Brianne Greer, who is in her first year at Van Buren Elementary, had been eager to convert a portion of her classroom into an independent task box center after seeing similar setups in other rooms. When she saw the chance to apply for the VBSEF grant, she realized it was a way to build on what she already has to create new possibilities for her students. She will use the grant money to purchase life-skill development tools such as place-setting materials (silverware, plates, cups, etc.) and tools to independently practice academic skills like math and reading. Greer’s resource room includes students who have exceptionalities, and all of the items purchased are meant to help students increase their academic growth and independence.

Mackenzie Leonard’s grant funds will be used to add to the limited supply of translating devices currently in use in the school district to help students who speak English as a second language (ESL) and their families communicate in a variety of settings. For example, if an ESL student is riding the bus and tries to communicate with the bus driver or vice versa, the bus driver will be able to choose the language, press a button, and speak into the device. The device will then repeat what the driver said in the student’s native language. Multiple devices will be available to the transportation department, there will be at least one in each office, and others will be available to be checked out when teachers and others need them. What Leonard likes most about these devices is that they don’t prevent the ESL students from working on their English skills, but they are tools the students and others can use to clarify directions or build social relationships despite the language barrier.