Elementary teachers receive PTA grants

Ten teachers and staff members of South Whidbey Elementary School received grants from South Whidbey Elementary School PTA this past week.

The grants, from SWEPTA fundraising activities such as the annual jogathon, membership dues and other programs, were to purchase specific materials requested by the recipients.

The grants are designed to help fill gaps where state budget cuts have created a shortage of materials or training, said Kris McRea of SWEPTA.

First-grade teacher Debra Davies requested a cassette player for use in group activities and to listen to stories tied to writing assignments.

Fourth- and fifth-grade teacher Bruce Callahan requested a special player with which students hear stories and follow along.

Fourth-grade teachers Pam Muncey and Carolyn Sundquist requested a kit which, with the help of volunteers, teaches knitting to students after they make their own needles.

Physical-education specialist Craig Stelling requested a square-dancing caller for one week in September, who would teach students about dance and help them develop social and listening skills.

Music specialist Kimmer Morris requested regular maintenance and tuning for the school’s piano, which hasn’t been maintained for four years.

Kindergarten and first-grade teacher Susan Milan requested a collection of books that teach peace, nonviolence and sustainability.

School librarians Pat Smith and Val Brown requested digital cameras for students to check out for assignments.

And special-education teacher Robin Roberts requested a video camera to help hone social skills.

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