Stella Ledbetter Rising Stars 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.”
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.”