Fund helps 11 Boardman teachers on tech access

Winners of Educational Excellence awards announced

BOARDMAN -- The Boardman Schools Fund for Educational Excellence has awarded 11 teacher grants for the 2020-21 school year worth more than $5,000.

The cap on the projects was $500 this year in hopes of reaching more teachers and grade levels. A total 17 teachers were awarded money, some working together on group ideas.

Wireless microphones, projectors, Chromebook charging equipment and digital reader pens are among items to help meet the growing technology needs of students. Other projects include weights, and assorted equipment for physical education and athletic needs. The grants also provided for trail cameras for middle schoolers and science activity STEM kits as well as manipulatives for hands-on exploration in the elementary grades.

Thanks to the generosity of the local community and a partnership with the Boardman Education Association, the Fund for Educational Excellence has awarded more than $60,000 since its inception in 2009. The money has funded teacher grants for classroom projects that go beyond the scope of what is regularly funded in the district's budget.

The fund has helped students learn remotely during the current pandemic by donating $5,000 to Boardman Schools for 20 Wi-Fi hotspots.

This year's grant winners and how the money will be used are:

• Rebecca Calvin, intervention specialist, and Katie Fallo, director of Student Services -- two reader pens for students with reading disabilities, including dyslexia;

• Jeff Hammerton, Athletic Department, BHS -- Gym weight room equipment;

• Marcy Hughes, West Boulevard Elementary -- Science activity and STEM kits (grades 1-3);

• Scott Lenhart, Glenwood Junior High -- Two mini-projectors, two portable screens (grades 7-8 science);

• Jim Leonard, West Boulevard Elementary -- Math attribute blocks, math tiles, 100s boards, rulers and manipulatives (K-3);

• Janie Mariucci, Dana Safarek, Randy Nord, BHS English -- Time magazine one-year subscription, HP printer and ink for ELA / journalism / Bugle staff;

• Kristie Schenker, Wade Prueitt, BHS physical education -- BHS gym weight room assorted weight plates;

• Amy Amendol, Megan Turillo, BCIS -- Trail cameras and iPod touch cases (grades 4-6 science);

• Michele Prokop, BHS Music Department -- Wireless handheld microphone system to use districtwide / BPAC;

• Danielle Siembida, BGJHS physical education -- Heart Tech Plus HUB;

• Karen Sutton, West Boulevard Elementary -- Chromebook charging equipment.