Because of your generous donation hundreds of Bemidji area children have benefited from these great school projects:
Name: Nate Blumhagen
Grade/School: 3rd Grade, Solway Elementary
Project: Sphero Indi Robot Kits
“Having this classroom kit of robots has helped continue to make Solway Elementary a place where students want to be and learn. Since having the robots, in less than a week I have seen multiple examples of this. First a student, that often struggles to attend school due to a diffcult home situation was very excited by our class having the kit. I have noticed he has come to school more consistently this week with the hopes of getting to work with them. I have also used the robots to supplement what I teach in an after-school learning program. While using the kit a parent walking through the hallway noticed the students working and immediately asked if vshe could get her child involved in the program. By teaching these skills students will have a better understanding of how to problem solve and work as a team.”
Name: Whitney Jones
Grade/School: Gene Dillon
Project: Math Curriculum
“The money I received from the 31 Foundation Grant helped foster the next generation of mathematicians. This money was used to purchase materials that helped increase students’ knowledge and understanding of nmultiplication facts and fractions. These skills are arguably two of the most important life skills that we learn in school and continue to use into adulthood.
Throughout the process of using these materials, it was amazing to see students excited about their success. Student who often make little to no process with their multiplication facts, were able to see which facts they had mastered and felt excited each time they got to move a card up in their box. The fraction curriculum also helped students to feel comfortable and confident with fractions.”
Name: Valerie Olson
Grade/School: 8th grade, Geography Teacher – Bemidji Middle School
Project: How to use a paper map
“Students realize that many factors affect GPS and driving. They learned to use the tools located on paper maps like a scale to measure the distance between their destination, using the key to know what symbols mean, and the index to find unknown cities and where to locate them. We cover that GPS can be wrong, construction may occur, weather can affect GPS, batteries die etc. Having the skill to read; use a map is still a skill they should have. I don’t think they will appreciate this skill until they are driving and need it one day- but when that day comes they will know how to handle the situation. Several students have made comments over the years that they appreciate the driving and the effort it takes for their parents to drive to a family destination and the length of time it takes to drive. Also when there is road construction or GPS issues they are excited they will know how to help read the paper map”
Name: Leo Alberti
Grade/School: 4th and 5th grade, Gene Dillon
Project: Art Supplies
Name: Taylor Johnson
Grade/School: Bemidji High School
Project: DCD Calming Room
“The students that I work with on my caseload have severe-profound
physical and cognitive needs and have a diverse variety of needs, including
sensory needs. With these funds, I was able to purchase a variety of
resources and materials to create a designated sensory space for my
students to utilize at different times throughout their day. The students on
my caseload have been enjoying spending time in this room with a calming
light, sensory swing, and other sensory and calming related resources. This
is a space that will continue to grow and be upgraded for students now
and in the future, depending on the diversity of their needs.”
Name: Susan Eichstadt
Grade/School: 2nd Grade, JW Smith
Project: Field trip to Itasca State Park
“Students learned about the Mississippi River, and the explorers who had a part in the history of the river. The Jacob Brower Visitor’s Center was fun because there are interactive displays to help students learn about the animals and plant life you would find in our region. They learned about the geography of the river. They learned about the indigenous people who lived here. We also discussed how to help take care of our State Park by preserving the plant life by not picking the flowers or littering, etc. It was fantastic! Most of the students had never been to the park so it was a wonderful experience. We had a fun day, exploring the park, making s’mores (some students had never done this before) and playing cooperatively. As a teacher, one of my favorite things to do with students is go on a field trip to somewhere they have never been. With school funding so limited it is hard to do that with students because of the cost. It was so fun to see the students enjoying every minute of the day.”
