This Fall the D39 Foundation awarded 2 Gripp Grants totaling $2935. One grant was awarded to Romona elementary for $1054 for Toniebox Audio Players and several Tonies Audio Play Characters and Audiobooks. The second was awarded to McKenzie elementary for $1,881 for Yoto Devices with audiobooks, music, and podcasts. An exciting part of these Gripp Grants is that the teachers have agreed to partner with each other and share ongoing feedback to help identify the benefits of each specific device for different ages and populations. These Gripp Grants will provide innovative educational opportunities for our D39 students.
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. Congratulations to Sammi Undesser (Teacher of the Visually Impaired) and Alicia Wiechert (Librarian) at Romona Elementary!
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. Congratulations to Kelli Pilmer (Library Information Specialist) and Gina Young Position (Multilingual Learner Teacher) at McKenzie Elementary!