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,
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,
Emma Li Elliott, Special Education Teacher at Alameda High School, requested a grant to support classroom behavioral incentives for her students with emotional disturbance. Students were given blue tickets throughout the week when they are on task, completing work, helping others, etc. These students require these behavior incentives because of the mental health challenges they face daily.
Ms. Elliot wrote: “Thank you for your generous grant that is funding the classroom incentive ticket system for my students with mental health challenges.
