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Four projects supporting Currituck County Schools were awarded mini-grant funding at a recent virtual meeting of the Currituck Education Foundation.

Rachael Benner of JP Knapp Early College High School was awarded $500 for “Tech Meets Tradition: Elevating School Culture Through Yearbook Design” to purchase a computer for yearbook design: “The impact of this investment extends far beyond the yearbook staff. Our yearbook is a treasured artifact of school culture. By upgrading our design tools, we can ensure that the quality of this publication truly honors the memories, achievements, and spirit of our school. Every student, regardless of their background or involvement in specific activities, has the chance to be represented in its pages. The more advanced computer will allow our team to produce a yearbook that is more inclusive, with sophisticated layouts, quick response time, higher-quality images, and improved design precision. These enhancements will allow us to fully capture our vibrant school culture, from academic achievements to social triumphs, from club endeavors to everyday moments that shape the student experience. This technology will allow the yearbook team to gain valuable, real-world skills in professional design software, critical thinking, planning, and collaboration, further setting them up for future success.”

Jessica Mattes of Moyock Elementary School was awarded $500 for “Splash into Sensory Fun, *Light Up* Water Play!” to purchase a Super-Safe Light-Up Water Table: “This project aims to create a dynamic, interactive space where our students can explore and engage in sensory activities that enhance learning and development! Many of our BRIGHT students are sensory seekers, meaning they need activities that provide sensory input. The light-up water table offers a safe and engaging way to meet this need. Its durability and portability make it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, allowing us to incorporate a variety of sensory materials like water, beads, and sand. The variety keeps our SPECTACULAR students engaged and encourages exploration, while also promoting fine motor skills and sensory awareness! The light-up water table will help create a more enriching and engaging classroom experience for ALL of our PHENOMENAL students! By offering a space where our FANTASTIC students can explore sensory input at their own pace, the sensory table creates an INCLUSIVE environment that supports individualized learning and development.”

Michelle Crosby of Currituck County Middle School was awarded $500  for “Courtyard Revival” to purchase a rain barrel, bench and live plants for the courtyard: “This project seeks to transform a non-functional outdoor space into a vibrant and useful learning environment for students. This revitalized courtyard will include comfortable seating areas and tables designed for collaborative work, where students can engage in group projects, study sessions, and creative brainstorming. In addition to these learning spaces, the project will feature a rain barrel, creating a hands-on outdoor classroom where students can apply classroom concepts in real-world settings. These elements will make this more than just a seating space for the CCMS building community. This shared space will foster a greater sense of community among students, supporting both academic and social development in an inspiring, natural setting.”

Sarah Lindsay of Currituck County Middle School was awarded $500 for “Dissection Lab – Shad in the Classroom” to purchase a dissecting set, shad and supplies: “The Shad in the Classroom project is an educational initiative that engages students in environmental science by involving them in the study and conservation of shad, a migratory fish species native to many North American rivers. The project connects students with real-world conservation efforts, teaching them about the ecological importance of shad, the challenges they face, and the role humans play in restoring their populations. The project typically takes place over several weeks in the spring, coinciding with the natural migration of shad. They learn about shad biology, water quality monitoring, and conservation principles. Students observe and record data, then travel to a local river to release them into the wild. This event often includes discussions with conservationists about river restoration and wildlife management. Through this initiative, students not only learn about biology and environmental science but also become active participants in conservation to care for their natural world.”

The Currituck Education Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization that exists to support public education in Currituck County. For more information on how to be involved or to make a donation, go to CurrituckEducationFoundation.org.

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