Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
It’s well known that educators typically dip into their own pockets to make purchases for their students and classrooms. With the complexities and restraints common to procurement in public education, it’s often the easiest way.
However, since the Clovis Municipal Schools Education Foundation established the teacher grants some years back, it’s changed the way teachers can enhance learning in their classrooms.
The CMS Education Foundation is a separate entity from Clovis Municipal Schools, and, in their own words: “The mission of the CMS Foundation is to provide resources to enrich teaching, inspire learning, and enhance opportunities for all students…”
Teachers can apply for a single grant, or combine efforts with other teachers to apply for a larger grant. To date, the Foundation has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in teacher grants.
The availability of the grants allows teachers to think outside the box, and some extremely innovative and creative grants have been awarded.
It does take effort on the part of the teachers in putting together grant applications. For example, research is supplied to justify what is being requested, showing how the purchase can directly impact student learning.
The highlights of this year’s grants are: Arts Academy at Bella Vista was awarded grants for the AABV Student News Broadcast and a School Neighborhood Garden. Clovis High School was awarded grants for “Moving Trains Using Electromagnetic Principles” and “Vocabulary Vitamins-Zinc Labs.” The Freshman Academy is taking students on a field trip to visit ENMU-Roswell. Marshall Middle School is doing “STEM Ready,” and all three middle schools joined together for their “Five Day Plan.”
Mesa Elementary is doing “Full STEAM Ahead” and “Mindfulness at Mesa.” Parkview won its grant for “Guided Reading Makes a Difference!”
Almost $30,000 was awarded in large grants, and about $5,000 in smaller grants. And, by the way, grants are only one of the offerings of the CMS Education Foundation; there’s the Young Master’s, student scholarships, and the list goes on.
The Education Foundation frequently uses a quote attributed to Socrates: “Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” It’s clear the fire’s been lit and is flaring beautifully, thanks to our Education Foundation.
We are so grateful to the community members and the current and former CMS employees, led by the Foundation’s indomitable Executive Director Jan Cox, who work so hard, devoting countless hours to support our school district.
Cindy Kleyn-Kennedy is the instructional technology coordinator for Clovis Municipal Schools. She can be reached at:
