field performances and rehearsals as well as videos adjusted to focus in on fundamentals and functionality of the drill.
Different attachments allow us to use it on different types of instruments so that the camera can benefit the learning of all sections of the band. Professional Drum Corps have started to use this technology a lot in refining their field production and performance.
 
Today’s Champions, Tomorrow’s Leaders (Year 2)
Campus: Bowie
Amount Awarded: $2,650.00        
Written By: Cynthia Johnson, Heather Hill, Jamie Fowler, Lindsay Olsen, Kassie Gaines
Description: We’d love to continue to enhance our 5th grade Champs Program by following our mission statement: Service with pride, Lead with confidence, Inspire to impact lives! We feel that helping students learn and grow to be good leaders is a lifelong skill that not only impacts their future, but can impact countless other lives as well. The 5th grade Champ’s program has been in place for three years now, but we would like to continue to grow the program and make it even better! With money granted to us we can provide unforgettable life experiences and make a difference in countless lives!
Get moving with technology in Partner PE
Campus: CHS
Amount Awarded: $1,000.00        
Written By: Ashley Grace
Description: Our current students in our partner PE class are comprised of general ed students and special ed students.  Technology is loved by all students, with this grant the combination of physical fitness, competition, and technology for all to enjoy will be obtained.  The Wii console, physical active games, projector, and carts will allow for this to become a realty for all students in partner PE while meeting several goals, objectives and TEKS for each student.  It will allow some of them to participate in activities that without the technology of the Wii console, they would never get an opportunity to experience.

Who Is Your Favorite Author? / What Is Your Favorite Book?

Grant Given in Honor of: Eleanor Thornell English/Language Arts Grant
Campus: CHS
Amount Awarded: $2,000.00        
Written By: Nancy Walker
Description: A student who loves reading loves nothing more than to share the review of a favorite book. Students in a book club are no different.  By allowing these students access to a digital camera, book reviews will be recorded and presented for the school to view on a daily basis.  This activity will be part of a new library digital makerspace available so students may share their love of reading and use of media literacy skills.
 
Twenty First Century Learning
Grant Given in Honor of: Eleanor Thornell English/Language Arts Grant
Campus: Navarro     Amount Awarded: $2,000.00        
Written By: Jamie Batey
Description: This grant will enable are class to learn like a twenty first century classroom should.  It will allow students to use technology throughout the day to engage and support learning.  Students will be able to view the smart board on a tablet at each table.  They can solve a problem and send their work to the board with a special program called Class Flow for everyone to see.  They can share their work and explain their strategies to the class. This technology supports our districts movement toward a student centered classroom.  We will take nature walks to locate examples of science vocabulary and capture pictures to present to the class.  We will create animated presentations with Pow Toons.   We will increase reading and math scores by using iStation, Moby Max and Imagine Learning (an ESL program).

​
Developing Thinkers with DBQs
Campus: CMS
Amount Awarded: $3,600.00        
Written By: Kandice Petersen, Tania Woodruff, Meagan Pruett
Description: Document Based Questions (DBQs) are designed so that students read a selection of primary and secondary sources, process the information, organize their thoughts, and finally write an essay based on the guiding question for the lesson. This helps students of all levels to improve. Each lesson starts with a hook to ignite student excitement and engage students in the process of examining history more closely.
 
Excelling Toward a 21st Century Education
Grant Given in Honor of: Eleanor Thornell English/Language Arts Grant
Campus: Navarro     Amount Awarded: $2,000.00        
Written By: Brooke Roberts
Description: This grant will enable our class to learn like a 21st century classroom should.  It will allow students to use technology throughout the day to engage and support learning.  Students will be able to view our SMART Board on a tablet at each table.  Students can solve a problem and send their work to the board with a special program called ClassFlow for our classroom community to view.  Students can share their work and explain their strategies to the class. This technology supports our districts initiative toward a student centered classroom.
 
 
Drums Alive
Campus: Fannin
Amount Awarded: $1,852.79        
Written By: Cindy McCary
Description: Drums Alive provides a brain and body workout that expands mental powers to increase brain functioning.  Bursts of high intensity drumming and movement interspersed with periods of recovery cognition (mental math) exercises create an interval training experience that is fun and engaging for all ages.
It utilizes movement to gain a curiosity and understanding about the natural world.  This program shows how you can open your students’ minds to the amazing wonders of science. This practical applied hands-on course focuses on using rhythm, fun, and interesting activities to teach students about their world, themselves, and how the two interact. Drums Alive is a symposium of the body and mind because it utilizes the body, rhythmical instruments and other creative pieces of everyday materials to provide a fun exploratory environment for learning, movement, and self- expression.
 
Science on the Road
Grant Given in Honor of: Joeris General Contractors Grant
Campus: Sam Houston
Amount Awarded: $2,752.00        
Written By: Rachel Ivie, Meredith Boyde
Description: Science on the Road is an opportunity for students to go in the field (on four separate field trips) and study science concepts in the real world in order to apply them to content learned in a classroom setting. These field experiences will allow students to improve their investigative and reasoning skills while enhancing the content they have learned in the traditional classroom setting.
 
Gaining STEAM in Kindergarten
Grant Given in Honor of: The Citizens National Bank Grant
Campus: Navarro
Amount Awarded: $1,150.00        
Written By: Sara Lewis, Sara Hayes, Mary Lou Smith, Alexandra Diamantopoulos
Description: What makes a bridge strong? How do vehicles roll, tow and carry things? Kids can set off a chain reaction of fun! These kits let kids set up a course of ramps, pendulums, hammers and more…then drop a ball onto the tracks and go for the goal box! They also engage by teaching students to look closer at real-life designs—and make original structures that use the same important elements!  Through hands on experiences, students will begin to develop skills in understanding gravity, force, motion, momentum, speed, properties of materials, the design process and problem solving.  In the subjects of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics students will begin Building STEAM in Kindergarten!
 
Science Super STAARS
Grant Given in Honor of: The Guardian Industries Grant
Campus: Fannin
Amount Awarded: $3,687.70        
Written By: LaTasha Stephens, KariAnne Valdivia, Susan Hervey, Jamie Lewis, Regina Garrett & Cindy Cox
Description: Our 4th and 5th grade students are struggling with the Science STAAR test.  They have had very low scores over the past 5 years. As third grade teachers, we want to do our part to help them be successful.  Due to and increase in student population and the need to add a new classroom, we find ourselves in need of additional and up to date science resources, materials, and supplies.
 
Biltz Perot Museum Grant
Grant Given in Honor of: The Charles & Jane Biltz Grant
Campus: Drane
Amount Awarded: $3,500  
Description: This grant will send every 6th grade student to the Perot Museum, covering transportation, admission and lunch costs.
 
Texas Reads One Book
Grant Given in Honor of: The Lauren Dill Hammett Grant
Campus: District-wide
Amount Awarded: $4,000  
Description: CEF decided to continue the annual Texas Reads One Book project indefinitely, allowing all 4th grade students across the district to read the same book at school and home each spring.
 
Previously awarded in 2015-2016:
Sam Houston Principal’s Grant (Kohl’s Associates in Action Program) - $500.00
CISD District-Wide Initiative Grant - $10,000
Additional $5,500 to Taking Farm to the City (2015-2016 Grant)
Additional $2,500 to Winter Guard (2015-2016 Grant)
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P.O. Box 96, Corsicana, TX 75151  cef@cisd.org  903.602.8133