TEACHER -WRITTEN GRANTS
knowing the identities of those who applied . This year , teachers could ask for up to $ 1000.00 .
The two projects being funded for the 2022-2023 school year are :
Animated Origami : Trisha Brunazzi : Proposed by Ms . Trisha Brunazzi , in this project students will use Origami Circuit Kits to make Art come alive , combining skills in ELA , Math , and Art to create 3D paper crafts that can light up and move . Ms . Brunazzi ’ s project will help students learn how circuits work by following project guides and use their imaginations to create their own origami that ties into what they are learning in core classes .
“ I am excited to engage students in meaningful and innovative STEM experiences with these Origami Circuit Kits ,” said Trisha Brunazzi . “ The same critical thinking skills that are used in origami , are similar to the critical thinking skills used with programming- solving problems with creative solutions , in a sequence , with a specific desired outcome . Students will use their animated origami projects to ignite higher-level thinking and innovation , and spark their excitement for learning !”
Since the inception of the Educator Innovation Grant program in 2011 , the Norwin School District Community Foundation has distributed a total of $ 24,000 in grants for projects benefiting students in all schools within the Norwin School District .
The Castle Printworks : Laura Swick & Malissa Cheplick : Written by Laura Swick and Malissa Cheplick , this grant will support a student-run , full-scale graphic design and production lab on the Norwin campus that will promote STEM learning among our students with individualized educational plans ( IEPs ) and others who may not be following the typical academic STEM course pathway . This project is also being supported by The Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation , an educational foundation that funds STEM educational initiatives .
“ We are thrilled to receive grants from the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation and Norwin Community Foundation to develop the Castle Production Lab at Norwin High School ,” said Laura Swick . “ Having a student-run production lab at Norwin High School will not only be ideal , but it will promote STEM learning among our special education students and others who may not be following the typical academic STEM course pathway .”
Through the development of this print shop , crosscurricular instructional connections will be made between STEM and core content curricula . Students in special education will also experience life skills in communication , collaboration , problem-solving , innovation , and entrepreneurship in a hands-on workforce setting .
Other teacher-written grants to help engage students included a PMEA Grant written by Denise Bilott . Funds from this grant will be used to purchase two Skoogmusic Skoog 2.0 Tactile musical interface instruments to be used along with student iPads in elementary music class to explore and create music . This program will further enhance the integration of technology into music lessons and student expression . The instruments will enable students who require considerable adaptations and modifications to the music curriculum the opportunity to use any part of their bodies to make music .
The Norwin School District appreciates the initiative of these and other teachers who apply for grants that support PA Academic Standards , District curriculum , and students ’ interests . Superintendent Dr . Jeff Taylor applauded all Norwin teachers and staff for their continued commitment to excellence .
“ The success of our students begins with providing an engaging learning environment from the moment they walk into the door as kindergarten students ,” Dr . Taylor said . “ By providing a strong foundation in earlier grades , our teachers are able to build upon that strong foundation to high levels of success .” orwin
NORWIN SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
NORWIN ❘ FALL 2022 29