This week, the Queen Creek Schools Education Foundation (QCSEF) went school to school, surprising teachers in their classrooms with grants. These grants provide additional funding to bring new opportunities, resources, and learning experiences to students. Teachers apply for these grants and are selected by QCSEF.
One recipient, Emily Stanton from Silver Valley Elementary (SVE), applied for a grant to integrate STEM learning into music education. As Stanton explained, “These resources will integrate STEM into music education by developing mathematical skills, exploring patterns, and encouraging creative problem-solving while reinforcing literacy skills through symbol recognition, sequencing, and reading musical notation.” Resources include Music Mind Game Puppy Packs, “which provide hands-on materials for students to practice rhythm, compose music, learn note values, and strengthen music literacy.”
These hands-on learning activities “will develop skills in reading and interpreting musical notation, recognizing patterns, sequencing, and problem-solving,” Stanton explained. Through these grants, students can engage in deeper learning experiences. These grants help teachers bring creative ideas to life, providing students with new opportunities to learn, explore, and succeed.
Congratulations to the QCSEF teacher grant recipients:
Eastmark High School
Kari Turner – Science
Diana Madril – Renewable Energy
Gateway Polytechnic Academy
Molly Davis – Expanding Communication
Mountain Trail Academy
Kalle Cushing – Engineering and Design
Silver Valley Elementary
Emily Stanton – STEM through Music
Stacey Boneberger – Making Emotional Learning Rewarding
Hannah Hibbs – The Peaceful Plac
Katherine Mecham Barney Elementary
Savannah Leon – Enrichment for Gifted
Shannon Pizzirusso – Advanced Engineering
Faith Mather Sossaman Elementary
Rebecca Barlow – The Science of Music
Sarah Hardwick – Real World to the Classroom
Desert Mountain Elementary
Heather Hilland – Math