Four SEED grant applications written by teachers to support innovative classroom instruction were awarded by the Norris Foundation at its September meeting. The grant awardees for this round of SEED funding are:
 
Cindy Braun (Elementary teacher): $153 Amazon Echo (1) hands-free speaker (Alexa Voice Service)  and audio enhancement (speaker) for classroom. This grant helps to meet 21st Century Learning standards in the Norris strategic plan by carefully incorporating technology to enhance student learning. Braun noted, "I am continuously trying to find more effective, innovative ways to teach and spend quality, uninterrupted one-on-one, individualized time conferring with my students and leading small group instruction. This technology will offer so many new, exciting ways for students to learn and be assisted."

 
Jack Jenkins (HS industrial tech teacher): $321 for PLC (programmable logic controllers) to teach electromechanical technology. This grant helps meet Transitions standards in the Norris strategic plan by emphasizing college and career-ready preparedness for students interested in engineering and the study of electricity. Jenkins noted that "The grant objective is for students to acquire valuable hands-on experience without losing out on time spent on the board due to sharing with another student. As a teacher, I will have a better opportunity to evaluate the learning of each individual student as they will be responsible for their own work station."
 
Peggy Onwiler (Kindergarten teacher): $226 for Flexible Seating Chairs -  movable, flexible, yet stable Hokki Stools (2) for classroom use by students. This grant helps meet Engagement standards in the Norris strategic plan by emphasizing classroom-based physical activity routines. Onwiler noted the chairs will work great for her young learners, stating "I want to provide them opportunities to move, yet still focus on the task at hand. These wiggle chairs would safely provide them the opportunity to move, yet still work."
 
Matt Rosenau (Middle School): $407.33 for Healthy Chairs wiggle or balance cushions from IsoKinetics (30 @ $12/each).  This grant helps meet Engagement standards in the Norris strategic plan by emphasizing classroom-based physical activity routines. Rosenau described the benefits of the healthy chairs, stating, "These balance cushions give students the opportunity to use their core muscles to balance, provide tactile feedback through two different surface textures, increase comfort, and do so without creating extra noise or visual distraction. We will promote health while meeting our academic goals!" 

The grants were all individually written by the teachers awarded, and all received the endorsement of their building principals as they are connected to areas of instructional emphasis and strategic planning in our district.


The Norris Foundation is the fundraising and charitable arm of the Norris Schools and endeavors to support programs and personnel to enhance student learning and benefit the Norris District.  The SEED program stands for "Supporting Excellence in Education Through Donations" and reflects the Foundation's commitment to support Norris as one of hte best schools in Nebraska. SEED grants typcially fund something otherwise not in the regular instructional budget that brings an innovative idea to life for students. Any donor can help sponsor a SEED grant for a teacher by making a check to the Norris Foundation, memo line SEED, and sending the check to the Norris School District office.