LOCKHART EDUCATION FOUNDATION AWARDS FIRST GRANTS

19 Grants Totaling $21,930 Given to Lockhart ISD Teachers to Fund Innovative Classroom Projects

LOCKHART, TEXAS (May 12, 2015) — The Education Foundation for Lockhart ISD has awarded 19 grants totaling $21,930 to Lockhart teachers to support innovative projects in the classroom.

Many of the grants awarded will allow teachers to purchase classroom technology such as iPads, Google Chromebooks and specialized online teaching tools.

“A lot of our students can’t use an actual computer because they don’t have the dexterity to use a mouse but they can use a touch screen,” said grant recipient Melissa Brooks, a Life Skills teacher at Clear Fork Elementary. “So we will work with them both as a group and individually with the iPads.”

Other grants will enable teachers to buy books, fitness equipment and supplies for an outdoor learning garden.

This is the first round of grants awarded by the non-profit foundation, which was launched last year by community leaders and a group of Lockhart area businesses including SH 130 Concession Co., Walton Development and Management, First Lockhart National Bank, Sabre Commercial, Bluebonnet Cooperative and Centerpoint at Lockhart.

Teachers apply directly to the Foundation for grants, which are awarded annually by the Foundation’s board. Grants are limited to a maximum of $1,000 per teacher or $2,000 for joint applications.

“We’re very pleased with the high quality of the grant applications that we received, and we believe these grants will make a significant impact in the classrooms of these teachers,” said Education Foundation president Alan Fielder.

Carver Kindergarten School Principal Karen Nixon received a grant to purchase a tricycle track and tricycles to help her students be more active.

Nixon she expects more teachers will apply for grants next year now that they have seen real results from the Foundation.

“I think it’s a wonderful thing,” Nixon said. “It’s great for Lockhart ISD, and it’s great for our school. With the budget cuts, this is a great help to the district.”