Geocaching in School
$1,000 awarded
Recipients: Mike Edwards and Matt Ammons (Ephrata Middle School)

The grant was used to purchase ten hand-held GPS units and containers to be “hidden” as the caches for students in the Ephrata Intermediate School Geocaching Club. Geocaching is an interactive worldwide game/hobby that uses orienteering with a hand-held GPS to discover hidden “caches” or “treasures” using waypoints and specific longitude and latitudes. The students were able to explore nature and see some of the hidden natural treasures around the building. The students learned geography, topography, map grids, algebra, calculus, problem solving, and computer software. They improved their ability to read and understand latitude and longitude and use coordinates; apply orienteering and communication skills; and work in groups/teams.

A Literary Publication for the Modern-day Creative Writing Student
$1,000 awarded
Recipients: Ephrata High School Language Arts Department

The grant was used to purchase desktop publishing software and writing texts to improve students’ writing skills. The result was the publication of the first-ever literary magazine featuring works of Ephrata High School students. The project helped enhance students’ writing experience and knowledge of desktop publishing. Students were excited to have the opportunity to become published authors. In addition, the magazine highlighted some of the students who won awards in the 2010 Scholastic Writing competition sponsored by the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers. The Ephrata High School Language Arts department plans to continue creating an annual literary magazine featuring student work.

Math Counts
$1,000 awarded
Recipients: Adam Zeni and Sheri Horner (Clay Elementary School)

The Math Counts grant provided students with the opportunity to receive standards-based mathematic lessons after the school day ended. The lessons were stimulating, research-based, and contained a hands-on approach to learning mathematical concepts. The grant also funded a Parent Night to help the parents of students in the program with mathematic concepts they could work on at home, including games that involved addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Ephrata High School 9th Grade Transition Project
$1,000 awarded
Recipients: Ephrata High School 9th Grade Transition Team

The grant was designed to help provide activities to ease the transition for District students from middle school to high school. Teachers were paired with incoming 9th Grade students, which helped students find their niche at the high school. A Scholars’ Breakfast was also held at the end of the school year to recognize 9th Grade students who earned A’s and B’s throughout their freshmen year. The remaining grant funds will provide organizational agendas for 2010-2011 9th Grade students to help them track their assignments and assist with the academic transition from middle school to high school.

The Melding of Mind and Machine for AP Literature and Composition
$1,000 awarded
Recipients: Angela Graybill (Ephrata High School)

This grant was used to purchase a text to supplement the Advanced Placement Literature and Composition course and to bring it on-line through Blackboard/Blended Schools software. Students were able to work independently on AP Exam strategies and practice exams, which allowed them to devote more class time to improving in-depth analysis and critical writing. They demonstrated progress in their reading comprehension and interpretation skills as illustrated through their success with the practice exams and in-class tests and discussions. Students had positive feedback regarding the use of the new books and technology. They were more confident going into the AP exam and working with the technology and believed the practice they received was valuable in preparing them for the AP exam and for college. 

Summer School for the 21st Century and Beyond
$995 awarded
Recipients: Dan Mahlandt (Ephrata High School)

This grant provided funding for professional development to prepare summer school staff for an increase in the use of 21st Century technology with online courses. It also provided funding for the renewal of online subscriptions for mathematics courses. The online strategies and skills utilized prepare students for the demands of the workforce. The program allows students to work independently, take ownership in their work, and work through web-based applications and artificial intelligence. This teaches students the natural incentives of working independently and using the teacher as a resource to enhance the learning.

Inquiry Investigations Using Spectroscopic Analysis
$950 awarded
Recipients: Carlyn Fryberger (Ephrata High School)

This grant funded the purchase of a Spectronic 20D+ digital spectrophotometer/colorimeter for use by Ephrata High School students. They used the spectrophotometer to complete inquiry and research investigations on topics involving nanotechnology, product quality testing, determination of salicylic acid in aspirin tablets, and a study of serial dilutions. They also designed experiments based on scientific literature and spectrophotometry. Their research included effectiveness of sunscreens, chlorophyll content of different olive oils, testing of iron levels in various foods, and an in-depth look at photosynthesis. The spectrophotometer/ colorimeter provided an excellent opportunity for students to work with technology currently used in industry and institutions.

Peace Rocks!
$640 awarded
Recipients: Lisa Brimhall and Cindy Jones (Ephrata High School)

This grant was used to purchase copies of Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin for Ephrata High School 9th Grade students as part of their World Cultures Middle East Unit. Reading a high-interest and high-quality piece of literature provided students insight into the Muslim culture. Students learned that hope and peace can come through openness and a willingness to learn from one another. Students also conducted a Pennies for Peace fundraiser, where they collected nearly $140 in donations from students and staff to support Central Asia Institute (CAI). The funds will help finance the operation of schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan. One of the students said, “Reading the book made me realize that as an American I take a lot for granted.”