2003-2004 Foundation Grant Recipients

Grant Recipient: Lisa Palomba
Program Title: Frontier Days
Subject: Texas History
Grade Level: 7
School: Burnett Junior High School
Amount: $2,956.00
Prepare a journal as a character from the novel “Old Yeller”. Student will be given scenario each day and must respond in the journal.

Grant Recipient: Beth Edge
Program Title: Show Me the Problem
Subject: Math
Grade Level: 6
School: Harrison Intermediate
Amount: $2,702.00
Use an interactive system called “Qwizdom Interactive Remote Control” to solve math problems in groups and individually.

Grant Recipient: Jennifer Price
Program Title: First Things 1st.
Subject: Reading
Grade Level: 1
School: Birmingham Elementary
Amount: $3000.00
An interactive software program works on the phonological skills required for successful reading.

Grant Recipient: Avie Nikolopoulos
Program Title: The Making of a Reader
Subject: Reading Skills
Grade Level: K-4
School: Akin Elementary
Amount: $3000.00
An interactive software program works on the phonological skills for at risk kids.

Grant Recipient: Jill Torres
Program Title: “And We’re LIVE in 3, 2, 1”
Subject: Speech Communications
Grade Level: 9-12
School: Wylie High School
Requested Amount: $2,830.00
Students will record their speech and critique and improve their communication skills.

Grant Recipient: Jill Vasquez
Program Title: Opening New Doors-Family Science Night
Subject: Language Arts/Science
Grade Level: 2
School: Groves Elementary
Amount: $3000.00
Participate in science experiments in a Science Center. During a Family Science Night, show parents what experiments they have been performing.

Grant Recipient: Wendy Dolle
Program Title: The Investigation’s On
Subject: Science
Grade Level: 3-4
School: Dodd Elementary
Amount: $2,834.00
Through the use of science kits, students, using hands on methods, will participate in an active learning environment.

Grant Recipient: Doug Fortenberry
Program Title: Career Assessment Digital Portfolio
Subject: All Subjects
Grade Level: 9-12
School: Wylie High School
Amount: $1,000.00
This software package will assist the student in compiling a portfolio of their progress and achievements during their high school career. Help student to make a more informed decision regarding future educational and career opportunities.

Grant Recipient: Judy Brewster
Program Title: It’s in the Pocket
Subject: Reading
Grade Level: 1-2
School: All
Amount: $4,950.00
Provide hand held device to teachers to allow the instant accumulation of assessment data. Currently gather data using pencil/paper and it takes considerable time to evaluate the data and start the remedial programs.

Grant Recipient: Laura Pettay
Program Title: Study Skills – web based curriculum and assessment
Subject: Study Skills
Grade Level: 9
School: Wylie High School
Amount: $1,500.00
The LEAPS program will generate an assessment on each at-risk, 9th grade student and will provide an individual plan targeting the deficiencies identified. The needs are then addressed via a comprehensive curriculum encompassing 109 individual skills, each with lesson plans and student exercises.

Grant Recipient: Kristin Sloppy
Program Title: Write to the Point
Subject: All
Grade Level: 5-6
School: Harrison Intermediate
Amount: $2,704.00
Wireless, interactive InterWrite school pad is used by the teacher and the students in the classroom. From anywhere in the classroom, the teacher or student can project comments, notes, answers, etc. to a projected image.

Grant Recipient: Mindy Allen
Program Title: Progressive Life Skills
Subject: Life Skills
Grade Level: 9-12
School: Wylie High School
Amount: $1,010.00
This program will take the learned skills and knowledge from reading, writing and math and apply them to everyday life skills requirements. These assignments will include balancing a check book, purchasing items at retail outlets, reading want ads and understanding the content as it applies to the student, applying socially acceptable skills for employment.

Grant Recipient: Charleen Howell
Program Title: Young Authors, Inc.
Subject: Language Arts
Grade Level: 2
School: Dodd Elementary
Amount: $2,957.00
Project will follow a Writer’s Workshop format where writing is taught as a process with children choosing their own topics. The students will write their stories, edit, revise and publish their works in book form.

Grant Recipient: Tammy Abbott
Program Title: Project HOPE (Holocaust Overcoming Prejudice Everywhere)
Subject: English, History, Math, Science
Grade Level: 8
School: Burnett Junior High
Amount: $2,845.00
Provide a trunk full of exhibit items to review for the study of the Holocaust era of WWII. In addition, information regarding the Diary of Anne Frank and examples of the products of that era are available. Eliminate the need for borrowing the items for each of the classes.

Grant Recipient: Hartman Elementary
Program Title: Project Family Literacy WALKS [Wylie Achieving Language, Knowledge, and Skills],
Amount: $15,300 sponsored by The Verizon Foundation
The new Family Literacy WALKS program will expand and enhance with the use of technology in Wylie ISD’s evening Adult ESL Literacy program held at Hartman Elementary to an evening Family Literacy program. The new Family Literacy WALKS program will include an academically-centered Children’s ESL class for a maximum of 20 Pre-K thru grade 5 students operating at the same time/location as their parents’ Adult ESL classes.