In October, board members of the Starkville Community Foundation visited seven Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District campuses to present their annual Innovative Educator grants to eight SOCSD teachers and staff members.
Applicants submitted unique projects ranging from a middle school sewing club and elementary “Gaga pit” to high school Wind Ensemble training with a composer and fifth grade science centers. The $1,000 grants will fund the supplies and materials needed to create these excellent learning experiences.
SCF board members and volunteers Suzanne Dressel, Stacey Parvin, Alison Buehler and Andrea Nichols visited schools to present the grant checks and meet teachers in their classrooms. Students were able to enjoy the surprise of the check deliveries and learn a little about the upcoming projects they will get to experience.
Students at West Elementary were engaged in learning how to tie a shoe using wooden “tying stations” created by physical education teacher Kurt Pinnix when the SCF volunteers arrived to deliver his grant check.
The “tying stations” are just one creative way he works to make physical education classes fun for students while also providing valuable movement and life skills. He applied for an Innovative Educator grant to fund the construction of a “Gaga pit” he hopes will enhance movement for students in a way that helps them develop better hand-eye coordination, prepare for future sports endeavors and also captures their interest for the entire class period.
“I had never heard of a ‘Gaga pit’ until I saw your P.E. teacher’s application,” Suzanne Dressel, SCF board member, shared with West Elementary students during Pinnix’ check presentation. “We are excited to help him create that space to get you moving and help you learn in class.”
The Starkville Community Foundation is a nonprofit affiliate of the CREATE Foundation and administered by a local board. The SCF mission is simply to raise and distribute funds for projects and initiatives that make the greater Starkville community a better place.
Education is one of their core focus areas, and the Innovative Educator grants aim to award at least one grant for each school in the county.
“We know that investing in the community we love positively impacts all of us,” said Alison Buehler, SCF board member.
SCF Executive Director, Stacey Parvin echoes that commitment.
“Together, we can ensure that everyone has a solid foundation and Starkville continues to thrive for all who call it home,” she said. “Just having one person believe in you makes a huge difference.”
SOCSD Superintendent Tony McGee says the grants represent a belief in teachers and their innovative ideas that can translate into game-changing experiences for students.
“Our teachers use their creativity every day to bring great learning experiences to our boys and girls, and sometimes they use their own money to do it,” McGee said. “The annual Innovative Educator grant program from Starkville Community Foundation provides the resources needed to bring some of their best ideas to life. We are thankful for the Foundation’s commitment to supporting our teachers and students.”
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