Below are samples of unique, faculty-created projects that the Foundation for Erie's Public Schools has funded over the years. Each year, the mini-grant cycle has a theme that aligns with the Foundation's strategic plan and the 5 A's we're dedicated to supporting - Academics, Advocacy, Arts, Assistance, and Athletics. If you have questions about the mini-grant program, please send an email to foundationerieps@gmail.com.
Hands-On Lifecycles
Allison Ulrich, Jefferson Elementary Autistic Kindergarten Students engaged in hands-on learning of life cycles through hatching their own chicks. Students learned about the chicks' life cycle as well as the role they play in our food chain. Students also studied the farm which provided the eggs. "Outside of the academic lessons, this grant allowed us to teach life skills to our students including teaching them how to check on the eggs, making sure water was in the incubator each morning, and making sure the chicks had water and food, this all taught them responsibility. The students were also cautious of noise levels and being calm and safe around the chicks both during and after hatching." |
An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe
Michelle Lourens, Erie High This project partially funded the production of An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe, put on by students from Erie High. This was the first opportunity for many of the students to perform on stage. "I'm so thankful the Foundation gave me the opportunity to provide this safe, artistic outlet for my students to feel like they belong and give them a sense of community." |
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Next Level Basketball Camp
Brent Swain, Pfeiffer-Burleigh Elementary "We want to get these students off the streets, away from violence and drugs, and provide them with a safe place to grow personally, socially and athletically with coaches and volunteers who care about them. These students will one day play an integral part in our city and we have a responsibility to prepare them for that." |
STEM Kits
Danica LaKari, Diehl Elementary Provided two different bundles of 10 STEM kits for students. Each kit was versatile and could be completed at home or in class. One of the kits gave students the experience of building their own robot. "One of my favorite activities this year was building the robot. My class enjoyed it a lot. I liked putting together the motor and it was fun to see it move when I hit the switch to make it go!" - Hadia A., Student |
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CPR/Pool Safety: It's Not Just for Lifeguards
Michelle Bennett, Erie High This project allowed students to learn how to administer CPR to adults and children, as well as the basics of pool safety and rescue techniques. "These students are now our in our community making it safe because of what they've learned. I can't thank the Foundation enough for investing in our students!" |
Character Matters
Amee Herdzik, JoAnna Connell Elementary JoAnna Connell implemented a “Morning Meeting” time in their daily schedule to give an opportunity to discuss and review the interesting dynamics of behaving well and getting along with each other. Character Matters served as a culminating project to share the lessons learned in the classroom morning meetings using popular fairytale stories to illustrate the points. |
Science Fair
Jake Carver, East Middle Students in 6th, 7th and 8th grade will participate in creating (STEM) projects. East has a significant number of New American Students who will be participating in the event. Students will work in teams of 3, with honors level students working on an individual project. |