SPRING GRANT RECIPIENTS
Go Direct Vernier Temperature Probes
The 8th-grade science team will be getting a classroom set of Go Direct Vernier Temperature Probes to be used in 8th-grade Physical Science classes to enhance hands-on, inquiry-based learning. The temperature probes integrate with existing software to create temperature plots that will enable students to better visualize temperature data. The new probes will support the Minnesota Science Standards to investigate thermal energy, as well as integrate computer science concepts into the curriculum. Teachers hope that by demonstrating the effectiveness of these probes in enhancing student engagement and scientific understanding, they will inspire broader adoption of technology-enhanced learning across the department.
Big River Journey Field Trip
Next year’s 4th-grade students will participate in the Big River Journey, an educational field trip on the Mississippi River. This 90-minute program takes place on a Padelford riverboat. Students will engage in hands-on activities focused on river ecology, geology, geography, and local history. The program is coordinated by the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (National Park Service) and Mississippi Park Connection. By experiencing the Mississippi River ecosystem firsthand, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of geography, ecology, and human activity. This immersive learning experience will foster a more comprehensive understanding of our local environment and its significance. The program's use of tools like binoculars, geological samples, and maps supports the district curriculum by allowing students to engage with scientific equipment and specimens firsthand. Moreover, the interdisciplinary nature of the trip reinforces connections between science, social studies, and local history.
Digital Microscopes
The 7th grade Life Science classrooms will now be equipped with digital-screen microscopes to enhance visualization, support collaborative learning, and improve student mastery of scientific skills. By replacing traditional eyepiece microscopes with modern, screen-based alternatives, this initiative will make microscopic investigation more accessible, engaging, and effective for all 7th grade students. The enhanced visualization will provide magnified images for all students to view simultaneously. With traditional microscopes it is a rather solitary process, but the built-in screen allows the students to view specimens in real time, discuss and share observations in a collaborative experience. In addition to offering students a more inclusive and interactive experience, it also promotes digital integration and 21st-century skills. Students can capture, store, and revisit images for assignments, labs, and presentations. They can annotate observations directly, track changes over time, and engage in collaborative scientific inquiry, fostering critical thinking and communication skills.
Gaga Ball Pit
A Mahtomedi student will be building a Gaga Ball Pit at Wildwood Elementary as a part of his Eagle Scout requirement. Gaga Ball provides a unique opportunity for students to engage in physical play that encourages exploration and creativity. The game allows students to experiment with strategies, teamwork, and communication while having fun. This aligns perfectly with Wildwood’s strategic plan emphasis on play and wonder, as it invites students to discover new ways to enjoy physical activity. Gaga Ball encourages students to interact with peers in a casual setting, promoting authentic relationships. As they engage in friendly competition, they learn to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and develop empathy towards others. These interactions contribute to a supportive school culture where relationships are valued, enhancing our goal of fostering a sense of community among students.
Digital Cameras and Art Tablets
The Mahtomedi High School Art Department is receiving funding to purchase 10 Canon EOS digital cameras and 16 digital art tablets to modernize its digital arts curriculum for students enrolled in digital arts courses such as Photography, Digital Graphics, and AP 2-D Design. The Canon EOS cameras will provide students with reliable tools for learning fundamental photography and creating high-quality visual content. The digital art tablets will open new avenues for creative expression and enable the development of skills in various digital art forms for students in both digital graphics and AP 2-D Design. Providing access to updated digital art tools will empower students to explore diverse artistic possibilities, develop technical proficiency, and equip them with valuable skills for future endeavors.
Ukulele Bundles
This grant will allow the Mahtomedi Public Schools Music Department to expand its ukulele curriculum for students in K-8th grade. Wildwood Elementary will receive a classroom set of soprano ukuleles and the Middle School will get a set of concert ukuleles. The ukulele is an instrument that provides students with an avenue for creative expression throughout their lives. Adding ukuleles would promote lifelong engagement in music which is important because music is an integral aspect of our history and culture. Making music is a joyful experience and inspires hope and belonging. It allows students to express themselves and their unique voice. This supports emotional and mental wellness for our students. Studies show that involvement in musical studies helps promote brain development and can support math, reading, and social/emotional skills.
FALL GRANT RECIPIENTS
Wireless Hovercam Document Cameras for O.H. Anderson Classrooms
Wireless document cameras will allow teachers to model thinking, writing, and problem solving during all subjects. The new document cameras are portable, easy to use, and allow recording for e-learning purposes. This will allow students to see the exact workbook pages or graphic organizers to model use of them effectively. This grant aligns with the District’s strategic plan to build learner agency through exceptional learning experiences and create an inclusive and equitable educational system that values diversity and honors individuality.
Movement Equipment, iPads, and GoTalkNow Software
This equipment will help meet the needs of special education students from Early Childhood through High School. Specialists have noticed an increased need to incorporate more movement opportunities throughout the day to support student learning. As a new initiative, the occupational and physical therapists have created and implemented structured movement break areas across the district. The new movement equipment will be used to implement new activities at all buildings. With increased learning styles being met through digital instruction, the addition of iPads and the GoTalkNow app would allow for further enrichment and student engagement of structured movement activities. Body breaks throughout the day help promote increased attention span and ability to focus on learning by helping students regulate their bodies. The materials will target their sensory systems such as providing breaks that provide proprioceptive, vestibular, sensory and auditory input as well as promoting structured gross motor opportunities. By creating body breaks throughout each building, this creates a system that aligns with the Mahtomedi strategic plan, specifically agency as it promotes a strong foundation for achieving academic success.
Playground Communication Board at Wildwood Elementary School
A playground communication board will help facilitate an inclusive play area where students can communicate with peers and adults through use of picture symbols. This will promote accessibility and inclusion. A communication board is a display of high-frequency playground vocabulary presented as images specifically selected to support communication by pointing to or touching one or more of the targeted images. Each image is accompanied by the written word below the picture. Nearly 1 in 6 students at Wildwood Elementary receive speech and language services. This tool will also benefit English Language Learners where English may not be their primary language for communication, as well as children who have difficulty communicating wants and needs when they are upset. This communication board has the ability to promote vocabulary and literacy to all students at Wildwood Elementary and community members who use the playground of all ages and abilities.
Mahtomedi on the Run Club at Wildwood Elementary School
The Mahtomedi on the Run Club will promote wellness, mental health, and joy by being together and enjoying physical activities. It will bring K-2 students and high school students (Girls Of Active Leadership Club) together to develop confidence, physical activity, mentorship, and enhance inter school/community relationships. The run club will be held at Wildwood Elementary School twice a week. Grant funds will be used to purchase training equipment.
iPad for Mahtomedi High School Science Classroom
A high school chemistry teacher was granted an iPad to assist with delivering more dynamic and engaging instruction during General Chemistry and AP Chemistry classes. iPads are a powerful tool that can free the teacher from always teaching at the front of the classroom. With access to a wide range of educational apps and resources, the software and multimedia content are continually updated to ensure that innovation is at the forefront. In addition, an iPad helps with organization and student access. After notes are taken in class they can be filed according to the course/unit and they can be seamlessly uploaded where students can access the notes later.
Ice Fishing Experience for O.H. Anderson students As part of the new STEM programming, all students at O.H. Anderson will have the opportunity to try ice fishing on White Bear Lake this winter. Together with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resource and Elpis Enterprises, this grant will enrich the animal science curriculum and offer students an opportunity they might not otherwise experience. Many students lack exposure to outdoor recreational activities and the local ecosystem, which can limit their understanding of environmental science. This grant will provide a valuable opportunity for experiential learning, connecting classroom concepts to real-world experiences. By engaging with nature, students can deepen their understanding of animal science and ecological systems.