2011-2012 Named Grants
Hispanic Heritage and the Other American Lit (Ives)
Denise Granniss (SACS)
“Hispanic Heritage and the Other American Lit” is a combination of independent reading, literature circles and cultural projects that will enhance pride and identity among Hispanic students while supporting larger independent reading goals for 9th and 10th grade students. By reading texts like “Breaking Through” by Francisco Jimenez, “An Island Like You” by Judith Ortiz Cofer and “The House on Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros, minority students will develop a better sense of identity while non-minorities will increase their respect for and understanding of the diverse cultures of American society. Students will complete the project by choosing one of three enrichment activities – to research and present the biography of one of these authors, to study and present the relevant culture, or to compare their own heritage to one laid out in one of the texts. These projects will be presented and displayed during Hispanic Heritage month to showcase a community that embraces diversity.
Reenacting Salem History (Hawthorne Hotel)
Kathryn DiPietro (Saltonstall)
Re-enacting Salem’s History is a history performance project that will result in a collection of videos featuring 3rd and 4th grade students performing re-enactments of Salem’s impact on history through different eras. Through this project, students will have the opportunity to research Salem history, write scripts and perform and share Salem’s impact on history. The videos will be on exhibit at the new Salem Museum.
Thinking Locally Collaborative (Dominion Salem Harbor Station)
Jesse Stansfield (SHS/Carlton)
In the course of Thinking Locally, High School and Elementary School students will participate in a long-term project creating and documenting a community garden. Students in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade will work in a school-based garden, growing vegetables and flowers from seed and selling them at a “farmer’s market” established on campus. 9-12th grade Photography and Graphic Arts students will then create posters and other printed learning aides for their elementary school partners. All students will then go to Salem’s Farmers Market and interact with the farmers and sellers there. Upper level Culinary Arts students will purchase food while at the market and prepare a meal consisting of locally grown products as a culminating event for the project.
Freshman Field Scientists! Monitoring Marine Invasive Species in Salem (Dominion Salem Harbor Station)
Kristen Augulewicz (SHS)
Freshman Field Scientists! is a hands-on project that will result in the collection of scientific data to be entered in a database overseen by governmental and scientific communities as part of ongoing conservation research. Students will be trained in the field and become certified SEANET volunteers to monitor and collect data about marine species and biological invaders in one of the marine areas in our city. Data collected will be sent to an ongoing project run by the Tufts University Center for Conservation Medicine.
8th Grade World History Partnership (PEM)
Jon Workman and Linda Barry (CMS)
Eighth grade world history students will have the opportunity to use the resources of the Peabody Essex Museum to enrich their world history curriculum learning experience. They will analyze primary sources, discover how arts and artifacts reflect a society’s values, and make direct connections to civilizations and events they are studying in their History Alive textbook. Each student will become an expert on one piece of art or artifact and be able to explain the historical and cultural significance of that piece.
World History: Beyond the Textbook (Stephen O’Grady)
Robert Pelletier (SACS)
When students think of non-fiction in history, they usually think of their textbook. However, to truly prepare students for the type of historical reading they will do in college, they need to read non-fiction historical novels. By reading the books King Leopold’s Ghost, Hitler’s Willing Executioners and Ordinary Men, students will begin to tackle new types of literature, offering them additional information about what they are already studying, and providing them with an enriching historical experience. 11th and 12th grade students will then write critical essays examining their own beliefs and values regarding the events and literary themes they have encountered. For each book, at least one student will write a book review that will be published in the school newspaper as well as on the school website.
Breathing Life into Learning/Yoga for All (Salem Academy Charter School “Reach the Beach” Award) Kathleen Boucher (SECC)/Nicole Brunelle (NBS)
Studies have shown that yoga can reduce stress and anxiety, strengthen muscle tone and flexibility, and improve self-esteem. Two of our schools are working to create unique curriculum-driven yoga programs for our youngest students in an innovative approach designed to increase focus, body awareness, confidence, teamwork and self-control.
Enter the 3rd Dimension (Betsey)
Spiridoula Politis (CMS)
Hands on learning is in store for 250 Middle School students who will have the opportunity to experiment with wire, fabric, wood and plaster as they learn additive, subtractive, and adhesive techniques, and work with armatures to create sculptures of substance. 8th graders will explore the process of creating installation pieces that will be displayed in various areas throughout their school. 7th graders will get messy creating plaster sculptures with wire armatures and 6th graders will express their creativity making linear sculpture using wire.
Van Gogh: Swirls and Twirls (Rick Guttenberg)
Donna Pelletier (HMLS)
In an effort to combine great art with skilled writing, kindergartners will learn about the artist Van Gogh, with an emphasis on the colors, patterns, and feelings that his art conveyed and then explore the relationship that the artist had with his brother through letters. Along with their third grade reading buddies, they will create letters to special family members (as Vincent did to Theo) and will make border patterns around them. They will listen to poetry about the colors & subjects Van Gogh explored and create their own artwork after viewing three of Van Gogh’s classic works. They will also act out a skit about Vincent & Theo, emphasizing feelings, family & kindness.
2011-2012 Grants
Digging Up the Past
Susana Sinclair (SACS)
Textbooks and online research fall short in the way of experiencing the excitement of discovery, the tactile sensation of uncovering an artifact, and the use of senses to make observations and then to generate inferences. This project will be a series of unique hands-on experiential lessons where 7th grade students participate in a simulated archeological dig. Students will learn to excavate and examine, classify and infer about ancient artifacts as learn about the Ancient World.
Asia Alive!
Todd Schumacher (SACS)
To give students an in-depth look into the contours and culture of the Asian continent, students will study the history of India, China and Japan, take a cross-continental hike using National Geographic’s Giant Traveling Map, examine the unique details of each country’s customs, traditions, and daily life through high quality videos, interactive slideshows, interviews, and musical recordings and focus on the unique history, culture and current issues of Afghanistan.
Improving Hands, Hearts and Minds Through Schoolyard Games Collaborative
Kevin Andrews (HMLS)
Recess has long been a difficult interpersonal time for students and staff with many students uninvolved in the physical activity it was designed for. This program will empower school staff who are supervising recess to move beyond the reactionary mode of diffusing schoolyard problems to providing outlets and joy during recess time. Recess staff at two elementary schools will be trained in how to engage students in games specifically designed to improve physical fitness, mental acuity, and team building.
Literature for Lifelong Learning
Nancy Toney (CMS)
This grant aims to inspire in seventh and eighth grade students an interest in other countries and cultures that may ultimately lead to future travel, exchange programs, and international study and career paths. Student will be offered French books Le Rêve de Lise and La Vraie Patricia and Spanish books El Color de Mis Palabras and Cuando la Tía Lola Vino de Visita. instructors will then use the content as a springboard for creative projects ranging from merengue dance demonstrations, sampling of Moroccan, Lyonnaise and Marseillaise cuisine, displays of modern French fashion, research on Van Gogh and Cézanne and the Trujillo era in the Dominican Republic.
The Art and Science of Hugo Cabret
Susan Marsh (Saltonstall)
Using the novel The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick, a story about an orphan boy living a secret life in the walls of a Paris train station, students will broaden their understanding of the art and science of drawing, photography, film and automata. As part of this project, students will create their own videos and automata as well as create original artwork replicating Selzinick’s approach to illustration. The combination of historical fiction, picture books and graphic novels appeals to both the avid and the reluctant reader while broadening students’ background knowledge in diverse disciplines.
Down Hill Racer Challenge
Bob Brown (CMS)
During the Downhill Racer Challenge, students will participate in the design, engineering, manufacture and evaluation of their very own model race cars. Taking into account forces that affect the design and performance of their cars including power to weight ratio, acceleration, torque, friction, velocity, drag, aerodynamics and Newton’s Laws of Motion, students will create thumbnail sketches, rough sketches and three-view drawings of their designs. Students will then create models of their designs utilizing solid foam modeling material, modifying their design in order to maximize the aerodynamics of the car body. After cutting, shaping and smoothing the wood, students will select a sponsor or advertising logo, install axles and racing wheels and it’s off to the races!
What’s fun to play? Ukuleles!!!!
Ann Berman (Bates)
Looking for an instrument that’s inexpensive, portable, and suited to any style of music? Look no further than the ukulele! As part of this project, 4th and 5th graders will be introduced to this classic instrument as they gain skill in melody picking, duets, reading notes and chord charts and learning music theory including harmony and ear training. If successful, they will become a Ukulele Ensemble, to be added to ongoing annual Winter and Spring concerts.
Celebrating The Seasons With Asian-Style Folding Screens
Nancy Antrim (Bates)
During this ambitious project, kindergarten students will learn about the behavioral adaptations animals exhibit during seasonal changes, observe seasonal changes in the world around them and discover cultural connections between the countries of Asia and their own City of Salem. Students will then examine art reproductions of Asian folding screens and will eventually use mixed-art media to create their own folding screens depicting their version of the four seasons.
Physical Education
AnnMarie Bedard (Bates)
Exercise your body and your mind! As an added part of the annual school-wide Walk Across America event, students will learn about maps, various geographical sites across our country, nutrition and the importance of physical activity in their lives. Then, using pedometers, students will learn to convert their steps into mileage and each will plot their own “Walk Across America” on a laminated map of the U.S.A. that will be displayed in the school gym.
Teen Pregnancy Awareness Initiative
Gayle Sullivan (SHS)
The Teen Pregnancy Awareness and Prevention Initiative is a collaborative project between Health Services, Health Educators, and Television Production Educators to promote healthy sexual behavior and responsible decision-making among teens. Through this project, students will be given the opportunity to creatively engage in the research, development, and dissemination of educational information related to teen pregnancy and prevention. Students will also be given the opportunity to think critically about the relationship between actions, consequences, and wellness.
Early American History Comes Alive
Christopher Maniachi (SACS)
By studying mid-19th century life in the United States prior to and during the Civil War, Early American History students will develop an awareness of the significance of this era on the formation of our nation. They will start by reading Jeff Shaara’s highly acclaimed novel, The Last Full Measure, and engaging in related multi-media research and then travel to Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Massachusetts to experience life in a real 19th century town. Finally students will synthesize their knowledge from these information sources and share an aspect of American History from the Civil War era at a student-run American History Symposium.
Local Marine Waters and the Life Within
William Warren (SHS)
Local Marine Waters and the Life Within will familiarize approximately 110 students per year with water quality sampling techniques and will also further familiarize them with the life in the local marine environment. This project will allow students to sample water at various sites around our harbor, testing for salinity, turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen, nitrites and hardness. Students will also use throw-nets and plankton nets to collect samples of local organisms in the harbor as well as at several sites in Forest River and behind Salem State University’s South Campus.
Teaching Through Social Stories TM
Carol Fine (Bentley)
Social Stories have become an established educational intervention that is particularly effective with students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other social-communication delays and differences. Based on the work of Carol Gray, this project aims to use Social Stories as a vehicle for engaging students in pragmatics and social skills for problem solving and navigating common and challenging issues at home, in school, and throughout the community. By training staff in the use of this technique, a new approach can be offered for working with these sometimes hard to reach students.
Cultural Crafts
Annie Brobst (SACS)
Cultural Crafts is a project designed to teach Spanish through enrichment. Students will begin by identifying common holidays and celebrations in Spanish-speaking cutlures as they learn about such countries as Ecuador, Puerto Rico, Spain and Mexico. Students will then create their own traditional arts and crafts in a similar fashion to how they would be created for at an authentic Latino celebration. Holidays to be celebrated include La Día de los Muertos, Dominican Republic’s Día de Independencia and the ever popular Cinco de Mayo.
Bully Out with
Shawn Berry (SACS)
In conjunction with the school’s Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan, students in grades 6 and 7 will begin the school year by reading Doug Wilhelm’s book, The Revealer’s – a novel about middle school relationships and bullying.
Provided with this opportunity to openly discuss situations that may mirror their own personal challenges, students will develop initiatives that support bullying awareness and a community of tolerance. While students’ are reading the book they will also be researching information on current events and issues surrounding the difficult topics that are raised. As a culminating activity, Mr. Wilhelm will visit the school to discuss the experiences which led to the writing of this novel, as well as meet in smaller classroom groups to focus on narrative writing skills and the writing process. Students will then write and produce their own theatrical version of the novel.
NBS Literacy Enrichment Project
Garth McKinney (NBS)
The NBS Literacy Project will ultimately result in the collection of a series of authentic student created picture books that demonstrate competency of seven effective reading comprehension strategies. Through this project, students will have the opportunity to receive instruction and modeling of these critical reading strategies, practice these strategies independently, and then create an illustrated model of how students applied this strategy. Student work will be collected and bound for sharing, demonstration, and will serve as a visual model for future years.
Crash Test Dummies
Steven Landry (NBS)
In Crash Test Dummies, students will investigate concepts related to force and motion in the context of vehicle safety issues. Students will study speed, motion graphs, force, acceleration, mass and friction, and Newton’s laws of motion and then apply these concepts to vehicle braking and stopping distances. Once they have become vehicle safety experts, students will investigate various types of car accidents and will make their own recommendations for reducing the risks of vehicle collisions.
i see: i learn
Maureen Branconnier (SHS)
Another project striving to introduce new and innovative techniques for working with students on the Autism Spectrum Disorder, “i see, i learn” will provide one special needs classroom with an iPad2. Because many students with autism are visual learners, educators will be able to choose “apps” that enhance visual teaching methods. Using resources like video modeling, students can be presented with visual representations of behavior and demonstration of skills. Students themselves can also be videotaped so that they can watch themselves or others. Life moves quickly but with technology, social scenes can be stopped to further instruct students on things like reading body language, facial expressions and other subtle socials cues often missed. Using themselves, other students and staff they are familiar with as the models increases interest and helps students to generalize the skill learned from the videos to real life.
Myths, Heroes and Monsters
Ruth Hendrickson (CMS)
As part of a seven week long study of ancient Greece and Greek mythology, students will read ten to twenty myths and investigate the history of ancient Greece. They will then take part in an interactive Myths, Heroes and Monsters
play in which students will perform on stage during a professional production. Finally, students will retell an ancient myth in their own words and then create a modern god or goddess, presenting their attributes and unique powers.
Ghost Girl Reading Club
Kathryn DiPietro (Saltonstall)
Ghost Girl is the story of HS senior “Charlotte Usher”, a misfit outsider whose desperation to be popular lives on even after her sudden death. Members of this book club will read 3 Ghostgirl novels, introducing themes like trying to fit in and what it’s like to feel invisible. They will learn how to have meaningful discussions about literature while working to understand the impact of excluding others, a meaningful subject for these 4th and 5th graders.
Earth View
Bonnie Muse (CMS)
Using a 22-foot inflatable globe to deliver lessons about plate tectonics, global cultures, bio-geography, political geography, and climate change. Students will explore three fundamental geography questions: where is it? why is it there? and so what?. Students will then present their findings through the use of posters, power point presentations, video recordings, oral reporting or written essays.
Outdoor Learning Center
Paul Kelly (HMLS)
To enhance the school’s existing Outdoor Arts and Learning Center, 4th and 5th grade students will learn to build garden structures, such as trellises, benches, tables, and other projects from wood, using real but child-appropriate tools. Students will take an active role in the creation of their learning space while simultaneously developing skills with hand tools that many children do not have the opportunity to develop. This project supports the fundamental belief that real experience with building real projects is critical to helping develop realistic thinking about technology and design.
Gay Straight Alliance
Beth O’Brien (SACS)
The Gay Straight Alliance will provide a safe space for students to understand the issues that Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgendered students face today. By showing support for LGBT youth, teaching respect for all students, and advocating for school policies that create safer learning environments, the GSA will make a positive impact on the school community and specifically those students who may feel more marginalized. Members of the group will plan annual events, such as the National Day of Silence, meet regularly to discuss school-wide issues, and improve their own leadership and advocacy skills.
Access to Literature: High Interest Leveled Books for English Language Learners
Carol Fine (Bentley)
This initiative is intended to fill the gap as English language learners progress from beginning levels of reading to the point where they can fully participate in grade level curriculum. Using leveled, content standards based text to meet the differentiated language needs of students, educators seek to provide access to the curriculum in a way that maximizes all students’ ability to succeed and to participate fully in the academic, social and cultural life of the school community.
Summer Community Enrichment Program
Leo Higgins (CMS)
Students in the Middle School Life Skills Program need opportunities to interact with others in more than just their school community. To allow for practical application of community awareness skills, students must explore their larger world, gaining non-scripted feedback and offering the staff the opportunity for teachable moments that the classroom does not always provide. During the 2011 summer, students will take various trips into the community, using journals to take notes about their experiences. Each student will then use journal entries and photos to create their own presentations detailing each trip. During the 2011-2012 school year, teachers will then use student presentations as a starting point to re-teach and discuss information learned during the trips.
Cooking across the curriculum
Cynthia Watkins (WHES)
Cooking with children has long been a favorite family pastime, but now it is becoming a teaching tool as well. Baking a peach pie after reading the class the story of “James and the Giant Peach” is a way to extend the story into another arena. Following a recipe can reinforce essential math concepts like measurement, fractions and time-keeping. Little bakers can also learn about science themes like weight, volume, temperature, states of matter and estimation as they watch butter melt and tea kettles steam. Of course, they might say that the best part is when they get to sample their creations!
Puppet Possibilities
Marcy Nelson (WHES)
In the course of “Puppet Possibilities – A Stories to Stage Project”, grade 2 students will participate in three expert directed workshops in which they will learn to retell favorite stories, write scripts, make puppets and perform plays. The stories to be used as springboards for the project will be from The Superkids Hit Second Grade and the second grade Book Club books – literature common to all grade 2 classrooms in Salem.
Is that your final answer?
Danielle Marquis (SHS)
What’s more fun than turning a pop quiz into a game show? Using the new EGGSPERT wireless system, raising hands will become a thing of the past. But in addition to being fun, this system is also designed to help students to become more active and self-assured learners, striving to show what they know.
