Innovative Oxford Teachers Win Grants

If you have children in the Oxford school system, pay attention — the teachers listed here are some of the best in the district.  Tuesday, the school board formally recognized 12 teachers at five schools as recipients of the 2014 Oxford School District Foundation Teacher Grants.
The OSDF grants provide money that teachers need to be more creative and innovative in the classroom.
“Education of our young people is vital to the success of our community and country,” said Camie Bianco, president-elect for OSDF.  “OSDF is an organization geared specifically to enhancing the education of the students in the Oxford School District by supplying quality educational tools that cannot be supplied by other sources in the district.”
Many of this year’s winning grants focused on experiential learning, such as science experiment kits or tools to promote better debate skills.

Shannon Robbins, Rachel Calhoun	Bramlett Elementary School	Math Learning Kits
Jackie Mulkey	Della Davidson Elementary School	Hands-on Science Kits
Karen Elliott, Lauren Lauzon, Kristen Overall	Oxford Middle School	The Great Fire Book Set
Thomas Herrington	Oxford Middle School/Oxford High School	Robotics for Creative Problem Solving
Jeffrey Glover	Oxford High School	Student Art Gallery
Rose Hickey	Oxford High School	Body Bars for Fitness
Barbara Lowe	Oxford High School	Debate Prep Kits
Rebecca McKittrick	Oxford High School	Ceramic Sculpture Equipment
Minnie Gates-Powell	Scott Center	Handbell Choir Bells

The list of this year’s winners also includes a first for OSDF, a Member’s Choice Award.  Based on votes from organization members – grant requests submitted by Jackie Mulkey and Minnie Gates-Powell were selected for this special recognition.
The money for the grants comes entirely from member donations.  Bianco says that, unlike some organizations, OSDF has very limited operating expenses since the board is made up entirely of volunteers.
“Simply put, your donation will help to purchase educational material for the students of the OSD. Your donation makes a difference.”
The grant winners will  receive their funds in time for the upcoming academic year.
In addition to awarding grant money to Oxford teachers, OSDF sponsors the Charger Challenge, a fall celebration of athletics and academics.  This year, OSDF is also working to pre-sell 300 specialty car tags, which will enable the Oxford School District to have its own distinctive tag.
Proceeds from the sale of the tags will benefit the public education of children in the Oxford School District. For more information about the car tag campaign or to become a member of OSDF, log on to https://bit.ly/OxfordSchools.