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Generous contributions and grants from individuals, foundations and corporations make possible our efforts to enhance the educational success of students with disabilities. To download a donation form, click here. We accept credit cards and checks.
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SPECIAL EDUCATION FOUNDATION MINI-GRANTS BUILD STUDENT LEARNING
1/2/2007
Dana Brown Charitable Trust Provides Grant that Helps Teachers Help Students
Applications for Funding due on January 31 through Special Education Foundation
Thanks to the generosity of the Dana Brown Charitable Trust, many special education teachers have a new avenue to obtain classroom help for students with disabilities --– teacher mini-grants. In March 2005, the Special Education Foundation received a $150,000 grant, payable over a three-year period, from the Dana Brown Charitable Trust to provide mini-grants for special education teachers. Grants are given to teachers who initiate innovative classroom projects for special needs students. And, so far, these grants are making a difference in the lives of numerous children and youth.
The success of the Foundation’s Dana Brown Mini-Grant Program is demonstrated by student improvements in academics, social skills and physical endurance. A recent success is clearly demonstrated by Neuwoehner School Physical Therapist, Laurie Dahle. Dahle received a $3,000 grant to purchase a hydraulic stander for students with physical disabilities. The stander allows students who are in wheelchairs to develop strength and physical endurance by being able to stand for 30 to 45 minutes daily. The stander, which is adjusted to the student’s height and stature, assists in keeping the bones strong, enhances mobility and improves skills for functional living. It also has the advantage of helping with head control. A tray is attached to allow students to do instructional work, thus participating in regular classroom activities.
“The hydraulic stander gives children with physical disabilities a real chance for developing better endurance and in building strength for everyday living,” says Dahle. “We are fortunate that the Foundation has helped us purchase equipment to build a room for the purpose of allowing students to build their strength and endurance. Imagine being able to stand for individuals who have been unable to do so! This is real encouragement for these kids!”
Two Special School District (SSD) teachers in the Lindbergh School District received a $3,000 Dana Brown Mini-grant two years ago. Their grant was awarded to improve student reading skills. The program was so successful that it led the teachers to the White House Rose Garden where they were praised by President George Bush for their efforts in No Child Left Behind.
Betty Morrison, also a teacher at Neuwoehner, received $500 mini-grant to help students learn about the outdoors while at the same time building skills in gardening and planting. This, in turn, teaches students basic horticultural skills that will be very useful in gaining employment.
Jacquelyn Mellis, an SSD teacher in the Rockwood School District, received a mini-grant for $900 that provides a weekly after-school club for students in middle school who have social challenges. So often, students with special needs find it difficult to interact with their peers. The after-school club helps students interact appropriately in social situations, thus building essential skills needed in both the social and the work environment.
Karen Guccione, an SSD teacher in the Parkway School District, received a $600 Dana Brown Mini-Grant to create a library of leveled science books and supplemental materials that correlate with each grade level’s science curriculum to assist special needs students in learning the key concepts in science.
Donna Wester, an SSD teacher, has received a $1,350 grant for each of the past three years that allows high school students to travel with their teachers to the St. Louis Ronald McDonald House to prepare and serve lunch to guests in the Ronald McDonald House. This teaches students responsibility, hospitality, care for others and basic cooking skills – all essential ingredients for gaining independence and employment.
Last year, the Special Education Foundation’s Mini-Grant Program granted $36,000 in mini-grants to special education teachers. The program, designed to help teachers help students through innovative classroom projects, will not duplicate any curriculum or program funded by the Special School District. Each teacher who receives a mini-grant must complete a feedback form within one year to demonstrate the grant’s effectiveness in the classroom.
The Foundation’s Dana Brown Mini-Grants will be awarded at an after school reception for teacher recipients on Thursday, March 8, at Ces and Judy’s on Clayton Road. Mini-grant applications are available through the Special Education Foundation by calling 314-567-8100 or through the Foundation’s Web site at www.sef-stl.org/prgms_minigrants.asp. Completed applications are due in the Foundation’s office no later than January 31, 2007.
The Special Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization whose mission is to assist children and youth with disabilities in areas not supported by tax dollars. The Foundation does this through scholarships, summer camps, mini-grants, special equipment such as hearing aids and eyeglasses, leadership programs, parent support and student recognition. The Foundation depends solely on private money for support. A 17-member volunteer Board of Directors leads the Special Education Foundation.
Who: Special Education Foundation
What: Foundation’s Dana Brown Teacher Mini-Grant Program
When: Applications due January 31, 2007
Where: 10176 Corporate Square Drive, #100, St. Louis, MO 63132
Why: Assist Students with Disabilities through Innovative Classroom
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