Four Portsmouth teachers win grants for classroom innovations

More than 200 students at Hathaway, Melville will benefit

EastBayRI.com ·

PORTSMOUTH — Four Portsmouth elementary school teachers are among the educators statewide who will share nearly $60,000 in R.I. Foundation grants for classroom innovation. 

At Melville Elementary School, third-grade teachers Meg Brennan, Nicole Klimek and Erika Magilton will use their grants to take students on fields trips to historic sites on Aquidneck Island. 

Students will create digital books describing their experience, including narrative writing and informational writing as well as green-screen presentations and art projects. Approximately 75 students are expected to benefit.

“They will learn about where they live through exploring places, videos, books, magazines and historical journals; and presentations from community members, including the Portsmouth Historical Society,” said Ms. Magilton. “As students research the island, they will be writing an alphabet book that represents the places, people and events. Students will develop research skills, present materials using technology, improve their oral presentation skills.”

At Hathaway Elementary School, third-grade teacher Morgan Curtis will use her grant to sponsor a performance of Kaleidoscope Theatre at school and purchase material to make costumes and sets for her students’ own original production. Approximately 130 students are expected to benefit.

“I believe the live show will inspire students to put on a performance of their own,” said Ms. Curtis. “That will support learning and teaching by bringing fairytales to life. My students will truly be able to become a part of their reading curriculum by viewing a live performance and then having their own classroom production.

The classroom production will involve students from her class as well as students from Hathaway’s intensive special education classroom.

“Students who struggle with typical reading would be able to perform what they know in a different light. Speaking and listening skills would be highlighted through the art of performance,” she said. “Students who have artistic talents would shine through set and costume design, and lastly, family and staff members would be able to come together to support the magic of both bringing reading and inclusion to life.”

Spark Grants

Launched by philanthropists Letitia and John Carter in 2013, the Spark Grants program targets third-grade classes and is designed to give students a life-long love of learning.   

“We strongly believe that third grade is a critical stage in the educational development of youngsters,” said Letitia Carter. Over the years, teachers have received nearly $500,000 in grants.

Eligible expenses included software licenses, equipment and other resources that otherwise would not be available to teachers. Spark Grants were for one-time expenses and could not provide ongoing funding to sustain projects.

“As always, Letitia and John Carter are leading innovation by example. Our hope is that their foresight and commitment inspires new creativity and engagement in teachers and their students,” said Neil Steinberg, president and CEO of the Foundation.

For more information, visit www.rifoundation.org.

Melville School, Hathaway School, Portsmouth School Department