Category: Feedback

Paden Elementary TK class

Number Writing Books for TK

“When we launched Transitional Kindergarten (TK) in the district 11 years ago, we got trained in a supplemental curriculum that supports developmentally appropriate letter and number formation. It was called Handwriting Without Tears (now called Learning Without Tears). This year, the District decided not to fund student “consumables” (materials). I have purchased much on my own this year, but was hoping to get support for the number writing books. The number writing book supports number orientation (not writing backward),

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Teacher Mini Grants

Staying Alert and Ready to Learn

Love Elementary School 4th Grade teacher, Ryan Brazil,  requested and received AEF Teacher Mini Grant funding to create a flexible seating classroom. Students now have more options for sitting on the floor, sitting on a variety of seats and standing. Sitting all day in the same seat does not allow growing bodies and brains to stay alert and ready to learn.

Ms. Brazil wrote: “Here are a few photos from the new flexible seating options we get to enjoy thanks to this AEF grant!”

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Incentivizing reading at EJHS

Incentivizing Reading at EHS

Encinal did not have a librarian for nearly three months of the 2023-2024 school year. As the new Library Teacher, Heidi Swensen, a former graduate of Encinal HS, had the opportunity to become reacquainted with the community she always felt connected to. She also wanted to recharge enthusiasm for reading.

Ms. Swensen requested an AEF mini grant to buy gift cards to incentivize students and staff to participate in a book review raffle,

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Play time at Paden

Play Increases Social Emotional Skills

Christine Schnetz, Kindergarten Teacher at Paden Elementary, requested a mini grant to purchase more items for play now that kindergarten is a longer day. She said that students will have time for free play which will increase their social and emotional skills as well as aid them to be able to focus when not at play.

Christine wrote: “Thank you so much for your generosity. The kids are loving all the new play things and I love that they are also learning (socially,

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