Grants in Action
A heartfelt THANK YOU to the generous donors who made these innovative projects possible!
2023 – 2024 Awards
Crack the Code!… With Decodable Books / Crested Butte Community School
Teacher(s): Erica Young, Jenny Thoms
Approximately 10% of the population is impacted by a reading deficiency, decodable books act as a bridge for students to become successful readers. We want all students to feel successful when reading! Emerging readers are often embarrassed by the books they can access, so they “read” books that are far beyond their reading capabilities. Creating a decodable section of the library will promote students reading books that can feel proud of and are at their reading level.
African Drum and Dance / Gunnison Elementary School
Teacher(s): Matt Harris, Liz Wallin, Amanda Allen, Gary Gibbon
Three days of West African Drum and Dance for grades 1-5. Guest instructors will offer group lessons, in drumming and dancing culminating in an all-school performance with artists and students. This grant will:
-Offer children the experience and enjoyment of a different culture.
-Enable all students to participate in live music and dance at school.
-Unite all students in a single, noncompetitive physical activity.
Developing a Robust STEAM Program / Gunnison Middle School
Teacher(s): Mary Nordberg, Rain Bodine, Emily Kowal, Katie Gallagher
The bridge of GMS STEAM class from elementary to high school is paramount to the success of all STEAM students throughout the district. Curriculum/programming is in progress and the needs for equipment and supplies are clear in order to provide robust offerings that build and prepare students for next levels. Our ultimate goal is to create a dynamic sustainable 1st-8th STEAM program at Gunnison Community School.
Diversity in Ethnicity, Environment and Experience / Marble Charter School
Teacher(s): Gina Mile, Alana Houseman
We will continue with the work that Alana Houseman started last year using the CFGV Innovation Grant. She has updated the library in the 6th-8th grade classroom, and we would now like to extend that to the 3-5 classroom. We would also like to include books that focus on diversity. We don’t have a school library at this time, so it’s essential for students to have access to more books at various reading levels and content in their classrooms. Our school is in a remote mountain town with little diversity. We hope to find books that will share diverse experiences and stories.
Growing Together / Crested Butte Community School
Teacher(s): Lisa Hart
With Plant Light Houses, students will be able to explore and to investigate the wonders of plant growth, photosynthesis and cellular respiration, and possibly plant genetics.
We need more light for our plant experiments. For some investigations, the plants need constant light, 24 hour per day. We need an efficient, effective grow light system that can be easily moved and stored.
Guinea, West Africa – A Cultural and Educational Journey / Crested Butte Elementary School
Teacher(s): Olivia Wogen, Emmy Luna, Brynn Beren
The Students will be thoroughly engaged in an in-depth exploration of Guinea, West Africa. Our Project-based learning unit provides rich learning experiences for students to research and explore life in Guinea. They will participate in West African drumming and dancing workshops and begin to gain knowledge of economic literacy. This project-based learning experience engages students in exploring the similarities and differences between children’s daily lives in Crested Butte and rural Guinea, West Africa. Through research, presentations, and workshops with renowned West African drummer and dancer, Fara Tolno, students will investigate culture, environment, and the role of music and movement. The project fosters critical thinking and collaboration, culminating in a final presentation and performance to showcase students’ work and reflections.
Lighting the Path to Better Readers and Mathematicians / Gunnison Middle School
Teacher(s):Karen Alton, Sierra Cuccinelli
It has become clear that many students lack a spot for homework — no spot to curl up to read or do homework under a lamp. As that become more evident, we want to provide all our students with a book light so this removes any obstacles to reading at home!
Nuovo Recorders and Accessories / Crested Butte Elementary School
Teacher(s):Amanda Cook
This funding will enable the purchase a class set of special recorders from a company called Nuvo. Nuvo creates specialized instruments that make playing the recorder much easier and pleasant sounding than the average recorder.
Specifically Nuovo’s “Recorder Plus” is more similar to a clarinet than a recorder. The Nuvo Recorder Plus has silicon pads that eliminate air leakage. Importantly, this instrument provides greater access to music education and enjoyment for students who struggle with dexterity or who may have limb differences.
Past Awards
- 2022-23 Awards
- 2021-22 Awards
- 2020-21 Awards
- 2019-20 Awards
- 2018-19 Awards
- 2017-18 Awards
- 2016-17 Awards
- 2015-16 Awards
- 2014-15 Awards
- 2013-14 Awards
Bridging STEAM at GCS / Gunnison Middle School
Teacher(s): Rain Bodine, Mary Nordberg, Katie Gallagher, Michael Seijo, Brian Sutphin
Bridging STEAM @ GCS will provide equipment and opportunity for 6-8th grade students to experience STEAM at Gunnison Middle School. This proposal will help create continuity and bridge the gap for our students coming from the Gunnison Elementary STEAM program and heighten the experience and excitement in the STEAM journey! Science-Technology-Engineering-Arts-Math (STEAM).
Maker Centered Learning / Gunnison Elementary School
Maker Centered Learning / Gunnison Elementary SchoolTeacher(s): Sarah Strong
Students will develop their skills and abilities in design by analyzing how systems work and materials are used. This project will help students develop a disposition of making and shaping their own world through the complexity of design.
Click here to see more information and photos (PDF)
ELL Communication & Learning Supports / Gunnison Elementary School
ELL Communication & Learning Supports / Gunnison Elementary SchoolTeacher(s): Lisa Edwards
This project will assist in breaking the communication barrier for English Language Learners (ELL), newcomers, families, teachers, and staff through the use of a pocket translator which will be acquired through grant funds. It will also increase best practices for teaching ELL students through the purchase of resource books and creation of a professional development library for staff.
Reinvigorate, Revamp and Empower Readers / Marble Charter School
Teacher(s): Alana Houseman
Students will be empowered through a multi-grade collaboration project to create a school library driven by their interests. Students will lead the project, with teacher direction, to create a space where books are shared, suggested to peers with similar interests, and rated by peers.
Pumpkin Jack Storybook Walk / Lake Pre-KG School
Pumpkin Jack Storybook Walk / Lake Pre-KG SchoolTeacher(s): Trudy Pfingston-Orr, Tracie Wise, Rachel Ingram, Maggie Chilpala, Eli Eisenbart
Pumpkin Jack Storybook Walk will be located in the Lake School Garden where students can explore the different pages from the book and find the real Pumpkin Jack at his various stages of growth. Students will also explore math concepts by using maps and a scale as they engage in their quest.
Guinea West Africa / Crested Butte Community School
Guinea West Africa / Crested Butte Community SchoolTeacher(s): Emmy Luna, Sue Wilson, Brynn O’Connell, Elise Meyer, Keely Moran, Amanda Cook
Students will be immersed in a study of the country Guinea, West Africa. This project-based learning unit will provide an opportunity for students to explore another culture, learn and participate in West African drumming and dancing workshops, and begin to build an understanding of economic literacy.
Going Deskless! / Gunnison High School
Teacher(s): Janet Welsh Crossley
This project will create a ‘Deskless classroom’ by providing portable laptop surfaces for student use. This will increase active student engagement and greater participation in movement and standing activities. It will also streamline transitions between activities.
Swinging Toward Inclusivity / Lake Pre-KG School
Teacher(s): Linda Williams, Susan Barrett, Lindsey Kemmerling, Trudy Pfingston-Orr
An adaptive swing will be added to the playground to enable all kids to engage in more equal and age appropriate play partnerships. Students and staff will learn how to use the swing and interact with individuals with disabilities, cultivating advocacy for more inclusive playground environments at school and in the community.
Standing Room Only / Gunnison Elementary School
Teacher(s): Stacy Harbaugh
Two standing desks with whiteboard tops will be added to the classroom as an option for students to stand as they work. This project will add to the flexible seating options already available and will help students learn in ways that best meet their needs.
“Titan Climbers” CBCS Climbing Wall / Crested Butte Community School
Teacher(s): Chip Wiegand, David White
The CBCS elementary gym has an amazing climbing wall which goes unused on most days. In order to invigorate and utilize this wasted resource, our school needs ropes, harnesses, shoes, belay devices, and climbing holds. Also, GHS has a thriving rock climbing team who competes across the state.
Djembe Drums of Africa / Gunnison Elementary School
Teacher(s): Laura Schliesman, Matt Harris, Elizabeth Wallin, Amanda Allen
The grant funds awarded will allow the current West African unit to expand with additional teacher collaboration in art, music, social studies, and health. The teachers will provide an African Unit that expands Guinea’s dance and drums to the continent of Africa’s culture of music, art, food, and dance.
Fostering a Love of Reading / Marble Charter School
Teacher(s): Alana Houseman
I would like to incorporate project based learning as a means for teaching my ELA and Social Studies Classes. I know that with the right resources, I can implement this methodology and truly engage my students to share, “Forgotten Stories from Around the World” with their community.
In order to integrate ELA and Social Studies through project based learning, I need a variety of texts for my students to read on their levels. I also need funding to help create final projects that my students can present to the community or put on display. I intend to purchase books, on various levels, so all my students have access to the same material that are centered around this particular theme/ project.
Full STEAM Ahead for 2021! – GES STEAM LAB 2 / Gunnison Elementary School
Teacher(s): Rain Bodine, Emily Kowal, Katie Gallagher, Marin Eberly, Rhonda Wenum, Mary Nordberg
This upcoming year we will convert the GES computer lab to be a functional Maker’s Space where students create and explore multiple topics and develop hands-on solutions. Our STEAM team will collaboratively configure and enhance the program that was established this year with the 4th grade pilot STEAM class.
LINK Crew 2.0 / Gunnison High School
Teacher(s): Jeanene Nelson, Lisa Danos, Krystal Brown, Cristian Aguilar
We are looking to bring a new face to a foundational program that has been offered at GHS since 2001. The GHS LINK Crew program has successfully transitioned classes of students from 8th grade to high school with small group team-building exercises and large group introductory activities.
Zero Water Day Interpretive Signs / Gunnison Middle School
Teacher(s): Renee Brekke-Ebbott, Krystal Brown
Students will create 6 interpretive signs about water. This project expands awareness of water-related issues in the Upper Gunnison River basin. It will be enjoyed by all experiencing the Van Tuyl trails. The development of an interpretive sign walk will enhance the outdoor classroom space accessible to all Gunnison Schools.
Life in rural Guinea vs. Life in Crested Butte / Crested Butte Elementary School
Teacher(s): Amy Debnam, Sue Wilson, Brynn O’Connell, Molly Frame, Kelly Piccaro, Erica Young
Students will explore how the life of a child in Crested Butte is different from the life of a child in rural Guinea. Students will discover the importance of rhythm and dance for children (all people) in Guinea. Angie Carroll and Fara Tolno will lead the rhythm and dance instruction.
Take a seat or not…it’s up to you! / Gunnison Elementary School
Teacher(s): Susan Barrett, Katy Dye, Leia Henaghan, Erin Moran Shields, Heather Trezise, Lindsey Kemmerling
We serve students with varied needs to access their learning environments. Flexible seating can go a long way to help ALL our students be successful. We need a place to try seats both to use daily and also somewhere to try targeted seats out first and find what works best.
The Playful Pod / Gunnison Elementary School
Teacher(s): Bre Lassiter, Jill Murphy, Alyssa Geist, Tracy Archuleta, Cara Yow
The ‘Cubby Courtyard’ is ready for a makeover to match our students’ evolving needs. Our pod space is all set to transform to the ‘Playful Pod’ where students can learn through meaningful play. The pod will focus on creating a space for social emotional learning and for self regulation.
Sustainability Through Community / Marble Charter School
Teacher(s): Gina Miller
The Marble Charter School will use various age-appropriate methods to research, plan and educate its community about different aspects of stewardship and sustainability. We will work together to help make our beautiful small mountain town one that could potentially become a model of sustainability for other smaller communities across America.
Choice as Innovation / Crested Butte Elementary School
Teacher(s): Amelia Poppe
Students in my 4th-grade class would be given money to grow our classroom library. Students would research books as appropriate additions to our library, and then write proposals for each book they chose. They would be responsible for budgeting for the books, organizing the library, and maintaining the library.
Revealing the Mystery Behind How Math Operations Work / Gunnison Elementary School
Teacher(s): Randi Foster
This grant will fund the purchase of Montessori-based math materials for teaching place value and other math skills. These hands-on materials provide a concrete way for students to develop a strong, foundational understanding of how the four basic operations work in our base-ten number system rather than memorizing steps.
STEAM Lab / Gunnison Elementary School
Teacher(s): Rain Bodine
The GES STEAM LAB will optimize and support classroom learning by providing a maker’s space where students can create and explore multiple topics and develop hands-on solutions. Our STEAM TEAM will collaboratively configure exciting, contemporary and relevant CHALLENGES that motivate students and connect and enhance classroom curriculums!
West African Dance Part II / Gunnison Elementary School
Teacher(s): Laura Schliesman
3rd and 4th grade students will learn the basic steps of a West African Dance. 5th grade students will learn the essential rhythm of a West African drum piece. Grades 3/4/5 will perform and Fara Tolan will be the guest speaker at an all-school assembly during Black History Month in February.
Newberry Book Club / Crested Butte Elementary School
Teacher(s): Kylie Collins
The Newbery Book Club is a reimagined way of teacher literacy in the classroom. Teachers will research possible Newbery contenders. Students will read book reviews from teachers, parents, and community members. Students will participate in book clubs and then vote on their Newbery picks before the awards in January.
Gunnison Valley Connection! / Gunnison Middle School
Teacher(s): Cynthia Bruton
This grant will enhance the GMS Outdoor Education with a camping component to connect students with the Gunnison Valley, keeping our youth connected so they stay, or come back, to contribute economically and culturally after graduating from high school! Students will engage in activities teaching environmental ethics, Leave No Trace, and camping 101
Gunnison Valley Connection! / Gunnison Middle School
Teacher(s): Cynthia Bruton
This grant will enhance the GMS Outdoor Education with a camping component to connect students with the Gunnison Valley, keeping our youth connected so they stay, or come back, to contribute economically and culturally after graduating from high school! Students will engage in activities teaching environmental ethics, Leave No Trace, and camping 101.
Spanish Reading Library / Gunnison High School
Teacher(s): Janet Welsh Crossley
In free voluntary reading, students self-select books of interest to read at an appropriate level. Reading increases vocabulary. Grammar is acquired through repeated exposure in written and aural forms. This grant renewal request is to augment and diversify two incipient leveled classroom libraries of books from which students choose.
Sensory Celebration / Gunnison Middle School
Teacher(s): Stacy Harbaugh
GMS has multiple students with varying sensory needs which impact their ability to self-regulate and then manage their behaviors during the school day. This grant will provide specialized equipment which offer an outlet for students sensory needs.
4 Peas in a Pod / Gunnison Elementary School
Teacher(s): Megan Wells
The 4 Ps in a Pod project will be a renovation of the current second grade cubby space to turn it into additional usable classroom space where students can explore a multitude of activities. The space will be focused around social emotional wellness, independent practice, exploration, and collaboration.
KIDS Channel 5 / Gunnison Elementary School
Teacher(s): Rhonda Wenum
This Grant Project will help build our existing podcast production by supplying the equipment necessary to improve the program and to ensure its sustainability each year. The equipment, including tripods, a desk, and a new logo will provide a more professional looking product.
Bending, Blending, Breaking Design / CB Elementary School
Teacher(s): Ann Weise
Bending, Blending and Breaking Design is a project designed to introduce students to the principles of design thinking and provide them with the opportunity to learn about design from designers, create their own design and present their design in a Design Expo.
Mustang Pond Outdoor Learning Lab / Gunnison Middle School
Teacher(s): Renee Brekke-Ebbott
The Mustang Pond Outdoor Learning Lab has untapped potential. We have a pond, a beautiful deck and a productive vegetable garden. The surrounding space is underutilized. My vision is to add a native plant garden and outdoor classroom to further advance the vision.
Celebrating Heroes – Celebrate The Beat / CB Elementary School
Teacher(s): Sandy Robinson, Elise Meier, Scotty Early Moss, Keely Moran, Molly Frame, Nicole Dickerson
Each grade level will bring their own twist to the idea of celebrating heroes and visionaries; including local heroes, personal heroes, innovators, artistic heroes, and humanitarian heroes. This project will culminate in a tribute: music and dance performance, interactive exhibits, a parade of heroes, and a hero’s luncheon.
Strong Chemistry / CB Secondary School
Teacher(s): Lisa Hart
Our challenge is continuing to provide all students with meaningful hands-on science opportunities as enrollment in chemistry classes increases. More students will have multiple opportunities to use Vernier computer interface sensors to conduct experiments, to gather data, to visualize data trends in real-time, to record data, and to analyze data.
GHS Ski Making / Gunnison High School
Teacher(s): Greg Smith
GHS is beginning a research and design class where students will be making skis/snowboards. We would like to advance the class by adding necessary equipment that would help create a more refined product (ski/snowboard). We are exploring different types of presses used to make skis & snowboards
Personalized, Collaborative, Creating Learning / CB Elementary School
Teacher(s): Katie Gallagher, Camille Polster, Jen Gauley
This project will empower students with personalized, collaborative and creative learning experiences. Our goals include: To effectively integrate Chromebooks into our daily instructional model, to provide opportunities for communication and collaboration within the walls of our classroom and beyond, and to allow for the delivery of instant feedback to students.
GHS Spanish – Free Voluntary Reading / Gunnison High School
Teacher(s): Janet Welsh Crossley, Rebecca Cerio
Reading increases vocabulary. Grammar is acquired through repeated exposure in written and aural forms. In FVR (free voluntary reading), students self-select books of interest to read at an appropriate level. This grant request is to add to the beginning of a two-classroom leveled library of books from which students choose.
West African Dance / Gunnison Elementary School
Teacher(s): Laura Schliesman, Matt Harris
Students will learn the basic essential steps of a West African Dance. The students will attend three 30-minute lessons with an instructor of West African Dance who is accompanied by a West African Drummer. Performance during a school assembly will take place as a culmination event.
Coding with Bots / Gunnison Elementary School
Teacher(s): Brian Rooks
Coding with bots is a great way to incorporate technology into Mathematics and Science. Coding involves measurement of length and angles. It creates an opportunity to use multiplication, division, subtraction, and addition in meaningful and fun way. These 21st century technology skills are the future of our workforce!
CBCS Titans Studios / CB Elementary
Teacher(s): Bethany Ramey, Keely Moran
We hope to build a Titan’s film studio complete with green screen, lighting, microphones, iPad, and editing applications. The studio will be housed in the library office and accessible to all students and teachers (K-12).
FVR for Language Acquisition / Gunnison High School
Teacher(s): Janet Welsh Crossley, Rebecca
Reading increases vocabulary. Grammar is acquired through repeated exposure in written and aural forms. In FVR (free voluntary reading), students self-select books of interest to read at an appropriate level. The goal of this grant request is to build a leveled library of books in Spanish from which students choose.
Science Discovery Cupboards / Gunnison High School
Teacher(s): Audrey Flease
Science laboratory cupboards stocked that are stocked, maintained, and inventoried by student lab groups. The cupboards create a sense of ownership and pride, and helps students develop organizational skills in a lab setting.
Construction Kits to Create, Collaborate and Critically Think / CB Elementary
Teacher(s): Amelia Poppe, Katie Gallagher, Bobby Pogoloff
“Intooba” is a Math/STEM construction manipulative kit. Students are given a building task to solve. Tasks directly correlate to grade-level standards. Teachers may have the students using the rods to creatively add and subtract, explore fractions, engineering properties, or geometrical shapes. Students use manipulatives to solve problems while working collaboratively.
Iron Neck Concussion Management/Prevention / Gunnison High School
Teacher(s): Jarrod Hinton, Tom Percival
To minimize neurological impacts and missed classroom instructional time due to concussion from sport, we will utilize the “Iron Neck” during Physical Education classes to help students strengthen neck muscles, thus creating an effective defense against concussive forces.
Putting it Together / Gunnison Middle School
Teacher(s): Karen Alton, Gina Pollard, Susan Powers, Andy Dunda
A binder machine to assemble our own booklets for our unique curriculums. A binder would allow us to create exploratory projects for our students’ interests and passions.
The Magnificent Microscope / Gunnison Middle School
Teacher(s): Renee Brekke-Ebbott
Special maintenance for a collection of 15 compound microscopes.
Purposeful Playground / Lake School
Teacher(s): Jessica McNary, Trudy Pfingston-Orr, Tee Pleak, Jessica Vollendorf, Tracie Wise, Katy Dye
Additions to the Lake School playground that will add more purposeful play and outdoor learning opportunities for preschool and Kindergarten students.
Engaging Students with Energy / CB Secondary School
Teacher(s): Betsy Kolodziej
This project will add a current transformer (CT) to the solar panel at CBCS in order to monitor our solar energy generation through our existing eGauge system. This will allow students to monitor both energy consumption and generation at CBCS.
Walking Around Colorado…Literally! / CB Elementary
Teacher(s): Erica Young, Sarah Block, Brynn O’Connell
The Giant Map of Colorado, an oversized vinyl floor map is designed to encourage geographic learning through physical movement and games, teaching place names, physical geography, and cultural geography as well as map reading skills. US/World/Colorado maps set will provide valuable, hands-on, interactive education for daily use.
Rocket Kids / Gunnison Middle School
Teacher: Neil Coen
A class will be developed that requires students to read the books, “October Sky” about the rocket building childhood of NASA engineer, Homer Hickam and “Lost Moon”, about Apollo 13. Using these books as inspiration, students will then build and launch a series of progressively more difficult model rocket kits.
Cycles: Celebrate the Beat! / Crested Butte Elementary
Teacher: Sandy Robinson
A cross-curricular, multi-grade exploration of Nature’s Cycles through the study of dance, music, art, and science. This physically and mentally demanding program engages all students in grades 3-5, culminating in a public performance.
Solar Sprint / Crested Butte Community School
Teachers: Kristi Acuff, Todd Wasinger
Build the fastest, most efficient car powered only by the sun’s energy and your understanding of gear ratios, torque, friction and efficiency!! Watch solar energy transform into mechanical, thermal, kinetic and gravitational potential energy as your car races to the top of a steep hill!
Keeping it Real / Crested Butte High School
Teachers: Lisa Hart, Amy Artigues
Using Vernier probes to interface with computers, students will be able to gather, to analyze, and to display precise data from actual experiments in several science classes throughout the year.
“Reading” for All / Gunnison Middle School
Teachers: Stacy Harbaugh, Meegan Haley, Molly Childerston
The Kurzweil Firefly program is a text-to-speech reading program that allows any document to be downloaded or scanned so it can be read to students. With the use of Bookshare.org any novel being read in the middle school can be downloaded and enabled, through the use of the Kurzwel program, to be an audiobook.
Launching Blended Learning / Gunnison Elementary
Teacher: Amanda Harris, Tracy Archuleta, Kim Chodoroski, Jill Murphy
Research-based “Brain Pop Jr” is a tool for teachers to help classrooms transition to blended learning environments. Brain Pop Jr is engaging, deliberate and focused, as well as deliberate and focused.
Wenum Technology Development / Gunnison
Teacher: Rhonda Wenum
For lesson extensions, research, academic games, technology skills that ensure students can access school-based technology..
Preschoolers Exploring Science / Lake School
Teacher: Trudy Ferraro
Preschool science discovery should be derived from natural and informal learning that sparks their curiosity and wonder in the world around them. Through hands on activities child are exposed to physical, earth and life science by exploring and creating experiences through learning.
Ticklin’ The Ivories III – TechnoStyle / Lake School
Teacher: Nancy Santarela
For the purchase of kid-friendly music theory software, music composition software, piano music, headphone adapters for GES students to use during the three piano units during the year.
Readers-R-Us / Gunnison Elementary
Teachers: Amanda Harris
A project that allows students to access reading materials at home through technology.
Language Arts Versa Tiles / Gunnison Elementary
Teachers: Sandra Merrifield, Brian Rooks, Elena Oster, Megan Wells, Ellie Ferguson
A multi-sensory tactile application to engage the struggling reader.
Digital Arts in the Classroom / CB Elementary
Teacher: Elise Meier
Two iPads which will foster the use of technology and provide practical art applications and digital arts to students.
Which Way to Broadway / Gunnison High School
Teachers: Susan Barrett, Robin Wilkinson, Stacy Harbaugh
A collaborative project to produce a musical – the only Drama offered at GHS in 2014-15.
Water in the Valley / Gunnison Elementary
Teachers: Rain Bodine, Carin Schmidt
A collaborative creation of a 300 x 4 foot painted silk scroll that tells the story and vision of the water in the Gunnison Valley in all its forms and interpretations.
The Daily 5 Implementation / Gunnison Elementary
Teachers: Tracy Archuleta, Kryssia Johnson, Liz Hicks, Amanda Harris, and more.
A Reading Street Curriculum literacy block to be infused into every 1st Grade Classroom.