Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Lynn Fuini-Hetten made a presentation to the curriculum and technology committee of the Salisbury Township School District on the Salisbury Education Foundation and the mini-grants it provided to teachers and students for the 2016-2017 school year Feb. 22.

The goal was to provide up to $500 per building and provide two $150 scholarships to graduating students.

•Matt Tobias requested a mini-grant to purchase a laser engraver for Salisbury Middle School which “allows students to design and make items in the Makerspace. Students will learn how to design, create, troubleshoot, teach and sell possible goods produced using the laser engraver.”

•Western Salisbury Elementary School teacher Christina Horne requested a mini-grant to “enhance the writing workshop process by incorporating the books, ‘Heart Maps: Helping Students Create and Craft Authentic Writing’ and ‘Launching the Writer’s Workshop: a Step by Step Guide in Photographs.’”

•Harry S Truman Elementary School teacher Dana Sugra requested wireless headphones to use with smartboard technology. “Independent small groups will interact and collaborate with one another using the smartboard technology for language and math activities during student learning centers without distracting the learning environment around them.”

A mini-grant at Salisbury High School was split between two teachers.

•Teacher Jay Linsenbigler asked for assistance with lighting for an outdoor photography studio. He said he wants to “create an outdoor photo studio space to expand our facilities into the outdoors in warmer weather. Space is limited in current multi-use art classroom and this will provide some creative options for a variety of photography lessons.”

•Teacher Anne Schneider asked for a mini-grant to “provide standing desks to allow for flexible seating options for the students who work 80-minute blocks, increasing movement and engagement. Alternative seating can improve behavior, engagement, collaboration and overall academic performance.”

Fuini-Hetten said the foundation is planning to offer mini-grants again to the teachers. Any business or resident who would be interested in assisting the foundation should contact Fuini-Hetten at lfuinihetten@salisburysd.org.

Board President Frank Frankenfield thanked the foundation for all they do. “Everything goes to the kids and it is very much appreciated.”