Behind every educator grant is a teacher with an idea and students ready to run with it. This fall, those ideas are showing up as gardens, gym games, and gallery-worthy livestreams across Littleton Public Schools.
Littleton Prep: Growing Something That Lasts
Littleton Prep students are learning that big change starts in the cafeteria. With $5,000 from the Foundation to launch a composting and recycling program and a community garden, they are teaching other grade levels which lunchroom materials can be recycled or composted, and researching the plants that will serve their school community best. Compost bins are now in place inside and outside the building, and students are leading the way on proper sorting. The garden will keep growing, and so will their understanding of conservation, for years to come.
Centennial Academy of Fine Arts Education: "That's Me!"
At Centennial Academy of Fine Arts Education, students are seeing themselves as artists, and so is everyone else. A Foundation grant brought in photography and video equipment, so student talent now shines on the school website and in large professional prints around campus. After the first Arts Showcase Livestream, families near and far asked for recordings and future broadcasts. The school's Arts Program webpage has also been refreshed to feature current students, and the next showcase will be livestreamed with the upgraded equipment.
Goddard Middle School: Literally Having a Ball
Goddard students are literally having a ball! Thanks to an educator grant, they are zooming around the gym chasing a gigantic ball in a game of scooter soccer. It's equal parts laughter, teamwork, and movement. Prize money from The Stride also helped PE teacher Kate Classick restock her gym with extra pickleball paddles and soccer balls, so even more students can jump into the game.
Dr. Justina Ford Elementary: Nine Squares, Zero Limits
Kirsten Southern of Dr. Justina Ford Elementary won this year's STRIDE Award for "Best Pre-Event Promotion" with a game many of us had never heard of: 9 Square in the Air. Part Four Square, part volleyball, it adjusts in height so students of all ages and abilities can play together. The cheers and excitement are real, and students are already asking when they can play again.
Your Support, in Motion
Every grant, prize, and playground cheer starts with the donors, runners, walkers, sponsors, and volunteers who believe in LPS students. Thank you for making these moments possible. Join us Sunday, October 25 at the Littleton Museum for The Stride and help write the next round of stories.
Register at RunTheStride.com.
