2023 CGC Winner: Starside Extreme Technology Lab

Congratulations to Starside Elementary for being awarded the Community Giving Circle $10,000 grant through the USD 232 Education Foundation!

These funds will be used for the Extreme Technology Lab makeover at Starside.

One-hundred Community Giving Circle Members each contributed $100 then had the opportunity to hear three different grant proposals at the Community Giving Circle event on April 6. Giving Circle participants then voted to help decide which of the three proposals presented would receive the pooled $10,000 grant for their project. At the end of the evening, Starside Elementary was named the winner. Members of the Giving Circle were invited to help surprise educators and grant applicants, Jaimee Berry and Jessica Young, at Starside Elementary with the $10,000 check on Friday, April 7.

Registration is now open for the 2024 Community Giving Circle event! Sign up to reserve your spot for the soon-to-be-determined date in April 2024!

Jessica Young (left) and Jaimee Berry (right) of Starside Elementary

Community Giving Circle members surprise Jessica Young (left) and Jaimee Berry (right) with the $10,000 grant check on Friday, April 7

Here is a summary of each of the projects presented:

Starside Extreme Technology Lab
The Starside Elementary project proposal includes expanding their technology resources by providing additional hands-on materials and manipulatives for all students in grades K-5. By supplying additional tools into the technology classroom setting, students will have more opportunities to utilize the materials in STEAM-related projects, use the district Problem Solving Process and work on social skills by practicing team-building.

Lexington Trails Generation eSports
Lexington Trails Middle School would like to expand their new eSports program help reach a diverse population of students that are not currently involved in co- and extracurricular activities. Esports utilizes a strategically developed curriculum and competition model that integrates the fun of video game play with key video gaming concepts that are applicable to real life. Player health, introductory technology tools, college and career readiness, digital citizenship, and impact on popular culture are just some of the lessons that will not only turn video gaming into purposeful play, but will also bring stakeholders up to speed on the video game industry. Through curriculum, practice, and playing games, students are able to deepen their levels of interaction and communicate more effectively, readying them for later life.

Belmont Elementary
Belmont Elementary would use grant funds to add to the outdoor learning environment that currently includes a walking track that encircles the fields and playground on campus. Using the Giving Circle grant, 24 permanent and weather-proof storyboard signs would be added around the walking track. These signs would give all students an opportunity to read, problem solve, and move while enjoying the track and fresh air. Research on outdoor learning environments shows they improve academic achievement by enhancing creativity and engagement. Getting students outdoors and moving improves attention and contributes to better physical and mental wellbeing. The Outdoor Storyboard proposal will provide an opportunity for all students to learn and connect with nature and their community.