Grants show a little can go a long way

Maybe it’s the student that takes his first step onto that stage. Or the seasoned performer dressed to the nines ready to sing her heart out.

Maybe it’s the third grader who created his first clay art sculpture. Or the family nights that urge parents of kindergarteners to get involved.

It could be the shy fourth grader challenged to read 40 books during the school year.

All of these experiences — and many, many more — are made possible by Vigo County Education Foundation mini grants.

The grants range from a few hundred to $750 depending on the projects the teachers submit and on Wednesday, the education foundation awarded 169 grants and a record $105,774 to teachers across the Vigo County School Corp., impacting education for learners in Pre-K through high school and enriching every curriculum content area.

The grants “mean a lot. They are very important,” Jana Weeks, the art teacher at Franklin Elementary School, told reporter Sue Loughlin. “They open the door to more creativity because we’re able to get supplies that we would not be able to afford” otherwise.

At Franklin, Weeks will collaborate with media specialist Amber Wigington in a project called The Caldecott Art Show, which gives third graders the chance to read and explore award-winning books to inspire their own art pieces; the children then display their work in an art show.

Franklin also produces a year-end talent show where some children sing, others dance. A few have demonstrated their skills for magic tricks or gymnastics-type activities. The Franklin Falcon Talent Show, along with a Community Theatre field trip is supported by another grant.

“The Great Monster Exchange” is another art project supported by a mini grant that will involve both Franklin and Sugar Creek Consolidated.

And the list goes on and on. Superintendent Chris Himsel said at the distribution event the grants “are about going beyond the typical, normal stuff we would do in the classroom to engage students in ways that aren’t possible without the additional resources.”

Others thanked the Foundation and teachers for their creativity in coming up with unique projects.

The mini grants demonstrate that a little can go a very long way when a community comes together to support its teachers and students.

With entities like the Vigo County Education Foundation and those creative teachers, students are able to experience a more rounded, enriching school experience.

That’s something we all can celebrate.