Will you help Collier County teachers fill their classrooms with supplies, books, and joyful learning moments? Your gift makes sure that a child has everything she needs to learn on the first day of school and throughout the entire year.
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To provide a tuff tray that will transform our kindergarten classroom into a hands-on learning environment where children can explore, create, and discover through play. This tray will support engaging activities that build early literacy, math, science, fine motor, and social-emotional skills while encouraging curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving. By providing meaningful, interactive learning experiences, students will develop a strong foundation for future academic success.
This tuff tray will become a versatile learning center that brings our lessons to life through sensory exploration and hands-on activities. Students can practice letter recognition, build words, and practice sight words. In math they can practice counting, sorting, and number sense using math manipulatives.
Funding this project will give students access to high-quality, hands-on learning experiences that increase engagement and deepen understanding. Research shows that young children retain concepts more effectively when they can actively manipulate materials and explore through play. The Tuff Tray will support all learners—including visual, tactile, and kinesthetic learners—while providing meaningful opportunities for collaboration, communication, and creative thinking.
Funding this project will provide a durable, reusable learning resource that will benefit both current and future kindergarten students for years to come. The Tuff Tray will allow our classroom to offer rich sensory experiences and interactive learning opportunities that are often difficult to create with traditional classroom materials alone.
Your support is an investment in early childhood education. By funding this project, you are helping create a classroom where learning is joyful, engaging, and accessible to every child. This resource will inspire young learners to ask questions, make discoveries, and develop the confidence and skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.
The purpose of this project is to equip high school students with essential real-world communication skills that extend beyond digital interactions. It addresses the need for students to understand and practice formal written communication in a business context.
This project will addresses several key needs:
• Real-World Application: It moves beyond theoretical learning by having students engage with actual businesses they know, making the learning more relatable and practical. This helps bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and real-world scenarios, preparing them for future interactions with companies as consumers, employees, or entrepreneurs.
• Professionalism and Etiquette: The project teaches students about the importance of a professional tone, clear articulation, and proper formatting—skills crucial for effective communication in academic, professional, and civic life.
• Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Students must think critically about a product or service, formulate constructive feedback or specific inquiries, and organize their thoughts logically to present them effectively.
• Attention to Detail: The act of correctly addressing an envelope and formatting a letter reinforces the importance of precision and attention to detail in formal contexts.
The primary learning goal of this project is for students to demonstrate proficiency in drafting and formatting a professional business letter, including accurate envelope addressing, while effectively communicating a specific purpose (e.g., feedback, inquiry, suggestion) to an external organization.
Students will participate in a hands-on professional business communication project designed to develop workplace writing, communication, and career readiness skills. Each student will research and select a real business or corporation, locate the company's official mailing address, and compose a professional handwritten business letter.
Throughout the project, students will:
Research businesses and identify appropriate corporate contact information.
Learn the standard format and conventions of professional business letters.
Draft, revise, and edit their letters with teacher feedback, focusing on professionalism, grammar, spelling, organization, and tone.
Produce a final handwritten letter on quality stationery, emphasizing neatness and attention to detail.
Learn how to properly address and prepare a business envelope, including return addresses and postage.
Mail their letters to the selected companies, gaining firsthand experience with professional correspondence and the mailing process.
This authentic learning experience allows students to practice real-world communication skills while building confidence in professional writing. Students may ask questions about products or careers, provide thoughtful feedback, express appreciation, or inquire about business practices, creating meaningful connections between classroom learning and the business community. The project reinforces career readiness, business etiquette, research skills, written communication, and attention to detail while providing students with the opportunity to receive responses from businesses, further demonstrating the value of professional communication.
Grant funds will be used to purchase the supplies needed for a professional business letter-writing project for high school students. Requested materials include:
200 Forever postage stamps to allow students to mail their completed business letters to companies across the United States.
Professional stationery and business envelopes for students to produce polished, business-quality correspondence.
Blue and black ink pens for students to handwrite their final letters in a professional format.
These materials will support approximately 200 student letters and ensure that every participating student has the resources needed to complete the project and send two letters. The requested supplies will allow students to engage in an authentic business communication experience while developing professional writing, research, and workplace communication skills.
The purpose of this funding is to provide students with a meaningful, real-world business communication experience that extends beyond the classroom. Students will research a company, write and revise a professional handwritten business letter, and mail it to a business using proper business etiquette and formatting.
Funding will provide the essential materials—including 200 postage stamps, professional stationery, and writing pens—needed to ensure every student can participate in the project. This hands-on project helps students build career-ready skills such as professional writing, research, attention to detail, and business etiquette. It also reinforces entrepreneurship and business education standards by demonstrating how effective written communication is used in the professional world. Students gain confidence in interacting with businesses and may receive responses from companies, further reinforcing the value of clear, professional communication.
The goal of this project is to enhance 5th grade science instruction by providing students with hands-on materials that promote inquiry-based learning. Students will investigate scientific concepts through experimentation allowing them to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills while meeting state science standards.
Friction: Students will investigate how different surfaces affect the movement of objects by testing carpet squares, artificial grass, and tile. They will compare the amount of friction produced by each surface, collect data, and explain how friction influences motion in everyday life.
Forms of Energy: Students will explore electrical, sound, and static electrical energy using circuit switches, bulb holders, tuning forks, silk cloth, PVC pipes, and balloons. They will build simple electrical circuits, investigate how sound is produced through vibrations, and observe static electricity through interactive demonstrations and experiments.
Rocks and Minerals: Students will investigate Earth materials using a rock and mineral testing kit. They will identify and classify rocks and minerals by observing physical properties and conducting hardness tests.
This project will increase student engagement by transforming science concepts into meaningful, hands-on learning experiences allowing students to develop a deeper understanding of concepts while strengthening skills.
The items in this grant will help students develop a conceptual understanding of friction, energy, scientific investigation, and rocks and minerals through active exploration. In addition, it will
improve critical thinking and build confidence.
By providing durable, reusable science materials, this grant will benefit current and future fifth-grade students, supporting high-quality science instruction for years to come.
Grant funds will be used to purchase durable, reusable science materials that support hands-on instruction for 5th grade students. Since these are reusable items, the impact is much greater than the 70 students it will benefit this school year. Last year was my 1st year teaching 5th grade science. The students loved all the hands-on investigations and truly felt it led to a greater understanding. The items in this grant would help to provide a deeper understanding of standards.
The goal of this project is to increase student motivation, academic effort, and positive behavior among 5th grade students by establishing a classroom incentive store where students can purchase prizes using points earned for hard work, good behavior, responsibility, and positive citizenship.
This grant will provide funding for a variety of age-appropriate prizes and rewards that students can purchase with Class Dojo points earned throughout the school year. A sample of what students will earn points for includes:
Demonstrating good behavior
Participating in class
Showing leadership and teamwork
Exhibiting respect and responsibility
Improving academic performance
The program is designed to reinforce positive choices and encourage students to develop habits that support academic success.
Benefits include
* Increased motivation to participate and work hard
* Improved behavior which minimized disruptions and promotes respectful classroom conduct
* Better academic performance due to enhanced class discussions
* Foster a supportive environment where student success and efforts are celebrated
The requested funds will be used exclusively to purchase incentives that were favorites last year and need to be replenished. The purpose is to provide a meaningful system of positive reinforcement that encourages students to demonstrate strong academic effort and exemplary behavior.
Increase meaningful family engagement by hosting quarterly evening events that provide parents and guardians with timely information, practical resources, and opportunities to build relationships with school counselors. Through these sessions, families will gain the knowledge and confidence needed to support their students' academic achievement, postsecondary planning, and overall well-being.
The Counseling Department will host a quarterly Family Engagement Series designed to strengthen the partnership between school and home while supporting student success. Each evening session will focus on topics that directly impact students, including academic planning, graduation requirements, college and career readiness, financial aid, mental health, digital safety, and available school and community resources.
Students will benefit by having families who are better informed and equipped to support their academic and personal growth. Parents and guardians will receive practical resources, planning tools, and opportunities to engage directly with school counselors, guest speakers, and community partners.
To encourage family participation, the events will include refreshments, educational materials, interactive presentations, resource tables, and family engagement activities. Students who attend with their families will have opportunities to participate in college and career exploration activities, goal-setting exercises, and conversations that promote academic achievement and postsecondary planning.
By increasing family engagement and strengthening communication between home and school, this project aims to improve student achievement, increase awareness of postsecondary opportunities, and ensure that families have the knowledge and resources needed to help their students succeed throughout high school and beyond.
The Family Engagement Series will strengthen the partnership between families and the school by providing parents and guardians with the knowledge, resources, and confidence needed to support their students throughout high school. Through quarterly evening events, families will gain a better understanding of graduation requirements, academic planning, college and career pathways, financial aid, mental health resources, and community services.
By increasing parent engagement, students will benefit from stronger support systems at home, improved communication between families and school counselors, and greater access to academic and social-emotional resources. Research consistently shows that students whose families are actively involved in their education experience higher academic achievement, improved attendance, increased graduation rates, and greater postsecondary success.
Ultimately, this initiative will foster a culture of collaboration between home and school, empowering families to become active partners in student success while helping students reach their academic, career, and personal goals.
Grant funding will be used to support the implementation of the quarterly Family Engagement Series by providing the resources necessary to create meaningful, accessible, and engaging experiences for students and their families.
Funds that are used for the tablets, journals, blankets, stress balls, backpacks and school supplies will be used as door prizes. The backpacks will be split into 2 sets of twelve. One set of twelve is a backpack geared toward mental health which will include the blanket, journal and stress balls. The second set of twelve backpacks will be filled with school supplies. The paper will be used for flyers, along with having information that can be placed into the folders. This will include useful information from the presentations or community resources.
The requested funding will enable the Counseling Department to provide high-quality programming that strengthens relationships between families and the school, increases access to valuable educational resources, and empowers parents to become active partners in their child's academic, career, and personal success. By investing in family engagement, this project will have a lasting impact on student achievement, postsecondary readiness, and overall school success.
1602
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 (SM-X110), 64GB 4GB RAM, WiFi Only, International Version (15W Wall Charger Bundle) (Gray)
169
Blanket Gifts for Women or Men - Get Well Blanket, Inspirational Gifts for Her Him, Feel Better After Surgery Present, Thinking of You Gift for Mom Friend Sister Coworker, 60'' x 50''x12
276
Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 (SM-X110), 64GB 4GB RAM, WiFi Only, International Version (15W Wall Charger Bundle) (Gray)
169
Trail maker 24 Pack Bulk Laptop Backpacks for College, Hiking, and Homeless Adults Donation in Bulk, with Padded Straps (Male Colors Pack)
199
Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 20 lb, 8.5 x 11 Inches, 10 Reams (5,000 Sheets), 92 Bright White
57
100 Pack Two Pocket Folder with Prongs, Paper Folders with Pockets and Business Card Holder, Folders with Pocket Fit Letter Size, Organizing Papers in School, Office & Business 5 Color 20 Setx5
EPI Essentials Back to School Supplies for Kids 6th-12th Grade – 51 Items in Kit – Middle to High School Supply Packs – College-Ruled Bundle with Composition Notebooks – Suitable for Homeschoolingx12
444
The Gratitude Journal for More Happiness, Optimism, Affirmation & Reflection - An Effective Manifestation Guide Journal, Undated Daily Journals for Women & Men (Beige)x12
108
Clip Into Learning!!
Heather Van Osten
ID-100
This application has been fully funded
Thank you to everyone who supported this submission. Please consider directing your support to another open application.
My goal is to provide each of individual clipboards to students in my three classes, to support flexible, engaging, and collaborative learning throughout the school day. Clipboards will allow students to comfortably write and complete assignments anywhere in the classroom, during small-group instruction, large group instruction, and even outdoors. This will hopefully allow students the opportunity to move from the confines of their desk and chair, yet still be able to work.
Learning gets stagnant when always seat at a desk, so these clipboards will allow flexible learning and a chance for movement while still providing a "work space". Students will be able to participate in various activities that are spread about the room such as solving mathematical problems, filling out worksheets, conducting interviews, going on gallery walks where questions need to be answered, working out doors, and so on.
There are many benefits that come with being able to give student clipboards. Not only does it support flexible seating by allowing students the opportunity for movement, but it also encourages active learning and student engagement due to the opportunity for movement. This movement also allows for accommodations for diverse learners; it allows for maximization of classroom space so that workers can be separated more; it also helps to organize materials as well, helping to keep them organized with the movement.
The pack of 24 clipboards will be 32.00, purchased through Amazon. This will provide me a set of 24 clipboards, which along with the clipboards I already have, will allow for each student to be able to be responsible for his/her own clipboard.
The overall purpose of this grant is to give students the opportunity to access the curriculum via engaging online apps. Teachers have a need to reach all learners, and students have a need to be able to understand the content they are being taught. By immersing various online apps with the hands-on teaching, students will have more opportunities to grasp the educational content in a method that works best for them. This grant will help to support specifically two of the school's guiding beliefs: "children learn best and progress in environments that support their individual developmental needs" and "education today requires new ways of thinking and working together to ensure success for all".
Included with this grant is the request for subscriptions to various online app platforms. These different online platforms empowers teachers to engage and motivate students, increase participation in class as well as virtually, and assess learning. Teachers can create games, puzzles, polls, slides, videos, and quizzes via these academic platforms and not only have students access this content in a fun and engaging way, but it can reach into all of the classrooms on the team for up to a total of about 152 students. Due to the creativeness of these different platforms, students can collaborate individually, in pairs or in teams, to complete academic content. Students can work as a whole class, or they can work independently. Students can even help create content to be included in the platforms, which is a special type of learning in itself! Teachers are able to personalize learning and view data reports to assess learning progress of the class and get analytics for formative assessment.
If my request is funded, then my students will have more opportunities to be successful and meet or excel at the grade level math standards. These apps can also be used in the other subject areas that are taught as well, so it will help to achieve more than just math standards! Because of this, there are many benefits to the students. One benefit is that kids love playing games that have academic content, and therefore there is 100% engagement. The games are fun, fast-paced, but at the same time can be slow-paced based on needs, and is designed to engage each and every student in real time. ALL students compete in a safe, anonymous environment. Another benefit is that there are a variety of question types that will be able to reach the different learning styles. A third benefit is that some of these programs the students work on and the teacher can view their work in live time! This allows the teacher to go in and give feedback as the students is working, which allows a student to correct mistakes in live time. A fourth benefit is that it does not just have to be used as a game, but can also be used as an assessment in a less stressful way! Measurement of the outcomes can be in the form of real time data viewable at the moment, as well as printable reports for not only each student, but for each type of question. This will help to pinpoint any specific target that needs to be retaught as well as any target that has been mastered.
My request is for $433.64. This amount is for five different yearly subscriptions. These subscriptions will be mainly for 3 classes of math students and social studies students. In many instances, the entire 5th grade student body will be involved, as these subscriptions will cover a large amount of students. The $433.64 not only is for five different yearly subscriptions, but it will be also to service up to and over 152 students.
The goal of this project is to increase multiplication fact fluency, confidence, and motivation among fifth-grade students through a positive incentive program. This system encourages students to set personal goals, persevere through challenges, and take pride in their progress. Knowledge of the multiplication facts is the foundation for most of the 5th grade standards. To solve problems involving volume, division, measurement, with decimals, fractions, PEMDAS...having multiplication fact mastery will allow students to solve these types of problems with my accuracy. This accuracy will help them on assessments, which will help them on their final state assessment.
All students will be allowed to choose their Multiplication Mastery bracelet at the start of the year. Throughout the year, students will practice their multiplication facts and take multiplication fact quizzes. As students master each set of multiplication facts, they will earn a unique charm to add to their bracelet. Students will have endless opportunities to retest on their facts, in order to master each set and receive a charm. This means that students will progress differently and will have the time they need to be successful.
The Multiplication Fact Mastery Charm Program provides students with a fun and meaningful way to stay motivated while building the foundational math skills necessary for long-term academic success. There are quite a few benefits for this program! First, it allows students to increase their multiplication fluency, which allows them to solve 5th grade math problems with greater accuracy. Another benefit is that it boosts student motivation to persevere and practice their facts with more frequency, as they are motivated to acquire charms. Gaining these charms adds the third benefit of increased student confidence. A last benefit I will mention is that mastery multiplication facts leads to higher test scores. This program will help the students to master the 5th grade content when they have mastered their multiplication facts. Overall, the Multiplication Fact Mastery Charm Program transforms routine fact practice into an engaging and rewarding experience. By combining positive reinforcement with clear academic goals, the program helps fifth-grade students develop strong multiplication fluency, increased confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for the value of perseverance and achievement.
The request is for 195.00. This price will include the bracelets that each student in all three classes will receive for their multiplication facts, and then an additional bracelet for those that are able to master their division facts. The price will also include 18 different sets of charms. Giving a variety of charm choices will be able to meet the different interests of the students (sports, games, animals, school, etc...), which will encourage them to master their facts.
The goal of this project is to provide every fifth-grade student with a privacy shield to create a focused, distraction-free learning environment that supports independent work, assessments, and daily classroom activities. Privacy shields will help students maintain concentration, protect the confidentiality of their work, and reduce visual distractions during times when individual thinking is essential.
Students will use the privacy shields throughout the school day during a variety of independent learning activities. The shields will provide each student with a personal workspace that helps minimize distractions and encourages focused, self-directed learning. Students will use the privacy shields to: complete quizzes, tests, classroom assessments and assignments without distractions and with privacy. They will also be able to practice test-taking strategies that prepare them for district and state assessments.
Privacy shields provide students with a dedicated workspace that promotes focus, independence, and academic integrity. They also can help to create a safe environment where students feel comfortable taking academic risks. The shields can help to foster self-reliance, which in turns helps to sharpen their critical thinking skills. They are a simple yet effective classroom resource that supports learning across all subject areas.
I am requesting $37.00 to purchase 30 privacy shields. This will ensure that each student in the class will be able to have a privacy shield. Those shields, in addition with shields I already own, will be able to service 76+ students.
Students with learning disabilities require explicit instruction, frequent repetition, and hands-on, multisensory learning experiences that involve active exploration using concrete objects and manipulatives to achieve success. This project will purchase two Lakeshore Theme Box Sets containing 16 comprehensive thematic units that integrate literacy, math, science, social studies, communication, and life skills. The engaging, cross-curricular materials will provide students with meaningful opportunities to build understanding through interactive, hands-on learning. The project supports Florida's B.E.S.T. Standards and Access Points while strengthening academic, communication, adaptive, and functional skills. It also aligns with district priorities by increasing student engagement, improving academic outcomes for students with disabilities, and providing equitable access to high-quality instructional resour
The sets will be integrated into daily classroom instruction throughout the school year to enhance and complement our existing curriculum. Students will participate in teacher-led and independent learning centers, including literacy, math, science, social studies, fine motor, dramatic play, and sensory activities. Each thematic unit will provide differentiated, hands-on experiences such as vocabulary development, storytelling, sorting, counting, science exploration, and cooperative learning that support students' IEP goals. The materials will be used repeatedly across multiple subjects to reinforce learning through meaningful practice and repetition. Their engaging, durable design will increase student participation, improve attention, and promote communication, independence, and overall academic success.
The greatest benefit of this project is that it transforms abstract concepts into concrete learning experiences. These interactive materials will increase student engagement while strengthening language, literacy, math, science, social skills, fine motor development, and independence. Student progress will be measured through teacher observations, student work samples, IEP goal progress, classroom participation, and ongoing formative assessments. Success will be demonstrated by improved engagement, skill development, and increased independence during classroom activities. Because the materials are durable and reusable, they will continue benefiting future students for many years, making this a valuable long-term investment.
The requested funding will provide sixteen comprehensive thematic learning units that support instruction across every major content area. Each theme box contains high-quality manipulatives, instructional guides, and cross-curricular activities that eliminate the need to purchase multiple separate instructional resources. These engaging, hands-on materials will strengthen academic achievement, increase student independence, and create an inclusive learning environment where every child has the opportunity to succeed regardless of disability. Because the materials are durable, safe, reusable, and appropriate for repeated instruction, they represent an excellent long-term investment that will continue benefiting students for many years.
The goal of this project is to cultivate a stronger culture of reading within our school by inspiring teachers to read for enjoyment, personal growth, and lifelong learning. Through the creation of a Little Free Library exclusively for teachers and staff, our literacy leaders will have an accessible space to discover, exchange, and share books with one another. Little Free Library is a nationally accredited non-profit organization that stands for building community, inspiring readers, and expanding book access for all.
While the library is designed for adults, its ultimate purpose is to positively impact students. Teachers are some of the most influential reading role models in a child's life. When students see their teachers genuinely enjoying books, talking about what they are reading, and sharing their excitement about stories and ideas, they begin to see reading as more than an academic task. They see reading as something people choose to do because it brings joy, sparks curiosity, and helps us grow.
This project will support our school's commitment to developing lifelong learners and leaders by nurturing the adults who inspire our students every day. It directly connects to our school-wide Leader in Me theme, "In Full Bloom," which builds upon last year's theme of "Growing Leaders." Just as a plant needs care and nourishment to bloom, teachers and students thrive when they are surrounded by opportunities to learn, grow, and be inspired.
By investing in teachers as readers, we are creating a ripple effect that will ultimately benefit every student: nurture the teacher, inspire the reader, and help our students bloom as lifelong learners and leaders.
The Little Free Library will be available exclusively to teachers and staff, creating a dedicated space where educators can take a book, leave a book, and share their love of reading with colleagues. The collection will include a variety of high-interest fiction, nonfiction, memoirs, and professional books.
Although students will not directly use the Little Free Library, they will be the ultimate beneficiaries of this project. Teachers will be encouraged to bring their reading experiences back into their classrooms by sharing connections, passion, and ultimately knowledge on how reading is the essence of lifelong learning.
Students will benefit from seeing reading modeled as an enjoyable, meaningful, and lifelong activity. Teachers will have more opportunities to engage in conversations about books and be a part of a positive reading community, and develop a deeper connection with their own reading identities.
The project will also support our broader literacy efforts by strengthening the connection between reading for academic purposes and reading for pleasure. When teachers demonstrate that they read because they are curious, inspired, entertained, or simply want to learn something new, students receive a powerful message: readers are not just students; readers are lifelong learners.
Ultimately, this project will create a ripple effect throughout our school. By fostering a love of reading among the adults who work with students every day, we hope to inspire students to become enthusiastic, confident, and lifelong readers who continue to grow and bloom as learners and leaders.
In a time when literacy challenges continue to impact students across our nation, schools must look beyond reading instruction alone to cultivate a genuine culture of reading. Students need more than opportunities to practice reading. They need to see reading modeled as something meaningful, enjoyable, and valuable throughout life. A child who sees the adults around them reading for pleasure, sharing books, and talking enthusiastically about what they have read begins to understand that reading is not simply something we do for school; it is something we do because it enriches our lives.
The Blooming Bookshelf will provide our teachers and staff with a unique opportunity to rediscover and celebrate reading for themselves. By creating a space where adults can exchange books, explore new authors, and share recommendations, we can foster an authentic community of readers among the very people who have the greatest influence on our students. When teachers genuinely enjoy reading, they exude the importance and joy of reading in ways that cannot be replicated through instruction alone. Their enthusiasm becomes contagious, helping students develop positive reading identities and see themselves as readers.
This project is also uniquely connected to our school's Leader in Me theme, "In Full Bloom," which builds upon our previous theme of "Growing Leaders." Just as we nurture our students so they can grow into confident leaders, we must also nurture the adults who guide them. The Blooming Bookshelf represents this belief: when we nourish teachers as lifelong learners and readers, we create an environment where students can flourish. By helping our teachers bloom as readers, we plant seeds of curiosity, imagination, and lifelong learning that can take root in every classroom.
Ultimately, this project is about creating a ripple effect. We nurture the reader in the teacher, the teacher inspires the reader in the child, and together, our school community blooms.
Grant funding will be used to establish and stock a Little Free Library for teachers and staff at our school. Funds will support the purchase or construction of a Little Free Library structure, as well as an initial collection of high-interest books that will provide educators with a wide range of reading choices.
Little Free Library structure: A welcoming, durable, and visually appealing library space that can store a collection of books accessible to all teachers and staff.
Mobile Library Stand: A stand that allows for the convenience of being able to move the library.
Little Free Library Custom Charter Sign: A commemorating display that makes our library an official registered Little Free Library. The sign is printed with a unique charter number, our school's name, and the establishing year.
Book Collection: A diverse collection of gently used literature to enhance the books already procured.
Shipping and Handling: Cost and fees for online ordering.
The goal of this project is to provide every fifth-grade student with a personal pencil case filled with essential classroom supplies so they are prepared to learn each day without worrying about whether they have the materials they need. This way, students are prepared and ready for academic success without any interruptions of their academic time.
I teach 3 classes of math and social studies. Daily in these two subject areas, tools such as highlighters, dry erase markers, scissors, glue, colored pencils, and more, are used. Many students either do not come to school with these supplies, or in rotating throughout the classes, they leave their supplies in different rooms and therefore are not just unprepared for the class they're entering, but miss instruction to leave the current classroom to find their misplaced supplies. With this grant, each student in the three classes will have their own assigned pencil case to use, stocked full of the necessary supplies.
One of the benefits for my students is that they are ready for success. Another benefit for the students is that they will each have their own individual set of supplies. This will help to decrease the sharing and mixing up of supplies, as well as the sharing and misplacing supplies. Providing individual supply kits also encourages responsibility, organization, and independence, as students learn to care for and manage their own materials throughout the school year. Having readily available supplies helps create a positive and equitable classroom environment where all students can focus on learning rather than on the availability of resources. A final benefit is due to not needing to rotate with supplies, there will not be any interruptions in instruction because students forgot supplies and need to leave the classroom to collect them.
I already have some pencil cases with supplies. The $341.00 is to provide more pencil cases with needed supplies so that each of the 72+ students can have their own individual pencil case and necessary supplies.
The goal of this project is to provide students with access to high quality novels and literature aligned with Florida's B.E.S.T. Standards, fostering strong literacy skills, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of reading. By equipping a classroom set with these standards-aligned B.E.S.T. sample texts, students will engage in meaningful reading experiences that strengthen comprehension, vocabulary, writing, and discussion skills while preparing them for academic success and active citizenship.
This project will purchase one classroom set, for VME ELA teachers to share, of novels and books identified as Florida B.E.S.T. Standards sample texts for fourth grade students. These carefully selected literary and informational texts will be integrated into daily literacy instruction, small-group discussions, as well as writing activities. Students will read complex, grade-level appropriate literature that supports the development of foundational reading skills, vocabulary, comprehension, and analytical thinking.
Providing students with access to Florida B.E.S.T. Standards sample texts offers numerous academic and personal benefits. Through exposure to diverse authors, cultures, and perspectives, students will participate in meaningful conversations, make connections to their own experiences, and build an appreciation for literature while meeting Florida's literacy standards. Students will strengthen foundational reading, writing, vocabulary, and comprehension skills that support achievement across all subject areas. These novels and books also prepare students to become informed, thoughtful, and civic-minded members of their communities by engaging with meaningful texts and real-world themes. Together, these resources will create equitable access across the grade-level to rigorous, standards-aligned literature that supports literacy growth, academic achievement, and the development of confident, inspired, and engaged readers.
Requesting $500 total.
25 copies of Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes - $250
25 copies of Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder - $250
The goal of this project is to provide students with access to high quality novels and literature aligned with Florida's B.E.S.T. Standards, fostering strong literacy skills, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of reading. By equipping a classroom set with these standards-aligned B.E.S.T. sample texts, students will engage in meaningful reading experiences that strengthen comprehension, vocabulary, writing, and discussion skills while preparing them for academic success and active citizenship.
This project will purchase one classroom set, for the 2 VME Reading teachers to share, of novels and books identified as Florida B.E.S.T. Standards sample texts for fourth grade students. These carefully selected literary and informational texts will be integrated into daily literacy instruction, small-group discussions, as well as writing activities. Students will read complex, grade-level appropriate literature that supports the development of foundational reading skills, vocabulary, comprehension, and analytical thinking.
Providing students with access to Florida B.E.S.T. Standards sample texts offers numerous academic and personal benefits. Through exposure to diverse authors, cultures, and perspectives, students will participate in meaningful conversations, make connections to their own experiences, and build an appreciation for literature while meeting Florida's literacy standards. Students will strengthen foundational reading, writing, vocabulary, and comprehension skills that support achievement across all subject areas. These novels and books also prepare students to become informed, thoughtful, and civic-minded members of their communities by engaging with meaningful texts and real-world themes. Together, these resources will create equitable access across the grade-level to rigorous, standards-aligned literature that supports literacy growth, academic achievement, and the development of confident, inspired, and engaged readers.
Funding of $350 will purchase a collection of Florida's B.E.S.T. Standards sample texts for 4th grade ELA teachers to share across classrooms. This grant will provide each teacher with these copies selected from the 28 state-recommended sample texts for Grade 4:
Chester Nez and the Unbreakable Code - $9.99 each x 2 = $19.98
On the Wings of Heroes - $8.99 each x 2 = $17.98
Promises to Keep: How Jackie Robinson Changed America - $15.99 each x 2 = $31.98
Reaching for the Moon - $9.99 each x 2 = $19.98
The Wolf's Story - $8.99 each = $17.98
Where Was Patrick Henry on the 29th of May? - $7.99 each x 2 = $15.98
Who Would Win? (series of 10 books) - $45 each x 2 = $90
Toliver's Secret - $7.99 each x 2 = 15.98
Tales of the Odyssey Series of 6 books = $7.99 each x 2 = 95.88
Subtotal = $325.74 plus sales tax and shipping ($25)
350
Chester Nez and the Unbreakable Code
19.98
On the Wings of Heroes
17.98
Promises to Keep: How Jackie Robinson Changed America
The following are projected goals for this project:
-Utilize the Engineering Design Process to iteratively design, test, analyze, and refine their ideas.
-Engage with cutting-edge tools via regular integration of 3D printing in the classroom.
-Connect scientific principles directly to realistic engineering challenges.
-Exhibit proficiency in core science objectives through immersive, project-based coursework.
-Build vital personal skills, including inventive thinking, critical analysis, teamwork, and resilience.
By empowering students to apply their knowledge to real-world problems, science becomes truly meaningful. To support this, this project aims to acquire consumable materials for roughly 120 Lower School students. These supplies will enable them to engage in immersive engineering design challenges at the end of each unit, while maximizing the educational value of our classroom's Bambu Lab P1S 3D printer.
Every science unit, from first through fifth grade, concludes with a hands-on STEM project where students leverage the Engineering Design Process to design, build, test, evaluate, and refine their solutions. By integrating both student-designed and teacher-created 3D-printed elements into these projects, students gain genuine, practical experience with modern manufacturing and engineering technologies.
Although inquiry, engineering, and problem-solving are central to our science curriculum, high-quality project materials are rapidly depleted as the school year progresses. Students can already construct authentic prototypes and scientific models using the classroom's Bambu Lab P1S 3D printer. Instead of acquiring new equipment, this grant will support the consumable materials needed to maintain printer operations, such as PLA filament, replacement nozzles, build plate supplies, and maintenance resources, and provide the engineering and craft supplies students need to complete their end-of-unit STEM challenges.
Funding these consumable supplies guarantees that all students will have access to enriching, hands-on science activities that cultivate creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking.
Through this project, approximately 120 Lower School students will participate in meaningful, hands-on STEM experiences that enhance their scientific comprehension through authentic engineering challenges. Rather than learning concepts exclusively from a textbook, students will apply their knowledge directly by designing, constructing, testing, and refining solutions to real-world problems at the conclusion of each unit.
As they navigate the Engineering Design Process, students will build essential skills in critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, and perseverance. By evaluating their results, implementing modifications, and perfecting their designs using evidence, they will discover that failure is a constructive element of the learning process.
Integrating the classroom's Bambu Lab P1S 3D printer will introduce students to the advanced design and manufacturing technologies utilized in contemporary STEM careers. Students will have the opportunity to generate and apply 3D-printed components and models that elevate their projects, transforming abstract scientific concepts into concrete, engaging experiences.
Crucially, this grant guarantees that every student receives equitable access to premium project materials, enabling all learners to fully engage in hands-on investigations regardless of financial barriers. By the end of the school year, students will have finished multiple engineering design challenges that solidify their scientific understanding while fostering the confidence, problem-solving skills, and curiosity required for future success in STEM fields.
The requested $1,300 will be used to purchase consumable STEM project materials and 3D printing supplies that directly support end-of-unit engineering design challenges for approximately 120 Lower School science students.
-$750 – Consumable STEM Project Materials: Cardboard, foam board, craft wood, modeling clay, adhesives, tape, paint, cups, tubing, filters, magnets, LEDs, batteries, wire, motors, and other engineering supplies used by students to design, build, test, and improve solutions during hands-on science projects.
-$300 – PLA Filament: Multiple colors of PLA filament for the classroom's existing Bambu Lab P1S 3D printer. Filament will be used to print teacher-created instructional models as well as student-designed components that enhance engineering challenges and scientific investigations.
-$150 – 3D Printer Maintenance Supplies: Replacement nozzles, build plate adhesive, silicone socks, cleaning supplies, and other maintenance items necessary to keep the printer operating safely and reliably throughout the school year.
-$100 – Organization and Reusable Classroom Supplies: Storage bins, organizers, and replacement reusable tools that support efficient classroom management and allow project materials to be used across multiple grade levels.
All requested materials will be used directly by students during standards-aligned science instruction and will support multiple end-of-unit STEM projects throughout the school year.
The goal of the Recess Revolution is to increase student engagement in physical activity while fostering cooperation, creativity, and conflict resolution during recess. By providing students with structured, enjoyable games and opportunities for positive peer interaction, the initiative aims to reduce boredom, encourage inclusive play, and minimize potential behavior challenges, creating a safe, active, and supportive recess environment for all students.
Students will be introduced to a variety of games that align with the Florida Physical Education Standards during their Related Arts Physical Education classes. PE teachers will provide instruction on game rules, expectations, conflict resolution strategies, and the proper care and use of equipment. This instruction is designed to prepare students to participate in these games independently and cooperatively during recess. Once students demonstrate proficiency by consistently following the rules, working cooperatively with peers, resolving conflicts appropriately, and using equipment responsibly, the game will be added to the recess rotation for independent play.
The Recess Revolution will provide students with structured opportunities to engage in meaningful physical activity while developing essential social and emotional skills. By teaching games during Physical Education classes and reinforcing them during recess, students will gain the confidence and independence to participate in organized play with minimal adult intervention.
Expected benefits include:
Increased Physical Activity: Students will spend more time actively engaged during recess, supporting their overall health, fitness, and well-being.
Improved Social Skills: Students will strengthen communication, teamwork, cooperation, leadership, and sportsmanship through collaborative play.
Enhanced Conflict Resolution: Students will learn and practice strategies for resolving disagreements independently, resulting in fewer recess conflicts and disciplinary referrals.
Greater Student Engagement: A variety of structured games will reduce boredom and encourage participation from students of all ability levels, creating a more inclusive recess environment.
Positive School Climate: Consistent expectations and cooperative play will foster stronger peer relationships, improve student behavior, and contribute to a safer, more welcoming school community.
Support for Florida Physical Education Standards: Games introduced during PE classes will reinforce state standards while extending learning beyond the classroom into daily recess experiences.
Development of Lifelong Skills: Students will build habits of physical activity, responsibility, problem-solving, and collaboration that support success both in and out of school.
By investing in the Recess Revolution, this grant will help transform recess into an extension of the educational day—one that promotes physical health, social-emotional learning, student leadership, and a positive school culture.
The Recess Revolution grant budget will fund the purchase of games, equipment, and materials necessary to provide engaging, inclusive recess opportunities for all Kindergarten through fifth-grade students. The selected equipment will support a wide variety of activities designed to accommodate diverse interests, skill levels, and physical abilities, ensuring that every student has opportunities to participate in meaningful, active play. These resources will enable the implementation of a rotating selection of structured games that reinforce the skills taught during Physical Education classes while promoting physical activity, cooperation, creativity, and positive social interactions during recess.
1990.62
Toss and Catch game set X3
86.97
Ring Toss Game X4
87.96
Cornhole Kids sets X8
319.92
Spikeball set X8
292.96
Pickleball/Badminton net. X6
319.14
OgoSport Disc Set X16
383.84
OgoSport replacement balls X6
59.94
Ankle Skip Ball set
99.99
Outdoor Chalkboard. X3
173.97
Giant Jenga X2
105.98
Chalk X5
59.95
Sparking Scientific Curiosity: Building Tomorrow's Scientists Today
By integrating Generation Genius, BrainPOP Science, and BrainPOP Jr. into our hands-on curriculum, this project seeks to improve science instruction for approximately 120 students in grades 1–5. These dynamic digital tools will boost student engagement, reinforce scientific knowledge and vocabulary, accommodate diverse learning needs through differentiation, and cultivate critical thinking via inquiry-based learning aligned with Florida science standards.
During weekly science sessions throughout the academic year, students will engage with Generation Genius, BrainPOP Science, and BrainPOP Jr. to strengthen their comprehension of grade-level science principles.
These digital tools will serve to:
-Present new scientific topics using immersive videos and demonstrations.
-Support lab-based explorations and STEM activities with dynamic models and interactive lessons.
-Expand scientific vocabulary using age-appropriate animations, educational games, and quizzes.
-Tailor instruction to provide extra guidance for struggling students while offering extension tasks for advanced learners.
-Foster classroom discussion, teamwork, and critical thinking via embedded formative assessments and interactive tasks.
-Deliver valuable review and study resources prior to classroom assessments.
Rather than substituting the experiential labs and STEM lessons central to our lower school science curriculum, these platforms will enhance them. As the science teacher for all Lower School grade levels, I will integrate these resources across grades 1–5, maximizing the overall benefits of this grant.
By introducing engaging, technology-driven science experiences, this project will directly support roughly 120 students, accommodate diverse learning styles, and boost academic achievement.
Students will:
-Cultivate a more profound comprehension of grade-level science principles.
-Enhance scientific vocabulary and communication capabilities.
-Foster greater enthusiasm and active participation during science classes.
-Advance critical thinking and analytical problem-solving skills through inquiry-based learning.
-Build confidence in applying scientific knowledge during collaborative discussions and practical investigations.
In addition, educators will benefit from high-quality, standards-aligned instructional assets that offer compelling lessons, integrated formative assessments, and critical data to help customize instruction and track student progress.
Grant funds will be used to purchase annual educator subscriptions to three supplemental digital science programs: Generation Genius ($250), BrainPOP Science ($330), and BrainPOP Jr. ($275). Through these subscriptions, approximately 120 students in grades 1–5 will gain year-long access to standards-aligned videos, interactive lessons, educational games, quizzes, and formative assessments. Securing funds for these resources will complement our current curriculum and hands-on laboratory experiences, expanding opportunities for inquiry-based science instruction. By investing in these digital learning tools, Champions for Learning will help deliver engaging, accessible, and meaningful science experiences to every Lower School student, inspiring curiosity and preparing them for future STEM success.
The goal of the Celebration and Cheer Crew is to foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive school culture by recognizing achievements, promoting school spirit, and encouraging kindness throughout our campus. Through student-led initiatives, our club empowers students to celebrate one another's successes, build meaningful connections, and create an environment where every member of our school community feels valued, appreciated, and encouraged. Grant funding will provide the materials needed to expand these efforts and increase student involvement in spreading positivity across our school.
The Celebration and Cheer Crew is a school-wide student organization dedicated to building school spirit and creating a culture of kindness, encouragement, and celebration. Club members work together to recognize student and staff accomplishments, celebrate special events, and spread positivity throughout the school year. Grant funds will be used to purchase supplies such as spirit pins, poster board, markers, and other materials needed to create motivational posters, celebratory displays, and recognition items. Spirit pins will be distributed by students to classmates and staff members as a way to recognize acts of kindness, perseverance, leadership, teamwork, and positive character. Posters and signs will be displayed throughout the campus to celebrate achievements, encourage school pride, and promote a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.
The Celebration and Cheer Crew positively impacts the entire school community by promoting a culture of encouragement, belonging, and school pride. Students who participate in the club develop leadership, communication, teamwork, and organizational skills while learning the importance of recognizing and celebrating others.
By providing students with opportunities to encourage others through spirit pins, celebratory posters, and recognition activities, this program reinforces positive behavior, boosts morale, and helps cultivate a school environment where every individual feels seen, celebrated, and inspired to contribute positively to the campus community.
Funds for this project will be used to purchase supplies such as spirit pins, poster board, markers, and other materials needed to create motivational posters, celebratory displays, and recognition items. . The total being requested is $170. $38 for spirit pin supplies, $20 for colored permanent markers, $60 for a bulk supply of colored Crayola Markers, $20 for pack of 50 poster boards, and $20 for 2 packs of paint markers. (plus tax/shipping)
I would like a school year subscription to Scholastic Scope Magazine for 30 students. This magazine will be used between 2 teachers for our Intensive Reading students. Not only will this help with reading, it will also supplement our textbook, helping students with comprehension and test taking skills. The beauty of the magazine is the interesting topics it covers which are relatable to my students.
Students will be assigned articles and comprehension/reading assignments with the magazine. this will be done whole class and as small group work. Class discussion will follow.
This magazine would benefit our students by giving them extra skill practice with reading and comprehension. These are intensive students reading at below grade level. Having interesting, relatable topics to read about will help encourage our students to read and learn. This magazine will be shared between two Intensive Reading teachers with three classes each.
This grant would be for a school year subscription for 30 magazines for 6 language arts classes with an average of 26 students per class. Each magazine is 9.99$ paper copy delivered to the school.
299.70
30 magazines monthly at 9.99 each
299.70
Feeding Curiosity: Caring for Science, Caring for Life
To enhance elementary science education by providing students in grades 1–5 with ongoing, hands-on experiences observing and caring for a healthy classroom bearded dragon. Through daily interactions with a living organism, students will deepen their understanding of life science concepts while developing curiosity, responsibility, compassion, and respect for the natural world.
Serving as a vital cornerstone of our elementary science curriculum, our classroom bearded dragon provides students in grades 1–5 with daily opportunities for active observation and meaningful interaction with a living organism. Throughout the school year, students use this classroom ambassador to explore life science concepts such as habitats, animal characteristics, adaptations, life cycles, nutrition, and responsible animal care.
Students observe the bearded dragon's behaviors, discuss its nutritional and environmental needs, record scientific observations, compare adaptations to those of other animals, and make real-world connections to the life science concepts they are learning in class. These authentic experiences strengthen inquiry skills, encourage critical thinking, and help students better understand the importance of caring for living organisms.
Grant funding will be used exclusively to provide the nutritional needs of our classroom bearded dragon throughout the school year, including high-quality feeder insects, fresh vegetables and greens, calcium and vitamin supplements, and occasional enrichment treats that support its overall health and well-being. Maintaining a healthy classroom animal ensures students continue to benefit from this engaging, hands-on instructional resource every day.
Approximately 120 students in grades 1–5 will benefit from daily interactions with a healthy classroom animal. These experiences reinforce Florida science standards related to organisms, adaptations, ecosystems, and life processes while encouraging responsibility, compassion, and respect for living things.
Observing a living animal in the classroom transforms science from something students read about into something they experience firsthand. The bearded dragon serves as an engaging instructional resource that inspires inquiry, scientific observation, meaningful discussion, and memorable hands-on learning experiences that foster a lifelong appreciation for science and nature.
To maintain the health of our classroom bearded dragon over the school year, the requested grant funding of $475 will be used to supply all essential food and dietary supplements.
-Live feeder insects ($250): Includes dubia roaches, mealworms, and superworms to deliver a reliable source of protein necessary for growth and vitality.
-Fresh greens and vegetables ($150): Sustains a well-balanced diet through a daily selection of wholesome, nutrient-rich vegetables.
-Vitamin and calcium supplements ($25): Prevent nutritional deficiencies to secure healthy bone structure and promote total wellness.
-Special enrichment treats ($50): Features occasional hornworms and silkworms to add dietary diversity, boost hydration, and stimulate natural foraging behaviors.
Total Funding Requested: $475
Ensuring a reliable food supply keeps our classroom pet thriving as an active educational asset for roughly 120 students across grades 1–5. A healthy animal allows students to participate in hands-on life science exploration and direct observations, while instilling lifelong values of curiosity, empathy, duty, and respect for nature.
475
Live feeder insects (dubia roaches, mealworms, superworms)
250
Fresh vegetables and greens throughout the school year
150
Calcium and vitamin supplements
25
Occasional hornworms, silkworms, and enrichment treats
The goal of this project is to create a more flexible and inclusive learning environment by providing floor rocker chairs for my classroom. Flexible seating gives students the opportunity to choose a workspace that best supports their individual learning needs, allowing them to stay engaged, focused, and comfortable during instruction. These chairs will especially benefit students who need movement or prefer sitting closer to the board while also promoting student choice, independence, and a positive classroom environment where all learners have the opportunity to succeed.
Students will use the floor rocker chairs during whole-group lessons, small-group instruction, independent work, and collaborative learning activities. They will have the opportunity to choose seating that best supports their focus and learning style, helping them remain engaged and actively participate in classroom instruction. By providing flexible seating options, students will build independence, make responsible choices, and learn in an environment that supports their individual needs while promoting comfort, collaboration, and academic success.
Providing flexible seating will increase student engagement, focus, and participation by allowing students to learn in an environment that best meets their individual needs. Floor rocker chairs offer a comfortable seating option for students who benefit from movement or prefer sitting closer to instruction, helping reduce distractions and improve attention. This project will support academic success while fostering independence, confidence, and a positive, inclusive classroom where every student has the opportunity to thrive.
To increase success in Geometry and raise the pass rate for the End-Of-Course exam (EOC).
To build confidence and persistence in critical thinking and problem-solving.
Setting an upbeat and positive tone in the classroom, starting at the very beginning of the year, will encourage students to take risks as they learn to "do math better".
Keeping encouragement consistently high throughout the year to build student confidence in their improving math skills and knowledge.
Students will have the opportunity to experience multi-lingual support, targeted differentiated strategies, hands-on manipulatives, and multimodal interactive instruction (with group work, and reading/writing/problem-solving strategies embedded in lessons).
Increased attendance in class.
More on-task behavior and students develop skills in critical thinking and problem solving.
Less off-task behaviors as evidenced by lower disciplinary interventions.
Improvement in formative and summative assessments throughout the year.
Increased pass rate on the EOC as a final high-stakes test.
These students in Geometry often struggle with the challenges of complex language and multi-step problems. Increasing motivation and positive energy to develop a can-do attitude is often a challenge. Motivational and organizational posters set the tone for making the best effort, striving to continue when the math feels hard. Many students in these classes have historically struggled to be successful. I plan to help change that mindset, and subsequently improve their test scores (and enjoyment of math). Providing basic student materials, such as pencils and paper, allows students to focus on learning. Classroom materials like tissues, Band-Aids, and sanitizing wipes help us all stay healthy and focused on learning.
The goal of this project is to help our kindergarten through second-grade students develop a love for literature by incorporating the Florida State Sunshine Books Junior Division into our classrooms. Every year, our school has the students vote on their favorite SSYRA Jr. book. Having a classroom set allows the students to read these books and prepare to choose their favorite one. This will help students meet reading standard or reading books at grade level and writing opinion pieces. It helps with the civics area of our social studies standards through a real world voting experience. It will also help support a positive school culture through buddy reading.
The students will read the different books either independently or with support through a Read Aloud or buddy reading with older students. Next, the students will choose their favorite book and write an opinion writing piece about their chosen book. Finally, this will also have cross curricular impacting our Social Studies learning experiences for the students. The official Collier County voting machines will be brought to our school to allow the students to experience the same voting process that adults experience on election day.
The benefits of this program are multiple. It helps students gain experience reading many different types of books and choosing a favorite. This helps them develop not only their skills as a reader but also a love for literature. Through this project students will experience voting using the same process we use as adults. This project will also help us create a positive school culture through buddy reading with older students.
This money will be spent to order 6 copies of each title, 2 for each classroom library in kindergarten through second grade.
1248.78
The Great Dinosaur Sleepover
113.94
Bored Panda
91.74
There's Something Odd About the Babysitter
91.02
Oh Deer
113.94
The Bakery Dragon
75.84
No More Gnomes
139.26
Don't Trust the Fish
63.36
Anonymoose
78.60
Box Tales: Grow Strawberries Grow!
101.82
Fairy Scout Friends: No Rain, No Rainbows
47.94
The Faraway Forest: Wally's Route
96.72
Katrina Hyena, Stand Up Comedian
113.70
Max, a Little Axolotl
54,54
Shipping
59.85
Tax
61.05
(Dolly) Parton Our Dust-We’re Working 9 to Thrive!
Students will be introduced to Dolly Parton, one of the most influential figures in American popular music. Building on a continuing series of annual musical pioneer studies, students will explore her contributions to country music, songwriting, business leadership, philanthropy and literacy advocacy.
Students will appreciate how her modest beginnings combined with determination, wit and self-reliance helped her to build a legacy that transcends the music she created. They will understand why she is known for navigating the male-dominated country music industry to launch her own label.
Students will also learn two of Dolly Parton’s songs using instruments she included on her recordings of “9 to 5” and “I Believe in You.” Additionally, Dolly Parton is known for using the banjo in many of her songs, so the students at Vineyards Elementary will learn to play the banjo and add this iconic Appalachian instrument to the featured pieces. The culminating session will have the students perform their choice of the two pieces in a “Battle of the Bands” competition.
As in the previous two years, this project not only deepens the students’ musical knowledge but also reinforces key concepts such as melody, harmony, rhythm, pitch, improvisation, and small ensemble performance. The improvisational segments are intended to encourage creativity, reduce the fear of mistakes, and boost self-esteem and confidence.
Aside from the musical benefits, the project will also enrich students’ literacy skills. Aligned with Vineyards Elementary’s school improvement goals (as measured by the FAST Assessment PM3), dedicated time will be allocated for independent and modeled reading centered on the books "Who Is Dolly Parton?" and "Dolly Parton Biography for Kids." This focus on improving literacy also aligns with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and how her commitment to literacy has helped provide millions of books to children around the world.
An added benefit to this project is demonstrating connections in a musical “family tree” that links influential artists across generations. Students will discover how many musicians can be traced back to our 2024-2025 featured artist, Buddy Holly. This connection is very strong between Dolly Parton and Buddy Holly. She serves as a musical ambassador for the Buddy Holly Educational Foundation and has publicly praised his songwriting.
To summarize the project activities, each student will learn to play both "9 to 5" and “I Believe in You” on five different instruments: the drum set, bass guitar, rhythm guitar, lead guitar and banjo. The lessons will include not only the repertoire but include activities that teach the psychomotor skills and background knowledge needed to play the respective instruments. Examples: how to hold drum sticks in a match position, identifying the physical layout of the drum set, proper technique for the strumming hand on the bass guitar, how to place the fretting hand on the lead/rhythm guitar to play a bar chord, and finger picking technique on the banjo. Additionally, the books, "Dolly Parton Biography for Kids" and "Who Is Dolly Parton?", will be used to encourage literacy skills through modeled reading, independent reading and/or round-robin style reading as a class. A breakdown of the lessons is listed below.
Lesson 1 – Overview of Country Music in America • Reading of “Who is Dolly Parton?”, Chapter 1- Who Is Dolly Parton.
Lesson 2 – Musical Vocabulary & Concepts • Introduce and define key terms such as melody, verse, chorus, harmony, chord, rhythm guitar, lead guitar, improvisation, etc. • Reading of “Who is Dolly Parton?”, Chapter 2-The Parton Family.
Lesson 3 – Drum Accompaniment and Discussion • Learning the components and playing techniques of the drum set. Adding simple rhythm patterns to the songs. •Reading of “Who is Dolly Parton?”, Chapter 3-Country Roots.
Lesson 4– Chord Construction of Primary Chords: I, IV, V • The respective chords in “9 to 5” are F#, B, C# (and G# the V/V chord in the Key of F#) and in “I Believe in You” has Eb, Ab, Bb. • Reading of “Who is Dolly Parton?”, Chapter 4-Radio Days.
Lesson 5 – Learning the Chord Progressions • The chord progression for “9 to 5” is verse: I, IV, I, V, I, IV, I-V, I and chorus: IV, IV, I, I, IV, IV, V/V, V. The chord progression for “I Believe in You” is verse and chorus: I, IV, I, V, I, IV, I, V-I. • Reading of “Who is Dolly Parton?”, Chapter 5-Nashville.
Lesson 6– Exploring the Major Pentatonic Scale • Introduction to the pentatonic scale as used in improvisation. • Reading of “Who is Dolly Parton?”, Chapter 6-A Star Is Born.
Lesson 7 – Improvisation Practice • Improvising over the “9 to 5” progression using the F# major pentatonic scale (F#, G#, A#, C#, D#).
Lesson 8 – Improvisation Practice • Improvising over the “I Believe in You” progression using the Eb major pentatonic scale (Eb, F, G, Bb, C).
Lesson 9 – Bass Guitar Technique • Learning the bass guitar arrangement for both songs. • Reading of “Who is Dolly Parton?”, Chapter 7-Bigger Dreams.
Lesson 10 – Banjo History, Technique & Practice • Learning primary chords and improvisation on the banjo. • Reading of “Who is Dolly Parton?”, Chapter 8-Hollywood Dolly.
Lesson 11 – Rhythm Guitar Fundamentals • Learning the primary chords on the rhythm guitar. • Reading of “Who is Dolly Parton?”, Chapter 9-Dollywood Dolly.
Lesson 12 – Lead Guitar Improvisation • Learning primary chords and improvisation on the guitar. • Reading of “Who is Dolly Parton?”, Chapter 10-Living Legend.
Lesson 13 – Student Performances • Culminating performances of both “9 to 5” and “I Believe in You” for the battle of the bands style performance. Students will be organized into groups of five with each student from the group assigned to one of the five instruments. • Reading of “Who is Dolly Parton?”, Chapter 11-Still Dreaming.
Listed below are the Florida State Standards for 5th Grade Music that will be addressed through the completion of the lessons:
CRITICAL THINKING and REFLECTION
• MU.5.C.1.1 – Discuss and apply listening strategies to support appreciation of musical works.
• MU.5.C.1.2 – Hypothesize and discuss, using correct music vocabulary, the composer’s intent for a given musical work.
• MU.5.C.1.3 – Identify, aurally, selected instruments of the band and orchestra.
• MU.5.C.2.1 – Define criteria, using correct music vocabulary, to critique one’s own and others’ performances.
• MU.5.C.2.2 – Describe changes, using correct music vocabulary, in one’s own and/or others’ performance over time.
• MU.5.C.3.1 – Develop criteria to evaluate an exemplary musical work from a specific period or genre.
SKILLS, TECHNIQUES, and PROCESSES
• MU.5.S.1.1 – Improvise rhythmic and melodic phrases to create simple variations on familiar melodies.
• MU.5.S.1.4 – Sing or play simple melodic patterns by ear with support from the teacher.
• MU.5.S.2.1 – Use expressive elements and knowledge of musical structure to aid in sequencing, memorization, and to internalize details of rehearsals and performance.
• MU.5.S.2.2 – Apply performance techniques to familiar music.
• MU.5.S.3.1 – Sing part songs in an appropriate range, using proper vocal technique and maintaining pitch.
• MU.5.S.3.2 – Play melodies and accompaniments using proper instrumental techniques on pitched and unpitched instruments.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
• MU.5.O.1.1 – Analyze, using correct music vocabulary, the use of musical elements across various styles as a foundation for understanding the creative process.
HISTORICAL and GLOBAL CONNECTIONS
• MU.5.H.2.1 – Examine the contributions of musicians and composers from a specific historical period.
• MU.5.H.2.2 – Describe how technology has changed the way audiences experience music.
INNOVATION, TECHNOLOGY, and THE FUTURE
• MU.5.F.1.1 – Create a performance using visual, kinesthetic, digital, and/or acoustic means to manipulate musical elements.
• MU.5.F.2.1 – Describe jobs associated with various types of concert venues and performing arts centers.
• MU.5.F.2.2 – Explain why live performances are vital to an artist’s career and the success of performance venues.
This project offers students a rich learning experience that deepens their musical knowledge while reinforcing essential concepts such as melody, harmony, rhythm, pitch, improvisation, and small ensemble performance. By engaging in improvisational segments, students are encouraged to explore their creativity in a supportive environment that reduces the fear of making mistakes and fosters self-esteem and confidence. These opportunities for creative risk-taking help students become more expressive and resilient performers.
Beyond musical growth, the project also supports the development of literacy skills, as students engage with musical terminology, follow written instructions, and reflect on their learning through written activities. Working in small ensembles promotes collaboration, active listening, and accountability, helping students build interpersonal skills and a sense of community within the classroom.
At least 90% of participating students will successfully perform their assigned part on one of the five instruments during the audition/elimination rounds of the “Battle of the Bands” portion of the project, demonstrating a level of proficiency on their instrument. This will narrow the field of finalist bands to one band per each 5th grade homeroom class. Based on previous years’ data, the only students who do not participate are those absent from school on the audition days.
Assessment will be primarily based on visual observations of student performances, allowing the teacher to evaluate musical technique, engagement, and progress over time. Teacher-created worksheets will reinforce key concepts and provide opportunities for students to demonstrate understanding in written form. Active participation will also be a critical component of assessment, ensuring that students are consistently involved, contributing to group work, and taking initiative in their musical development.
Every item in this budget is non-consumable and has been selected for its long-term reusability as part of the project. The equipment and resources will not only enable students to explore the history of country music in America, but will also provide practical experience with instruments and accessories that mirror the success and determination of Dolly Parton. A more detailed explanation is as follows:
This year’s culminating music project at Vineyards Elementary will be our 2nd annual “Battle of the Bands” with performances featuring two of Dolly Parton’s songs--the workplace anthem “9 to 5” and the children’s song “I Believe in You” which is based on the book, The Little Engine That Could. The following items will not only add to the culminating event but also improve the quality of instruction for the students.
The two banjos will give students a hands on connection to one of America’s most important and uniquely homegrown instruments. The banjo’s roots stretch from West African traditions to Appalachian folk music, making it a powerful tool for teaching cultural history, migration, and musical innovation. By allowing students to explore the banjo directly, they can better understand how the instrument shaped early American sound and later became a defining feature of country and bluegrass music. This purchase also supports our study of Dolly Parton, whose artistry and storytelling frequently highlight the banjo’s bright, driving energy.
To supplement the banjo instruction, some essential accessories are needed to fully utilize these instruments. Slides and fingerpicks will allow students to explore traditional playing techniques found in Appalachian, bluegrass, and country music, helping them understand how sound, texture, and style evolved across regions and generations. The 5th string capos (as well as the regular capos for the guitars) will provide the ability to quickly change keys between pieces. And the acoustic instrument amplifiers will ensure that students can perform the banjos confidently in group settings without their sound becoming obscured by the other electrically amplified instruments in the ensemble.
The acoustic bass guitars will improve instruction and increase student success when learning the bass guitar parts. Currently Vineyards Elementary only has 2 bass guitars to use when teaching groups of 28-30 students at a time. The purchase of these instruments will greatly improve the ability for students to practice bass guitar technique before transferring their knowledge to the playing of the electric bass guitars.
The addition of the two Dolly Parton biographies will be integrated into the lessons to accompany the literacy portion of the grant. The book, "Who is Dolly Parton?", will be utilized to give students an opportunity to read aloud and/or independently to improve retention and comprehension while being exposed to the musical and philanthropic contributions of Dolly Parton. The teacher will read the book, "Dolly Parton Biography for Kids", to give another point of view of her contributions and to learn/discuss events and contributions from Dolly Parton that are not included in the previously listed student book.
By providing funds for this grant, the 5th grade students at Vineyards Elementary will gain much more than the ability to play instruments not traditionally taught in elementary school. They will have the opportunity to learn about a musician who remains active in the public eye rather than studying only historical figures. They will understand the often-overlooked contributions of women in the evolution of popular music in America. And students will gain insight into the connections of the banjo as it applies to American history and the development of country/popular music in the United States. Finally, the “Battle of the Bands” will provide students a fun and engaging way to collaborate with their peers, boost self-esteem and encourage musicianship in a way that will be memorable long after they have left Vineyards Elementary.
This project combines music education, literacy development, cultural history and student performance into a single interdisciplinary experience that will continue benefiting future classes through the long-term use of purchased instruments and instructional resources.
1981.99
Maquito 18 Pcs Capos for Guitar qty. 2 @ $19.49
38.98
Augshy Guitar Slides, 8pcs Thumb & Finger Picks
16.95
AKLOT Full-Sized Banjo 38’’ qty. 2 @ $169.99
339.98
Strum Hollow 5th String Banjo Capo qty. 2 @ $14.95
29.90
Dolly Parton Biography For Kids
13.99
Who Is Dolly Parton? 30 @ $6.26
187.80
Best Choice Products Acoustic Electric Bass Guitar qty. 13 @ $69.99
