2022 Stella Ledbetter Rising Stars Memorial Grant Recipients:
Molly Connell, William R. Davie Elementary Teacher was awarded $175.00 for Generation Genius. She will use this website with engaging videos, practice problems for math and hands on science activities to make learning enjoyable for her students.
Elizabeth Starnes, Mocksville Elementary Teacher was awarded $300.00 to purchase outdoor games to create better play areas during recess. Her goal is to actively engage students while reducing behavior issues due to lack of outside play options.
Past Stella Ledbetter Rising Stars Memorial Grant Recipients:
Jaime Johnson, Davie High School English Teacher was awarded $200.00 for the purchase of 22 current, “new release” novels for her classroom library. Ms. Johsnon says, “When I was selecting books to purchase, I tried to hit all genres and topics within those genres that my students are interested in. One way I am using these novels is by having my classes participate in First Chapter Fridays. First Chapter Fridays are when I read the first chapter of the novel aloud to students. If a student’s interest is captivated after the reading, they are allowed to check the book out from my classroom library. I have a waiting list for over one half of the books purchased with this grant. As a teacher, it is a wonderful thing to see students excited about books.”
Stefanie Morris, William Ellis Middle School Teacher was awarded $250.00 to purchase a digital camera for the yearbook class. Ms. Morris says, “The yearbook students have been active throughout the school and can include more events and student photos in the yearbook due to the addition of this new camera. This fall the ten yearbook students were able to use the new camera to take photos at open house, Meet you at the Pole and sporting events, as well as in classrooms throughout the school.”
Matt Cartner, Davie High School Carpentry Teacher was awarded $250.00 for the purchase of a mobile, job-site specific, table saw. Mr. Cartner says, “A mobile table saw represents more than just a tool for carpentry. It is one more tool greatly needed that allows my students to take on and complete more off-site projects. More off-site projects equals more opportunities for students to gain real-world and work-based experience.”
Tori Snow, Pinebrook Elementary Teacher was awarded $250.00 for a “Flocabulary” class subscription and headphones. Tori used Flocabulary for whole group reading, math, science, and social studies. Ms. Snow said, ” It introduced standards and reviews standards through educational rap songs. The students loved rapping along with the songs. This encouraged them to learn the standards based objective and the aligned vocabulary.”