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Support is a major point of emphasis at Louisa County Public Schools. And on Thursday, March 13th, more than three dozen educators at Louisa County Public Schools saw that proven true.
As part of the school division’s 5 Cs Innovation Grants program, division administrators, school administrative teams, and members of the Louisa County School Board and Louisa Education Foundation passed out more than $35,000 in grants to fund 38 projects across the school division. The grant money is specifically awarded to educators for the funding of unique and innovative educational projects they have planned for the near future.
“You hear us talk a lot about how important support is here at Louisa County Public Schools, and when we say it we mean it,” LCPS Superintendent Doug Straley said. “This program is one fun and exciting way to support our educators. It’s been pretty inspiring to see their joy as we’ve delivered these grants to them. Education is their passion, and these grants are a great way for us to help them live out their dreams in the classroom.”
The school division’s 5 Cs Innovation Grants program is an annual program that is now in its fifth year. Prior to this school year, the Louisa County School Board voted unanimously to set aside $25,000 in the division’s budget specifically to provide funding for the grants program. For this year’s process, the Louisa Education Foundation also joined in to contribute an additional $10,000 to the cause.
“As a board, all of us are so thankful for the hard work our educators put in each and every day, and this program lets us show our appreciation,” Louisa County School Board chairman Greg Strickland said. “All of us on the Louisa County School Board are honored to be able to support our teachers in this way.”
The process for this year’s program began in early February when the school division opened up an online form where every staff member had the ability to submit an application for a grant. In the application, educators were given the chance to propose a unique and innovative idea that they would like to bring to life in the classroom.
Specifically, grants are awarded to ideas that emphasize The 5 Cs. The 5 Cs is an educational concept developed by the Virginia Department of Education that looks to promote Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking, and Citizenship amongst all students.
Each grants cycle, LCPS educators are able to apply for grants of up to $1,000. A panel with representation from throughout the school division reviewed the applications and selected 38 winning entries.
Examples of winning entries this year include:
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The JES Lemonade Crusade: This community service project will allow students to aid in funding research to help end childhood cancers. The lemonade stands will be run by students in grades 3-5, and the sales will take place during Spring Fling and after 5th grade graduation.
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Making an Impact: The grant aims to enhance the Impact Studio at LCHS by expanding the use of existing library technology, including 3-D printers, a laser engraver, and other equipment.
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Ladies and Gents Capstone Project: The "Future Me" Vision Board & Presentation project will empower students to explore their future careers and community impact by creating vision boards, engaging in collaborative research, and developing presentations that articulate their goals and civic commitments. Through this process, students will enhance their citizenship, collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and character development skills.
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Elementary 3D Printer Programs: Two 3D printers and $350 worth of supplies are being awarded to each elementary school to allow students exposure to this technology in a variety of projects that promote the 5Cs.
Along with receiving funding for their proposed projects, this year’s recipients were presented with a framed congratulatory letter signed by Louisa County School Board members, as well as their own oversized checks to proudly display in their classrooms! Louisa County School Board and Louisa Education Foundation members also joined Superintendent Straley throughout the day for the presentations at each school.
“I’m really thankful to our school board and LEF members,” Straley said. “They do an amazing job supporting our staff members, and the programs we’re funding are going to really help us bring out the full potential in our students.”
All recipients of grants from this year’s program were featured in a highlight video that was released on the school division’s Facebook page.