Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD Education Foundation

Congratulations to Debby Seguin, Librarian at Saginaw Elementary, for her Educational Grant award for her purchase of Beebot Versatile Mats. Saginaw Elementary's extraordinary PTA graciously purchased a set of Beebots, interactive physical robots that use simple coding buttons to move them around a mat. Ms. Seguin stitched her own mats (because teachers are superheroes), and now we get to help take it all to the next level. These new mats let students code and practice academic skills with easy‑swap card sets.

Congratulations to Denisha Ivey, Librarian at Wayside Middle School, for being awards a 21st Century Grant. Her grant is unique in that she wrote it on behalf of the entire campus (and District) as the new Wayside Middle School will host a number of professional learning opportunities in the coming year(s). This grant will provide comfortable seating for the adults attending these meetings. We love taking care of our Educators because they take care of our children!

Congratulations to Pamela Spangler, Art Teacher at Chisholm Trail High School, for her 21st Century Grant award, Equity in Photography. A funny thing happened in our photography classes this year. Once student phone use was removed, the demand for real cameras shot up. It’s the kind of problem we love to solve. We’re excited to support these students and can’t wait to see the creativity they bring to the lens.

Congratulations to the First Grade Team at Willow Creek Elementary School, Priscilla Menchaca, Yadiz Figueroa, Ashley Hudspeth, Kelly Delval, and Rachel Dominguez for their 21st Century Grant award Reaching Every Learner: First Grade Classroom Tools for Engagement. This brilliant team of ladies are committed to creating a dynamic, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where every student is an active participant in their education. This grant will fund activity microphone balls will allow all students — including those who struggle with traditional seating — to stay focused and energized during lessons, promoting movement, sensory regulation, and whole-class participation. We love a good collaboration and look forward to the experiences that students will have with this grant.

Congratulations to Cynthia Lane, Librarian at Bryson Elementary School, for her Educational Grant award, Bobcats Read and Grow. Her project will increase student independence and interaction in the library with additional tools to help them with book choice and reading skills. We are thrilled to provide unique options for literacy growth for her young learners.

Congratulations to Britney Leon, Librarian at Saginaw High School, for her 21st Century Grant award for the purchase of a 3D Printer Creation Station. This purchase will bring and opportunity for students to have a unique learning opportunity as they grow to become creators, thinkers, innovators, and future-ready leaders. We can hardly wait to see what projects Ms. Leon is able to help her students produce.

Congratulations to Dedrea Franklin, PE Teacher at Saginaw Elementary, for winning a super fun Educational Grant to purchase a 9-Square in the Air game for her students. We know this is a great game that builds motor skills, response skills, planning skills, aim, and good old fashioned competition. We are happy to provide another option for movement for her energetic young learners.

A wonderful congratulations to Melissa Danforth, Band Director at Highland Middle School, for her Educational Grant award for the purchase of band tuners and microphones. We are thrilled to support a District who values fine arts and are excited to see the growth in the number of students participating in band. We look forward to "hearing" great things from her students!

Congratulations to Melissa Holsworth, Music and Art Teacher at Willow Creek Elementary School, on her 21st Century Grant award for her project "Mini Art Studios in the Fine Arts Classroom." We are excited to see her project of bringing cultures around the world alive through drawing, painting, sculpture, digital art, and mixed media. Students will be able to use a multitude of creative options to understand and interact with options beyond their daily experiences.

Congratulations to Elizabeth Bateman, Math Teacher at Watson High School, for her Educational Grant award project, STEM Showcase Educational Project Support. Her project allows students engaging in the already unique educational style of Watson to also engage in the annual District wide STEM Showcase as they learn how to build, program, and operate drones. This timely skill helps prepare them for real world work experience and, quite frankly, is super fun!