The Katy ISD Education Foundation showcased innovative teaching programs underway at sixteen of the district’s campuses at a special “investor breakfast” held February 7 at the Community Rooms at Legacy Stadium, 1830 Katyland Drive in Katy. All of the featured programs were funded by grants from the Foundation, and the breakfast connected foundation “investors” with the results of their donations.

The morning’s keynote address was delivered by Shae Harwell, principal of Wilson Elementary, and members of her staff. The campus, located at 5200 Falcon Landing in Katy, has received eight grants in the past two years, totaling over $30,000.00, Harwell said.

Wilson Elementary’s projects include “Extra! Extra! Read (and Hear) All About It! A Student Created Newspaper and Podcast” and “Innovate Tomorrow: Empowering Elementary Minds with Technology.” Teacher Joel Castillo said that the newspaper and podcast project not only helps students to express themselves -- it also teaches media literacy. Fellow Wilson teacher Stephanie Watson said that the technology project, which uses a 3-D printer and also has an after-school program, is important because research shows that girls need to be exposed to STEM technology at an early age in order to progress to working in STEM-related fields later in life.

Other campuses which received grants from the foundation also displayed their projects outside the Community Room:

· Adams Junior High: “Building for Success!”

· Campbell Elementary: “Fly Guys the Sky is NOT the Limit + Mini Gems: Polishing Our Diamonds in the Rough”

· Cinco Ranch High School: “GoDirect-ly to Learning”

· Coleman Student Support Annex: ”’Powering’ Student Inclusion - Creating Opportunities for Adapted Physical Education Students”

· Exley Elementary: “Back to Basics Book Bonanza”

· Leonard Elementary: ”’Looming’ in the Library”

· Mayde Creek High School: “PCR- Multiplying students’ learning opportunities”

· Morton Ranch Junior High: “AUsome, the World of Vocational and Sensory Learning”

· Miller Career & Technology Center: “We ♥ the Heart: Comprehensive Cardiac Assessment in the Classroom”

· Rylander Elementary: “Our Club is SEW Special!”

· Shafer Elementary: “WE MADE THAT! - Building Future Engineers”

· Stanley Elementary: “ Building IndePENdence with Assistive Technology”

· Sundown Elementary: “Learning in Pre-K is Fun when Playing Hands-On! Or

Stronger Bodies … Stronger Minds!”

· Taylor High School: ”Building Bonds: Exploring Chemistry Through Interactive Models”

· WoodCreek Elementary: ”Many Hands Make Light Work”: Reaching the Heart of Students Through Proverbial Wisdom Set to West African Drumming

To obtain the grants, educators had to apply and undergo a rigorous screening process.

Foundation board treasurer Yvonne Kershner said that 43 per cent of the foundation’s revenue comes from its events such as “Fireflies and Food trucks” or “GROOVE” while “investors” bring for 31 per cent, and about 13 per cent comes from in-kind donations and another 13 per cent from interest income. Kershner said that last year, the foundation gave over $455,000.00 in grants to teachers, in increments of $1,000.00, $2,500.00 or $5,000.00. The foundation has given out over $3.5 million since its inception, Kershner said.

To learn more about the Katy ISD Education Foundation, visit katyisdeducationfoundation.org.