2011 Foundation Grants: High School Campus
LIFE IS A SUM OF CHOICES
Cindy Couch and Carleigh Cody brought this curriculum to Shallowater High school. With the program, the high school and middle school were provided with presentations by Gabe Salazar, an internationally known speaker. Gabe’s message inspired and motivated his audience to action. Following the event, Mr. Salazar even spoke to many at risk kids, including those from Woodward Academy that attended. Many students’ lives were truly changed after listening to Mr. Salazar. The students had to focus, listen, and react to the information being provided. From the survey results, and personal student testimonies, it was seen that the impact he left was priceless.
UIL SPEAKING: A COMPETITIVE EDGE IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Lori Satterwhite, Trestia Elliott, and Missy Howard sponsor the Shallowater Highs School UIL speaking and writing group. With the help from the Foundation, they were able to purchase 3 laptop computers, 3 carrying cases, and 3 additional batteries for the students! Because the different events did not overlap at competition, all of the students were able to use the computers! The use of the computers in the weeks and months prior to contest, the accessibility and use of the computers during contest, and competition results proved the computers to be extremely effective. Among the students who used the laptops, the following placed: Chris Coulombe, Kaitlyn Diaz, Amanda Beckham, Charles Kieth, Marcus Armstrong, Shannon McDonald, John Striednig, Ty Webb, and Rebekah Jones. Because the high school UIL academic contests occur each spring, students will continue to use the computers every year for practice and in competition for the duration of the computers’ lives (hopefully 5-7 years).
M.I.P. MOTIVATION, INTERACTION, PARTICIPATION
Esmie Arismendez and Lanell Ramos brought the program M.I.P. Motivation, Interaction, Participation to the Shallowater High School Spanish department. The computer software includes vocabulary and grammar games that combine learning with fun competition. It provides students with various forms of games that reinforce the material that has been covered in class. The students are placed in teams and compete against each other to see who can answer the given question first. At the end of the game, the students play for extra points on a test. Not only does this allow students to learn in a fun environment, but the games also work as a reward system; complete necessary classwork, and then play the games. The program will have continued use. It promotes good review and participation from the students while also encouraging motivation to study.