Grants Currently In ProgressPROJECT STEP: Supporting Technology for Educational Purposes
In July 2002 campuses WIS and WJHS received the TIF [Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund Board] Special Projects grant. Its purpose: “to ensure that all students at all public school campuses have equal access to technology and thus begin to break down the ‘digital divide.’” Each campus was awarded the maximum of $44,000 to purchase respectively a video-conference unit and a COWs (computers on wheels) unit for student learning. In addition, a total of twelve teachers from these campuses will participate in the TIFTECH training sessions to become adept in technology operations and its classroom applications.
PROJECT CARE: Campus Academically Restructured Education
May 2002 brings $174,792 to our secondary campuses WJHS and WHS through the TIF [Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund] Board – Public School 10 grant. This grant focuses on technology acquisition, training, and the at-risk student. Together, both campuses are targeting a total of 200 students who are participating in the on-line NovaNet curriculum program with performance tracking. Additionally, WHS and WJHS teachers are partaking in a variety of technology-related professional development activities this school year: NovaNet training, technology operations and video-conferencing, on-line lesson planning, technology and the at-risk student, and brain-based student learning with technology.
PROJECT CHOICE
$20,971 was received in April 2002 through the TEA: Technology and School Renovation and Repair grant. These funds are helping to renovate a portable set behind the WISD Administration Building to house the WISD Choice Academic Alternative program. Qualifying secondary students will complete course requirements on-line using the NovaNet program. These students will also participate in the WHS vocational work program. Additionally, as a result of Project CHOICE, the computer center will be accessible in the evenings for community education – i.e., Adult ESL, computer classes.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT INCENTIVE
Wylie High School AP Art Teacher Macklyn Stripling is the recipient of a $3,000 equipment grant from the Texas Education Agency. With these funds she will purchase needed classroom materials and encourage students to consider AP Art as an elective.
TOBACCO COMPLIANCE GRANT
From the Comptroller of Public Accounts, WHS and WJHS have received $4,000 for the 2002-2003 school year to help implement educational programming and awareness of student tobacco use. School Resource Officers will work in conjunction with campus health teachers in providing information pertaining to tobacco use to students, the district, and parents.
NINTH GRADE INITIATIVE
Over the course of four years, approximately $200,000 has been awarded to WHS by the Texas Education Agency for the purpose of improving academic achievement for 9th graders. WHS is utilizing the funds to focus on reducing class size and training teachers in brain compatible research and methodology.
DISTRICT CYCLE GRANTS
WISD has several grants which are “cycle” grants, for which we receive annual funding based on application and available funds. Currently, WISD is managing the following:
• Pre-Kindergarten, Cycle 11 provides funding to attend school for a full-day. The grant is used soley for salaries and the district is providing the additional funds for materials.
• Texas School Libraries is a small, formula grant from which our district libraries are able to purchase needed materials.
• PEP Grant (Pregnancy, Education, and Parenting Program) furnishes supplies and services for our high school PEP program.
• Carl Perkins Vocational Education Grant provides funding assistance to technology and vo-ed programming at Wylie High School.
• E-Rate allows the district to receive a reimbursement for phone service based on the district’s free/reduced student status.
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