2017 LIFT Grants help UCPS teachers inspire , create and make an impact in their schools
More than 20 Union County Public Schools ( UCPS ) teachers recently received Leadership and Innovation Funding for Teachers ( LIFTed ) Higher Grants for 22 projects that boost literacy , bridge the achievement gap and spur students on toward careers and college . The grants , which the Union County Education Foundation rewards to eligible teachers each year , range from $ 500 to $ 1,500 .
On Oct . 26 , UCPS cabinet members , Board of Education Chair Melissa Merrell as well as Union County Education Foundation Executive Director Amy Sperry and Board Chair Fred Edwards presented checks to the following five teachers who were awarded LIFT Grants of $ 750 and up :
Julia Fincher ( Piedmont High ), Greenhouse Enrichment Project
The Greenhouse Enrichment Project will help Piedmont High ’ s special needs students revive the school ’ s existing greenhouse , ultimately helping the students grow as individuals while learning new daily life skills . The $ 1,500 grant will be used to purchase pots , soil , seeds , gardening tool kits and other necessary items that will help to prolong the life of this project for years to come .
Tiffany Medford ( Piedmont High ), Lanterns Around the World
The $ 750 LIFT Grant will provide funding for the creation of outdoor lanterns in Piedmont High Global Studies , World History , Art and Exceptional classes . The outdoor lanterns project will be accomplished through a literacy initiative that will help students understand the general use of lanterns and a global understanding of its function . The lanterns will be displayed at various UCPS schools .
Bridget Burrows ( Porter Ridge Middle ), Shrek ’ s Special Music Festival
With the help of the $ 750 LIFT Grant , Porter Ridge Middle special needs students will learn and perform basic choreography
for a Shrek Jr . song . The project , which provides special needs students with an exciting and new opportunity , is expected to reach all of the special needs students in the Porter Ridge cluster in hopes of bringing the community one step closer to closing the achievement gap .
Melissa Wheeler ( Poplin Elementary ), Poplin School Garden
The Poplin School Garden will provide access to the outdoor world and the learning available in it to all students , ultimately filling a gap for students who don ’ t have the same access while building real skills in literacy , science and math . The $ 1,500 LIFT Grant will allow the school to purchase gardening supplies , small tools and soil , nonfiction books , science supplies and more .
Melissa Cook ( Union County Early College ), Robotics Revolution Designed to help UCEC students learn STEM skills through robotic technology , the Robotics Revolution will help students in multiple content areas develop 21st century skills while analyzing the physical properties and conceptual possibilities of robotics technology . The $ 1,000 LIFT Grant will be used to purchase robotics kits that will allow students who do not have exposure to technology or its possibilities gain first-hand experience about the industry .
For more information about LIFT Grants , visit the Union County Education Foundation ’ s website .
– This article was provided by the Union County Public Schools Communication Office
Parent Teacher Magazine • Jan / Feb 2018 • 17