ALLENTOWN, PA. (December 15, 2022) – Twenty-three innovative educational projects received a combined $26,180 in grants from the Allentown School District Foundation (ASDF). Awarded to 20 different educators working in 13 of the District’s elementary, middle, alternative and high schools, these Teacher Innovation Grants (TIGs) will introduce over 5000 students to new technologies, musical instruments, science models and equipment, reading strategies and resources, and social emotional wellness techniques and tools.
Each fall the ASD Foundation invites educators throughout the District to apply for a grant of up to $1200. Funding is provided by individual donor gifts and grants to the ASDF. Proposals are approved by the building principal and grade level administrators, considered for safety and facilities impacts, then reviewed and scored by a committee. The highest rated proposals that bring innovation to students at each grade level are selected to receive funding.
The TIG Committee Chair is Kay Kurtz and Vicki Newhard, ASDF Administrator manages the program. Additional committee members are: Dr. Dennis Blankowitsch, Dr. Mark Emerick, Don Hinkle, Diane Wittman Koch, Allyn-Jane Marks, Altagracia Mercado, Angela Nolan, Dr. D’nese Sokolowski, Anita Stevens, Dr. John Stevens, and Dr. Erika Sutherland.
This year several applicants worked with a co-applicant and some work in multiple buildings thereby extending the potential impact of the project. A project is named for donors who contribute at least $1200 to the Foundation for Teacher Innovation Grants. Smaller donations are combined to fund the remaining grants. This year’s grants bring the total to over $188,000 awarded since the Teacher Innovation Grant program began in 2010.
Teacher Innovation Grants are motivational for teachers and staff, increase student engagement in learning activities, and contribute to a positive climate and culture in the schools. “All recipients and co-applicants are commended for their creativity, having a growth mindset and commitment to excellence in the Allentown School District,” said Dr. Julie Ambrose, executive director, ASD Foundation.
The chart below provides a summary of the winning proposals and donors.
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ASD Foundation 2022-2023 Teacher Innovation Grants
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School
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Lead Applicant
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Sponsor
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Project Title
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Stud-
ents
|
Grant Amount
|
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Central ES
|
Leeann Lemperle
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Arlene Bernhard Memorial Gifts
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Ukuleles for Excellence
|
175
|
$1,147
|
|
Dieruff HS
|
Brandi Kennedy
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Bill Sugra Memorial Fund
|
Urban Gardening
|
90
|
$1,200
|
|
Dieruff HS &
Districtwide
|
Leila Little
|
Bill Sugra Memorial Fund
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Learning Dome for Models for All
|
1,000
|
$1,200
|
|
Mosser ES &
Washington ES
|
David Sendef
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ASDF Donors
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Ukuleles for Music Education
|
500
|
$1,169
|
|
Ramos ES
|
Andrea Powell
|
Anonymous Librarian
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Early Learning Centers
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25
|
$1,190
|
|
Ramos ES
|
Matthew Bronson
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Dr. John & Anita Stevens
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Ramos Re-Set Sensory Room
|
630
|
$1,125
|
|
Raub MS
|
Meghan Smith
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Bob & Sandy Lovett
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The Empire Builder's Manifesto
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120
|
$1,174
|
|
Ritter ES
|
Michelle Chelton
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Dr. and Mrs. Dennis Blankowitsch
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Orff Instrument Enrichment
|
500
|
$1,175
|
|
Sheridan ES
|
Stacy Cunningham
|
ASDF Donors
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Let's ReWrite
|
30
|
$950
|
|
Sheridan ES
|
Kim Saeger
|
Anonymous Librarian
|
Science of Reading: Growing Literacy
|
75
|
$1,197
|
|
Sheridan ES
|
Michelle Chelton
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Arlene Bernhard Memorial Gifts
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Music Expression w/ Creative Sensory Materials
|
16
|
$1,199
|
|
South Mountain MS
|
Erin Rodenbough
|
Arlene Bernhard Memorial Gifts
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Overcoming Dysgraphia, Visual Impairments and Learning Needs with Digital Expression
|
5
|
$1,200
|
|
Trexler MS
|
Catherine Bianco
|
Anonymous Librarian
|
Reading Resources
|
800
|
$1,200
|
|
Trexler MS
|
Justin Tanzos
|
ASDF Donors
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Portable Pianos for the Classroom
|
360
|
$1,167
|
|
Trexler MS
|
Meghan Smith
|
Bill Sugra Memorial Fund
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Welcome to the (Classroom) Jungle
|
300
|
$1,010
|
|
Trexler MS
|
John Kikrillis
|
Anonymous Librarian
|
The SPOT (Slam Poetry of Trexler)
|
125
|
$1,200
|
|
Trexler MS
|
Rebecca Hann
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Mrs. Finizzi Endowed TIG
|
The Suitcase: A Silent Witness to the Holocaust
|
130
|
$1,200
|
|
Union Terrace ES
|
Mariah Solis
|
Bill Sugra Memorial Fund
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STEAM Club Jr. in the Real World
|
30
|
$1,200
|
|
Union Terrace ES
|
Elizabeth Rhodes
|
ASDF Donors
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Creating a Sensory Pathway
|
100
|
$1,150
|
|
William Allen HS
|
Brett Wandler
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Arlene Bernhard Memorial Gifts
|
Barn Beam Lighting Fixtures
|
30
|
$1,200
|
|
William Allen HS
|
Lata Ananthan
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ASDF Donors
|
Chill Out Sensory Zone
|
40
|
$1,200
|
|
William Penn Alt Ed
|
Kevin Boucher
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Gallagher Award
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Finance 101 Workshops
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40
|
$700
|
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William Penn Alt Ed& Dieruff HS
|
Kevin Boucher
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Dr. John & Anita Stevens
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CPR/First Aid Workshops
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40
|
$1,027
|
|
|
|
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Totals
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5161
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$26,180
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ES = Elementary School MS= Middle School HS = High School Alt Ed = Alternative Education
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Students = anticipated number of students participating
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About the Allentown School District Foundation
The ASD Foundation has a mission to encourage, promote, support and fund positive educational experiences for students in the Allentown School District. Since its founding in 2009, the Foundation has raised over $8.1 million for supplemental programming and conduit support for ASD schools. If you would like to learn how you can support the work of the Foundation with contributions or by volunteering, please contact Executive Director, Dr. Julie K. Ambrose, at 484-765-4121 or [email protected]. The mailing address is P.O. Box 328, 31 South Penn Street, Allentown, PA 18105, and the website is www.allentownsd.org/asdf.
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