Gripp Grants in Action

The D39 Educational Foundation also awarded McKenzie elementary for $1,881 for Yoto Devices with audiobooks, music, and podcasts. The Yoto device offers a unique way to engage students through a screen-free, audio-driven platform. By using age-appropriate content such as audio books, music, and even educational Podcasts, students can immerse themselves in learning in a way that keeps their attention and curiosity. This engagement promotes focus, helps develop listening comprehension, and makes learning feel more like play, which is particularly appealing to younger students. One of the most empowering aspects of the Yoto device is its ability to promote self-directed learning. Students can use the device independently, selecting content that matches their interests and learning pace. This is especially beneficial in a differentiated classroom where students have varying levels of literacy and comprehension. The Yoto device gives students the opportunity to practice reading and listening skills in a non-intimidating environment, building confidence in their abilities.

The D39 Educational Foundation awarded $1.054 to Romona Elementary for the purchase of Toniebox Audio Players and several Tonies Audio Play Characters and Audiobooks. The Toniebox provides a screen-free digital audio experience, which is especially beneficial for early childhood and elementary classrooms as well as the special education population. This allows students to develop listening skills, imagination, and focus without the distractions of the screens. The soft squeezable speaker with simple controls allows young children to independently operate the device. The tactile interaction helps develop fine motor skills, while giving students control over their audio experience. The Toniebox supports multiple learning styles, with auditory, tactile manipulatives and encourages movement. The Toniebox also allows repetition for students who benefit from additional exposure to content. For developing readers, it builds vocabulary and comprehension skills. By having several devices available for the school library we are able to provide this opportunity to the entire building while being fiscally responsible.

The D39 Educational Foundation also awarded $24,808 to all 4 elementary schools. Technology has revolutionized the way students learn and teachers instruct. There has also been emerging research on the benefits of handwriting versus typing and the positive effects it has on learning. Logitech Crayons will help integrate the benefits of handwriting with our current learning environment on I-Pads.

The Logitech Crayon will provide opportunities for enhanced interactivity and engagement for students, foster creativity and critical thinking, collaboration, and promote accessibility and inclusivity for all students. Students will be able to actively participate in lessons using the Logitech Crayon to annotate, draw, and interact with digital content, becoming contributors to their own learning process. They can explore their talents through sketchnoting, digital art and design, as well as use the Logitech Crayon for brainstorming and mind mapping activities. Students will be able to think critically and express their ideas in innovative ways, working together on projects by annotating and editing digital documents, providing real time feedback.

Congratulations to Lauren Wysocke, Christina Rosario, Beth Cummo, and Julie Garry, technology teachers for all 4 elementary schools!

The D39 Educational Foundation awarded $19,517 to Highcrest Middle School for the purchase of a class VR. There are many benefits to adding ClassVR to our classrooms. ClassVR is an immersive virtual reality platform that allows students to experience a wide range of educational content in a way that is engaging and interactive. With ClassVR, students are able to explore historical sites, scientific concepts, and cultural landmarks from all around the world in a safe and controlled environment.

In addition to curricular connections, another benefit of Class VR is its ability to
support social and emotional development among students. Research has shown that virtual reality experiences can help students develop greater self-awareness, emotional regulation skills, and empathy for others. They will build relationships and social skills by participating in shared VR experiences. Congratulations to Maayan Sloan, HMS Technology Specialist for 5th Grade and Samantha Smith Technology Specialist for 6th Grade!

The D39 Educational Foundation awarded $952 to Highcrest Middle School for the purchase of Stringrise instruments, which are designed as pre-instruments to support the development of proper technique and posture for students in beginning orchestra.  The grant covers the cost of four ½ size box violins, two ¾ size box violins, four ½ size cellos, two ¾ size cellos, one ⅛ size box bass, and one ¼ box size bass.  The Stringrise instruments look, feel, and function in the same way as traditional instruments, but are significantly lighter, don’t produce sound, and include guides to help scaffold the learning process for students.  This allows beginning orchestra students a new way to connect with their instrument to develop proper posture and technique which will ultimately allow students to achieve higher levels of musicianship.