The 2013 Fall Beaumont Public Schools Foundation (BPSF) Caravan put smiles on the faces of several BISD staff and students by surprising them with a grant. This marks the 21st year of the BPSF Fall Caravan. Board President Shirlene Cook, and other board members and BISD administrators visited various campuses to announce and deliver supplies to award recipients. A total of $6,645.24 was given to further assist staff and students with educational projects.
The mission of the Beaumont Public Schools Foundation, Inc. is to award grants for projects to enhance teaching and learning in the Beaumont Independent School District and to receive and administer gifts for other educational purposes for Beaumont Independent School District students. The BPSF is a non-profit organization that supports the staff and students of the Beaumont Independent School District. Since its inception, BPSF has awarded grants to 303 BISD staff and students which total nearly $200,000. Board members for the foundation are comprised of a diverse group of citizens who reside in the Beaumont community.
To view photos from the event click here
Listed below are the BPSF Staff and Student Awards for Fall 2013.
Cultivating Minds - Cindy Ashcraft, Staff Award – Vincent MS -$998.33
Approximately two-hundred middle school Family Consumer Science and Agriculture students
will use math and science skills while growing an herb garden to perform laboratory experiments. The cross-curriculum project shows students how to use Scientific/Mathematical methods and vocabulary in relation to planning special areas for planting, growth patterns, soil and weather conditions and other factors that influence successful herb growth. The project asks for a small greenhouse, tiller, gardening tools, and herb seeds. Students can take herbs home and involve the whole family with the experiments they learned.
Project Magnify! – Michael Black, Staff Award- Marshall MS -_$999.20
Looking at items through magnifying eye loupes and a digital microscope allows seventh grade life science students to experience the intricate details and beauty of minute objects in their environment. The “Private Eye” Curriculum links science observations to visual and language arts, prompting writing observations. The digital microscope projects images for all students to see and captures photos for future use. Two team teachers and nearly 260 students will use the materials.
Wormwatcher Indoor Composting System – Sharon Yee, Staff Award – Regina Howell Elem. - $969.02
Imagine growing squiggly, nasty red wiggler worms! That is what upper elementary students plan to do with an indoor composting kit that uses the worms to create compost from leftover veggies and fruits, newspapers and other items most of us throw away. The acrylic worm bins allow kids to see the composting worms in action. The bins are mobile, so they can be moved around the campus for the whole school to see. The compost will be used in newly built outdoor garden boxes. Students will grow seedlings in the classroom until they are ready for transfer to the garden boxes. The project meets several science, reading, math and writing objectives. Both teachers and students on the campus can participate in recycling and learn how ecosystems operate.
Jump & Jive Gym Time – Charla Bergeron, Staff Award – Lucas Pre-K - $998.75
How does a Pre-K teacher get students to learn literacy and math skills? Let them move!
As they are developing gross motor skills, they count and learn words while jumping on alphabet and number mats, using hula-hoops, and shooting baskets. Each gym class on the campus will use the equipment to reinforce what they are learning in the classroom. The entire campus, 250 students, will use these fun learning tools.
Investigating Sustainability Through Environmental Interactions – Shanquaishia Edwards, Student Award- Smith MS - $761.99 *Bennie Hickman Math & Science Award
This student plans to investigate the interactions of organisms within their physical surroundings. In addition, she will monitor and observe the effects of weather and water quality on the life of ecosystems. Materials for the projects include an air, weather, and water systems. Items needed to build the ecosystems include gravel, soil, and sand. Organisms such as fish, red belly toads and crickets, food for the organisms, will live in the ecosystem habitats.
sk-erade: Commedia dell’ Arte in the Classroom – Gina Martin, Staff Award – Ozen HS -$953.00
High school drama students will use specialized character masks from Italian theatre to build strong character development, physicality, improvisation and fun. The masks give students opportunities to develop confidence, learn the physical movements and vocal differences of the four characters. The teacher reaction and the reaction of the audience at each performance will measure the project’s success. The masks are durable and can be used for many years.
Gardens Galore – Will Humber, Staff Award – Odom MS - $964.95
A middle school campus has enlarged its garden area by six times, and needs more gardening equipment. The teacher is requesting basic things such as shovels, wheelbarrows, a variety of rakes, water hoses, all natural fertilizers and insecticides, potting soil, and seed trays. The major goals of the project are to teach students a sustainable lifestyle through growing one’s food and community responsibility. Harvested crops will be shared with needy families. The project calls for a winter garden as well as a spring garden. The entire middle school student body will be invited to participate.
Total Amount $6,645.24
6 staff awards
1 student award (Bennie Hickman Math & Science Award)
*The Bennie Hickman Science & Math Award is an In Memoriam Award to honor Bennie’s many years of advocacy and service to the Foundation. His commitment to the BPSF enabled the Foundation to grow and encourage staff and students to seek grants for creative classroom projects.