Check out this video of the CREF Prize Patrol surprising teachers with over $35,000 in innovative learning grants this year. We are so fortunate to live in a community that places such a high value on the quality of education for our students – thank you to everyone who supports the Council Rock Education Foundation and makes these grants possible!

2015-2016 CREF Grant Recipients

Reading Writing and Robotics:   Charyl Hills and Lauren McCusker from Goodnoe Elementary  Mary Doherty and Kim Bender from Churchville Elementary.
Kindergarten teachers and math specialists at these two elementary schools will utliize BeeBots robotic technology to foster learning in all academic areas, including problem solving and developing basic coding skills.

National Geographic Bee:  Jeanne Lindros, Rebecca Rice and Alyse Sciolla from Rolling Hills Elementary.
Participation in the National Geographic Bee will augment the social studies curriculum for 4-6th graders through a blended learning approach.  The will be utilizing traditional classroom modalities & real-time interactive collaborative learning and problem solving.

Goodnoe Garden:  Julie Crowell and Lindsay Chalela from Goodnoe Elementary.  Creating an interactive learning space to extend students’ learning and encourage teachers to develop innovative learning opportunities for students K-6.  Collaborative program w/Goodnoe PTO and Newtown Community.

Skys the Limit:  Laura Lutton – Newtown Middle School
Students will use cutting edge technology including NexStar telescopes and thermal energy software, to expand their study of near-Earth objects & explore astronomical occurrences.

STEM Expansion:  Renee Devlin & Julie Eastburn –All 10 elementary schools districtwide
Expanding the number of teachers & students involved with teaching STEM concepts at the elementary school level to engage students’ interest in STEM courses, careers and opportunities.

One Book One School:  Lisa Weiss – Wrightstown Elementary
This project builds literacy skills at home and school through a nationally recognized program that brings together school communities through a shared reading experience.   Students, family members and all staff will participate in the reading of a carefully selected book and activities are developed throughout the school and community to promote and enrich the reading and learning experience.

STEM Club Makerspace Pilot Program:  Charlene Borah-Wrightstown Elementary/ Maryann Molishus, Noel Marcus, Angela Walsh – Goodnoe Elementary.  Three Goodnoe Elementary students assisted in writing this grant: Bella Carpentier, Kiya Snyder and Marissa Cohen.

Students will utilize conference technology to create elementary level makerspaces as extensions from established STEM clubs.  Students in the STEM clubs at Wrightstown and Goodnoe Elementary will connect using video conferencing, Moodle and blogs to share projects, ask questions and engage in collaborative learning.

Literature Buddies:  Nancy Adams and Lisa Lohwasser – Newtown Elementary

An innovative intergenerational literacy program, this pilot project will establish a multigenerational book club that will utilize books and reading to cultivate both a relationship and love of literature between members of Gloria Dei Living Home and Newtown First Grade Students.

Handchimes in the Music Classroom: Nanette Lutz, Holland Elementary 

 This project will implementing the use of handchimes in the music classroom to fulfill multiple curriculum goals at once – from teaching music literacy concepts to building student confidence and fostering collaboration between students and classes.

Culinary Kids: Judy Colt and Heather Wade – Hillcrest Elementary
This grant will provide create a specialized culinary program for students with low incidence disabilities – and fostering both their independence and interest in the culinary arts.

STEM Flight & Rocketry Club: The 2015 Robert H. Winters Memorial Grant – Andrea Mangold at Holland Elementary. 
Using a plan developed by as part of the PA Space Grant Consortium, students will learn about flight dynamics by building and testing a variety of aircraft and gain an understanding of the physical laws governing flight and the engineering.