SPANISH FORT, Ala. — Rockwell Elementary School nabbed more than $8,500 in supplemental funding during the Spanish Fort Educational Enrichment Foundation’s annual teacher-student grant program.

“The grants, written by various teachers and students, were primarily for technology equipment which will help our students work with the most up-to-date forms of educational technology,” said Rockwell Principal Robbie Owen. “It is the strong desire of all four Spanish Fort principals to provide the best possible learning opportunities for the students in our community. Through these grants, SFEEF is helping us to achieve this goal.”

SFEEF officials distributed a total of $30,043 via 21 grants to the four schools March 17 for use by May 31.

The grants awarded, listed in ascending order, are as follows:

• Teacher Sondra Gentry, assisted by student Cillian Skoppek, received $1,250 for the purchase of iPads to provide elementary-level English learners with an “effective, interactive resource” designed to expand levels of proficiency in the classroom.
• Fourth-grade teacher Jo Anne Webb, assisted by student Bella Hanberg, was awarded $1,485 to purchase document cameras for “enhancing the learning ability of all students in the classroom.”
• Third-grade teacher Elizabeth Pierce, assisted by student Madeleine Haulard, received $1,899 to establish a student-response system using smart boards. The system provides immediate interaction and allows teachers to customize instructions.
• Fourth-grade teacher Lauren Hailey, assisted by students Adelle Smith and Grace Armstrong, was awarded $1,899 for a student-response system using smart boards, as well. Hailey’s system will provide her immediate data for both the class as a whole and each individual student as needed.
• Fifth-grade teacher Kim Riley, assisted by student Mercedes Cooks, received $1,980 for the purchase of document cameras to use interactively with smart boards, allowing a “quick way to share information.”

And as Owen noted, the indirect impact of the grant funding is almost as potent as the new technology.

“As the foundation makes these purchases, school funds will be available to make other purchases that are greatly needed. We are truly thankful for the support of SFEEF during such difficult financial times,” Owen said.

For more information, call 251-401-7333 or visit www.sfeef.com.