Lindale ISD surprises teachers with grant money
LINDALE, Texas (KETK) – The Lindale ISD Education Foundation did an annual grant patrol across their district, surprising eight teachers with grants they’ve applied for that will go toward projects and new technology.
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Donors, cheerleaders, the Eagle’s mascot, band and others paraded through campuses to deliver the checks to teachers.
“I was extremely surprised when I heard the band coming down here,” said Susan LeJeune, Lindale ISD, EJ Moss Intermediate science and social studies teacher.
Every year, the Lindale ISD Education Foundation surprises teachers with checks. The organization provides funds for classroom projects and programs not funded or under-funded by the district’s operating budget using money from donations.
“They’ve been applying all year and we are giving a total of almost $30,000,” said Courtney Sanguinetti, Lindale ISD director of communications and executive director for the LISD Education Foundation.
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The foundation gave away eight grants totaling $29,938.62 across their district.
“These are things that, if the classes wanted them, teachers may have to buy them themselves,” Sanguinetti said. “We never want a teacher to have to use their own money for classroom resources.”
Photo courtesy of Lindale ISD Photo courtesy of Lindale ISD Photo courtesy of Lindale ISD Photo courtesy of Lindale ISD
The funds go toward innovative tools. For example, LeJeune has received money for a literacy lab for her 4th grade science course.
“This will allow them to see a scientist and make that real-world connection, whether it’s from my same background, from my same race, from my same religious belief,” said LeJeune.
With the literacy labs check, LeJeune looks forward to her students’ growth.
“Celebrating diversity in the science classroom,” said LeJeune.
That $1,363 grant will provide diverse TEKS texts to students, enhancing the scope of their science lessons and aligning to the interests of the reading classroom.
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“It doesn’t matter where you’re from in the world or what your socioeconomic situation is that you fit into the world of science,” said LeJeune.
Another grant will provide more than $5,000 to fund a new real-time translation technology for English Second Language students. Other grants include laptops for speech and debate competitions, updating the Life Skill’s department’s sensory rooms, providing the district with eclipse-safe glasses and a projector for the Performing Arts Center.
With the “Create, Communicate, Cope” grant, all district counselors will receive sand trays meant to combine art and play to help students express themselves.
“These will help some students with behavioral problems and anxiety. Helps calm them,” Sanguinetti said.
Additionally, Lindale ISD’s Backpack Program that feeds more than 100 students on the weekends was on the verge of having to cancel due to lack of funds. Thanks to a $4,000 grant, the program will continue serving students in need.
Since 2009, the Lindale ISD Education Foundation has awarded $465,110.14 to LISD classrooms. The teachers and students are grateful for the new projects and technology that are on its way.
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