We want to fund Valley Central School District Teachers Special Projects!

Capabilities-Dawn Moore, Jessica Filangeri, Diane Umsetter (Middle School)
Sixth grade students will learn about specific disabilities, such as Autism, Tourette Syndrome, Learning Disabilities, Down Syndrome, etc.) and understanding the challenges, characteristics and abilities associated with each.  Our objectives center on diversity, awareness, acceptance of peers, and overcoming challenges in one’s life. The opening assembly that kicks off the program and highlights people’s strengths and abilities highlights Jessica Cox, an international motivational speaker who was born without arms and has overcome a multitude of challenges including being the first person without arms to pilot a plane.  Her message is “Disability does not mean Inability.” During Capabilities Week, students will attend stations in the Middle School library where they engage in activities and will participate in a class project to internalize the message.

Star Lab-Barbara Hackett and Jennifer Grimaldi (Berea)
This year, students and teachers are faced with more rigorous science standards.  One topic that students will be learning about is the Earth’s place in the universe.  They will make observations of the sun, moon, and stars to describe patterns that can be predicted. This grant will enable a Star Lab Ambassador from the Children’s Museum in Poughkeepsie to visit the school for an onsite field trip.  Students will be able to see the stars, constellations, phases of the moon, and observe seasonal changes that occur.

 Math Games-Kerry Devine (Walden)
Math Night will be enhanced by the addition of Greg Tang’s Family Math Night Kit.  Math games give students opportunities to explore number concepts and practice computation strategies.  Engaging mathematical games also encourages students to explore number combinations, place value, patterns and other important mathematical concepts.  

Digital Portfolios-Tracy Addington (Montgomery)
This grant enables students to create student led digital portfolios across all content areas.  The portfolios encourage 21st century skill building, collaboration and parent involvement.  Students will use tablets to document their work and create a dialogue among diverse groupings of students.  Students will explain their work and support their learning with evidence.  This work will be privately shared with parents on students’ personal Class Dojo accounts.

Helping Our Homeless-Barbara Gravel (District)
These monies will accomplish many things...backpacks will be placed on the backs of needy students and warm coats and hats on others. The monies will allow a student to participate in physical education by providing sneakers that fit.  Necessary hygiene supplies such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc. will help raise the self-esteem of children who need it most.  The monies will pay for an AP class final so that student can receive college credit.  It will cover admission to a dance for an unaccompanied youth and a new white shirt and tie for an 8th grader to stand tall at his June award’s ceremony.  The benefits are priceless.