The Cherokee County Educational Foundation was pleased to award 29 teachers in the Cherokee County School District with Classroom Impact Grants, which ended up totaling over $66,000 for the 2022-2023 school year!
Judges this year included Brian Albrecht of Credit Union of Georgia, Whitney Spears of Kennesaw State University, Lori Burton, Cherokee County Council President of PTA, Jenny Spain, retired CCSD School Teacher, and Jason Dickerson of the Jason T. Dickerson Family Foundation. The number of grants awarded each year depends on fundraising efforts at the Annual Celebration of Education Gala.
On Air with Creativity and Confidence! – Carmel Elementary School
At Camel Elementary School, 1st grade teacher Ms. Harrington has been introducing the educational power of technology to her students, and will now help them take their creativity and confidence to the next level!
1st graders at Carmel have already taken a liking to create video and audio presentations on science and social studies topics, and now with the help of a Classroom Impact Grant, can increase their confidence and quality with classroom recording booths!
Through this process of digital storytelling, students will learn to flex their writing, reading, revising, and practicing skills and improve their oral fluency as well. Ms. Harrington hopes these pop-up recording booths will allow students to continue to collaborate with local organizations such as Mostly Mutts, and even work with students in older grades to produce podcasts, book talks, and much more.
Organic Super Grow System – Holly Springs STEM Academy
Garden Club members and 5th grade students are already finding ways to bring their community food via "garden to table," and with Mrs. Guy's new Classroom Impact Grant, students all throughout her school can grow their knowledge to new heights!
While students currently utilize an aeroponic tower garden to grow lettuce, they will soon begin using a new tiered rack grow system. Students will learn growth and measurement concepts, as well as hydroponic growing methods. Their goal is to work with school nutrition, cafeteria managers, and even local farmers to collaborate and discuss their research!How to Apply
Applications for Classroom Impact Grants open in November and are available for funding up to $2,500 per classroom. A committee of at least five judges grade the applications individually and the scores are compiled and ranked to determine which teachers are awarded grants. The number of grants awarded each year depends on fundraising efforts at CCEF events, such as the annual Celebration of Education Gala. For more information on how you can donate to the next Impact Grant, check out the CCEF's Grants page for further details.