Stella Ledbetter Rising Stars Memorial Grants

Stella Ledbetter Rising Stars Memorial Grant Recipients

Angela Watson

Angela Watson, Career and Technical Education teacher at William Ellis Middle School, has been awarded a $200 grant to support monthly Student House Meetings, a key component of the school’s implementation of the Ron Clark Academy House System. Grant funds will be used to purchase drawstring bags and large house flags in each house’s designated colors. Students will decorate their bags to showcase their house pride, creating a personalized item they can use throughout the school year. Additionally, each house member will sign their house flag, which will be proudly displayed in the gym and used during house meetings and school events.

Caroline Deheck

Caroline Deheck, a Self-Contained Extended Content Standards Special Education Teacher at Cornatzer Elementary School, has been awarded a $140 grant to support her Functional Skills Fridays initiative. This program is designed to teach students essential life skills that promote greater independence both in and out of the classroom. With the help of the grant, Ms. Deheck will focus on practical, real-world lessons such as coping strategies, recognizing community safety signs, managing money, dining at restaurants, grocery shopping, personal hygiene, and household cleaning. The ultimate goal of the program is to equip students with the skills they need to be safer and more self-sufficient at school, at home, and within the community. By practicing these skills in the classroom, students will be better prepared to apply them in everyday life, fostering a greater sense of independence and confidence.

Haley Sloop

Haley Sloop, Extend Content Standards Teacher at William Ellis Middle School, has been awarded a $140 grant to purchase sensory-friendly classroom equipment, including a spinning chair, balance ball chair, liquid floor tiles, and fluorescent light filters. These items are designed to support students with sensory sensitivities by creating a more comfortable and responsive learning environment. By addressing individual sensory needs, Ms. Sloop is helping set her students up for success, academically, emotionally, and socially.

Kristi Martin and Beth Carter

Kristi Martin and Beth Carter, Heads of the Ron Clark House System at South Davie Middle School, have received a $200 grant to host a House Leaders Training Session this fall. Each of the school’s six houses is led by a group of student leaders, and this training is designed to empower those students to take ownership of their roles. The goal is to strengthen leadership skills and foster a sense of unity, pride, and family across the entire school community. The event will include team-building activities for the student leaders and will culminate in a special lunch, where leaders and their families will come together to celebrate their commitment and contributions.

Margaret Cadwell

Margaret Cadwell, AIG Specialist at Shady Grove Elementary School, has been awarded a $200 grant to purchase a Qball microphone, an innovative, interactive microphone embedded in a soft, tossable ball. This engaging tool encourages participation from students who may be hesitant to speak up by making sharing ideas fun and interactive. It also helps ensure that all students can clearly hear their peers’ thoughts and strategies during discussions and group activities. By using the Qball, students will develop essential communication skills such as speaking clearly, articulating ideas, and collaborating effectively, key competencies for future leaders.