2020-21 Mini-Grant Recipients
Enhancement of Social Emotional Learning and Sensory Integration
Lisa Brady, Special Ed Resource Support in the School Readiness preschool program
The funds will be used to supply each of the five School Readiness classrooms with books to support social-emotional learning both at home and at school. These stories will help the students to identify feelings, give opportunities to help solve problems, and lead to group discussions and activities. Each classroom will also receive a toolkit to use for calming strategies and/or sensory items.
Brain Games
Danielle Damone, teacher in the Therapeutic Day Program (TDP)
Brain Games includes activities such as logic puzzles, brain teasers, mazes, and other strategy-based games. The project will enhance the academic, and social-emotional learning that occurs in the classroom each day and will provide students with items they need to stretch their thinking and strengthen their problem-solving skills.
Tiny Technicians
Marissa Martinez, lead teacher, and assistant teachers Cynthia Garcia, Christina Diaz, and Loren Mack of the School Readiness preschool program
The funds will be used to purchase four tablet devices and other equipment that will give students access to technology that they, according to program data, may not have at home. This project will provide students with hands-on opportunities to expand their understanding of technology and its diverse uses through high-quality classroom experiences.
Virtual Standup Comedy Master Class Series
Katie Sparer, Theatre Instructor at the Regional Center for the Arts
This project is a six-week series of classes to give students experience with standup comedy, both the writing and performance. This is the first time RCA will host a Master Class virtually, with former RCA teacher and comedienne Mina Hartong exposing students to the standup world. The classes will culminate with a virtual performance by the students.
Lisa Brady, Special Ed Resource Support in the School Readiness preschool program
The funds will be used to supply each of the five School Readiness classrooms with books to support social-emotional learning both at home and at school. These stories will help the students to identify feelings, give opportunities to help solve problems, and lead to group discussions and activities. Each classroom will also receive a toolkit to use for calming strategies and/or sensory items.
Brain Games
Danielle Damone, teacher in the Therapeutic Day Program (TDP)
Brain Games includes activities such as logic puzzles, brain teasers, mazes, and other strategy-based games. The project will enhance the academic, and social-emotional learning that occurs in the classroom each day and will provide students with items they need to stretch their thinking and strengthen their problem-solving skills.
Tiny Technicians
Marissa Martinez, lead teacher, and assistant teachers Cynthia Garcia, Christina Diaz, and Loren Mack of the School Readiness preschool program
The funds will be used to purchase four tablet devices and other equipment that will give students access to technology that they, according to program data, may not have at home. This project will provide students with hands-on opportunities to expand their understanding of technology and its diverse uses through high-quality classroom experiences.
Virtual Standup Comedy Master Class Series
Katie Sparer, Theatre Instructor at the Regional Center for the Arts
This project is a six-week series of classes to give students experience with standup comedy, both the writing and performance. This is the first time RCA will host a Master Class virtually, with former RCA teacher and comedienne Mina Hartong exposing students to the standup world. The classes will culminate with a virtual performance by the students.