Shawnee Mission East Excellence in Education Fund
(The East Fund)
HISTORY of GRANTS AWARDED by School Year
2014-2015 Grant Awards:
Orchestra Funding for Clinicians-- $1,500.00 This Grant funds enhanced development
opportunities for Orchestra students through the coaching and interaction with professional
orchestra members. Funds pay for the visits of these clinicians for the 2014-15 school year.
There would be 4 scheduled visits.The 5 clinicians stay for all 3 hours of Orchestra classes, and
touch every student. Exposure to these instrument professionals and guest conductor are
critical to each student’s development and helps them to develop personal and group skills.
Classroom Program; Requestors: Nancy Milgram/Orchestra Booster Club and Jonathan
Lane/Orchestra Director
Dave Ramsey Foundations in Personal Finance Curriculum-- $5,500.00 This Grant
funds the purchase of the “Dave Ramsey Foundations in Personal Finance” software module
for use in the Financial Literacy class, offered to juniors and seniors. This module covers
savings, budgeting, banking, debt, credit, investing, insurance, mortgages and renting. The
overall goal of this sequence is to help each student increase their knowledge of personal
finance. This is a school license for unlimited number of students, with no expiration.
Classroom Program; Requestor: Austin Klumpe/ Business Teacher
Social Skills Class--$1,644.00 This Grant will help fund the Social Skills Class at SME. This class is
an extension of the skill building opportunities provided through the Coffee Shop operations,
goals and objectives. This Grant will allow the class to continue with 4 aspects of their
curriculum which have been a mainstay for 8 years- skill building learning opportunities which
take the class outside the SME building for on-site, real life experiences. Venues include:
Timber Ridge Adventure Center, the November “Gratitude” activity, the December “Giving”
activity and then the “Restaurant Month “experience (4 restaurants are used as a learning
environment.)
Classroom Program; Requestors: Emily Holman MacNaughton/Social Worker, Alisha
Matthews/Special Education Teacher, Julie Paradise/Austism Behaviour Specialist, Erica
Jackson/Teacher
Journalism MacBook Power-- $7,740 This Grant adds 5 MacBook Pro computers (each with an
AppleCare contract) to the Journalism Department for use by the 110 students/staffers on the
newspaper and yearbook staffs. Currently the department has 29 shared computers which are
capable of hosting the Adobe Creative Suite software, which is the design and photo editing
application used to run the paper, yearbook and online newspaper. The loss of these 7
computers has had an impact on the efficiency of the students work.
Technology; Requestors: John Foster/Journalism student, Dow Tate, Journalism Advisor
Math MAC Accessories-- $2,475 This Grant funds the purchase of three separate MAC
accessories for each of the math teachers at SME.Each of the 3 items are used separately to
enhance various aspects of the new classroom technology. Item will be used on the teachers
MacBooks. ( The items are: 1. Sabrent 4-port USB 3.0 Hub adapter, 2. Justand V2e with
electronics module and light, 3. Unitech K19 USB Keypad )
Technology and Classroom; Requestors: Jamie Kelly/Math Teacher, Jennifer Horn/Math
Teacher/Dept Chair
Freshman Link Crew Training-- $5,740 This Grant funds the certification training course of two
SME staff members in the WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) program for High Schools and
Middle Schools, sponsored by The Bommerang Project. Brit Haney and Samantha Feinberg will
attend the training program. After this training all 4 of our faculty Link Crew sponsors will be
certified. Included in the course fee: 3 full days training, 3 nights' lodging and all meals and all
training materials.
Professional Development; Requestor: Brit Haney/Administrator
Go! Links-- $1,949 This grant funds the purchase of four (4) Go! Links Teacher packages,each
containing 8 interfaces. These links are a single-channel interface that connects to the MAC
USB port. The interfaces will allow students to connect their MacBook’s to several types of
sensors used in the science classroom. Sensors include pH, temperature, pressure, conductivity,
O2 nd several other sensors in the lab. Connectivity of the sensors to the MacBook will allow
students to manipulate the data.
Technology and Classroom Program; Requestors: Miles Martin, Jerrod Bardwell, Sue Hallstrom,
Steven Appier , teachers: Chemistry, Chemistry Honors, Chemistry 2 IB, Chemistry 2
Band Booster Request-- $2,167 This grant funds some basic needs of the marching band.
Some of the items need replacing and without them, safety becomes an issue. These items are
critical to the bands safety and reasonable comfort AND when burdened with the fact that the
band must “travel” to all football games (both home and away) they experience more wear and
tear than other high schools.Items to be purchased: 2 portable water coolers, one 52” Drum
major command center podium,two 24” drum major command centers, 1 Lancer Pride custom
carpet runner for 52” podium
Requestor: Band Booster Club: Melinda Kolchinsky, member/ Mary Nixon, Treasurer
Areas to benefit: Marching band, pep band, Lancer Dancers and all community audiences
SME Late Bus/Tutor Bus-- $3,600 This grant would fund a late bus for students staying after
school to work with teachers, participate in after school activities, and who are part of the East
for Excellence tutoring program. Participation in the East for Excellence after-school tutoring
program has grown exponentially over the past 3 years. The late bus makes it possible for
students to better themselves in a variety of ways including participating in after school
activities and to do so knowing that they have a safe way to get home at the end of the day.
The late bus would be available to students 2 days/week.
Category: Classroom Program (extension of); Requestor: Brit Haney/Administrator
NACAC Conference for Counselors-- $3,420 This grant sends two of our counselors, Lacey
Adams (S-Z) and Elizabeth Franey (H-Mar) to the National Association for College Admission
Counseling (NACAC) conference Oct 1-3, 2015. Amount covers registration, hotel, airfare and
stipend for meals outside those provided by the conference. 3 of our 5 counselors have been to
this particular conference, which brings together high school counselors and college admission
reps from around the country. Before district budget cuts, the counseling department sent 1 or
2 counselors to this annual Conference due to its high value. Lacey and Elizabeth will present
material from the conference to SME counseling department upon their return.
Category: Professional Development; Requestors: Lacey Adams (S-Z) and Elizabeth Franey
(H-Mar), Counselors
Columbia Brew Coffee Shop Upgrades & Expansion-- $9,999 This grant funds renovations of
the Columbia Brew Coffee Shop AND the addition of a new Columbia Brew Kiosk. A committee
of interested students and teachers representing multiple departments at SME formed in
January 2015. Departments represented: Interior Design, art-ceramics/photography, business
marketing/digital design, math/statistics/surveys, industrial technology, radio/TV/Film and
Special Education. The student coffee shop was launched in 2006 via a grant from the East
Fund. The shop has been wildly accepted by students, faculty members and community
members and become a gathering spot. New regulations on the sale of food and beverage have
affected the operation. The shop is in need of remodeling to reflect current trends, student
interests and regulations.In addition to the updates to the current shop, the committee plans
to open a kiosk in the commons area outside the counseling center. This will create a second
gathering spot especially during seminar. Plans include SME student musicians and performers
appearing each Friday.
Category: Classroom Program, plus student body and school staff; Requestor: Julie Paradise,
Autism Specialist (representing all staff and students who are stakeholders in the Coffee Shop)
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2013-2014 Grant Awards:
SME Late Bus--$2980.08 to fund a late bus for students staying after school to work with
teachers, participate in after school activities, and who are part of the East for Excellence
tutoring program. Participation in the East for Excellence after-school tutoring program has
grown exponentially over the past 3 years. The average participation during the 2011-2012
school year was 16 students attending. SME Administration feels that the success in state
assessments is partly due to students in subgroups engaging in after school tutoring. The late
bus makes it possible for students to better themselves in a variety of ways including
participating in after school activities and to do so knowing that they have a safe way to get
home at the end of the day.
The late bus would be available to students 2 days/week. The late bus has received funding
from the East Fund for the past 4 years and no other funding options are available at this time.
Classroom Program; Requestor: Britt Haney, Associate Principal.
SME Band Instruments: $13,083.56
This grant would purchase various equipment pieces (marimba, vibraphone, percussion rack on
wheels, orchestra bells w/stand, drum concert series stand) to be used for concert and
marching bands. Due to an increased number of students participating in band, Concert and
Symphonic bands rehearse simultaneously and only have one set of instruments to use across
both classrooms. The requested equipment is made for going outdoors (Marching Band), and
it will be the first thing that the East crowd will see when the band takes the field. The Lancer
Bands will look better, will have more practice time and will develop stronger musicians with
this added equipment. District funds are being used to replace old band uniforms across the
district, which restricts them from buying any new equipment. Requestors: Kim Harrison and
Melissa Athon. Category: Classroom Program.
Compost/Recycling Program: $2044.26
This grant would allow the purchase of new recycle/compost bins to be used in the cafeteria
and teacher’s lounge. The Environmental Club is working to get students more involved in
recycling. The Club’s goal is to make the process more convenient for students and staff which
would lead to a reduction in trash, as well as, to produce excess compost that could be returned
and used in landscaping and gardening on school grounds. The Club plans to collect data that
shows the approximate amount of compost, recycled and trash material. Collected data could
be used in Environmental Ed classes as it relates to recycling/resources study. Requestors:
Rusty Debey and Ada Throckmorton. Category: Classroom Program.
Questia Database Renewal: $3720.93
Questia is a specialized database that offers thousands of books and millions of academic
articles for students doing research. At this point the IB and AP students depend on it for
advanced levels of research. It is far superior to the databases currently provided to the school
by the State of Kansas Libraries. The Library maintains the database for the 250 user accounts
that the school would have access to. The request covers a 3-year subscription, which would
allow continued use over that time without having to renew yearly, and it would lock in the
price over that time. Requestors: Kathi Knop, Rebecca Murphy, Kelli Kurle, Kim VanNice,
Jeanette Bonjour . Category: Classroom Program.
Future Lancers: $2,300
This grant is part of a long term branding project focused on maintaining the healthy enrollment
of SME and showcasing SME to our community and attendance area. The objective is to create
brand awareness of SME and all of the great things that happen in our school. This grant will
also be used in the recruitment of students from the private schools and in
recruitment/retention of the SMSD students coming in from IHMS. Requestor: Jennifer Hair.
Category: Program/School Development.
Questia Database for Seniors: $1,000
This is an addendum to the grant that was approved in September 2013. The initial Questia
grant secured a subscription for IB and AP students. This addendum provides additional user
accounts for all senior students to use for their senior papers. Usage will be tracked through the
stats provided by Questia for future subscription needs. Requestor: Kathi Knop. Category:
Classroom Program:
Printmaking Press for Visual Arts: $4,600
This grant would purchase a high quality printing press to be used in all art classes for a variety
of printmaking processes including etching on metal and Plexiglas, monoprint and
photogravure. The press will be mounted on a wooden cart so that it can be easily moved
between classrooms. Students will be able to present unique works of art at district and nondistrict exhibitions. Print processes are still in heavy use in commercial advertising, publication
and fine arts. This press will give our students unique experiences that will be of benefit to
them while at SME and beyond.
Requestors: Visual Arts Department (Burdick, Filbeck, Finkelston, Schnakenberg, Simchuk and
Trewolla) Category: Technology/Classroom Program.
Gym Sound System: $13,639.00
This grant would provide improved sound quality in the main gym for classes, games and
assemblies, which are attended by students, families and the community. Requestor: John
McKinney, Category: Technology,
Live Broadcast Improvements: $6016.52
This grant would allow the Harbinger Online broadcast team to add new features to the
multimedia content that is uploaded to smeharbinger.net. Funding would cover a new high
quality video camera/cables/battery charger, a camera case, 2 GoPro cameras/harnesses/SD
cards, a keyboard, and 3 year protection plans on equipment. The current camera has a
broken battery port that requires the camera to be plugged in at all times. The new equipment
would allow the broadcast team more mobility in acquiring pictures and video especially in
areas without access to power. The grant would also provide 2 GoPro cameras that can
record different videos angles for uploading onto the Harbinger website.
Requestor: John Foster, Harbinger Online Assistant Editor, Category: Technology
Weight Room Upgrades: $17,064
The goal for this project is to upgrade weight room equipment to improve safety and provide
better lifting equipment for PE classes and athletes. The weight room is used 6 class
periods/day with 40 students/section, and it is heavily used 12 months/year by athletes. The
PE teachers hope to increase enrollment to 60 students per section with the addition of extra
equipment. Some of the current equipment is considered in poor condition, is unsafe and is
unusable in the weight room. This extra equipment would minimize waiting for equipment and
would lead to more efficient training. Requestor: Dustin Delaney
Category: Classroom Program
SME Late Bus—2014-2015 school year: $3300.00
This grant would fund a late bus for students staying after school to work with teachers and/or
participate in after school activities. Students participating in the East for Excellence tutoring
program take advantage of the late bus. The late bus makes it possible for students to better
themselves in a variety of ways and to do so knowing that they have a safe way to get home at
the end of the day. The bus is provided 2 days/week throughout the school year. Requestor:
Britton Haney. Category: Classroom Program
Focus on Freshman Training: $1565.00
This grant will provide funding for Assistant Principal Britt Haney to attend the Freshman
Transition Leadership Institute this summer. The training will provide the tools to develop a
comprehensive plan for building a stronger freshman support system. The SME administration
hopes to use teachers, community leaders and upper classmen to help meet the needs of
incoming high school students. Freshman education is one of SME’s current school
accreditation goals, and the administration anticipates that this program will give them
strategies to develop and implement school-wide initiatives to meet these goals. Mr. Haney
plans to work closely with the Link Crew in implementing this program at SME.
Requestor: Britton Haney. Category: Professional Development.
Link Crew: $1750
This grant would fund materials (Back to School Freshman Dance, Link Leader t-shirts, supplies
etc) needed to continue the Link Crew program, which has proven itself successful at SME. Link
Crew creates a sense of togetherness in a fun and relevant manner, for both the incoming
freshmen and the Link Leaders. Since freshman programming is part of the school
improvement plan, the Link Crew will be more involved with the freshman class throughout the
year. The Link Crew leaders and the administration plan to work closely together to maximize
both of these freshman program grants in order to achieve the freshman support goals.
Requestor: Hannah Pence. Category: Classroom Program.
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2012-2013 Grant Awards:
SME Late Bus--$2682.99 to fund a late bus for students staying after school to work with
teachers, participate in after school activities, and who are part of the East for Excellence
tutoring program. Participation in the East for Excellence after-school tutoring program has
grown exponentially over the past 3 years. The average participation during the 2011-2012
school year was 16 students and at times as many as 26 students attending. SME
Administration feels that the incredible success in state assessments is due to students in
subgroups engaging in after school tutoring. The late bus makes it possible for students to
better themselves in a variety of ways and to do so knowing that they have a safe way to get
home at the end of the day.
The late bus would be available to students 2 days/week. The late bus has received funding
from the East Fund for the past 3 years and no other funding options are available at this time.
Classroom Program; Requestor: Molli Anderson, Associate Principal.
Digital Video Lab--$4450 purchases 8 handheld HD video camcorders, memory cards for each,
4 mobile video projectors and warranty plans for each piece of equipment. The equipment
provides the ability to use live digital video in Adv. Photography, Digital Media, Adv. Placement
Studio Art, IB Visual Arts and Art Portfolio classes. Many students are showing an interest in
video editing and animation which are booming career opportunities. Projection equipment
will allow students to screen performance art pieces (music and spoken word) and will be used
during fashion shows and other exhibitions. Requestors: Adam Finkelston and Lauren Phillips.
Category: Technology.
Journalism SMARTboard cart--$1868. The SMARTboard was a prize for the Association of
Educational Publishers award for the best website in the country that the SME journalism
students won for the 2nd time this summer. The original SMARTboard will be moved to the
library to allow for teacher check out. The East Fund funded the cart for the original
SMARTboard in 2011. The SMARTboard is used to display stories and photos for
editing/discussion and page layouts for critiquing. This will create a classroom workspace for
all of the interactive work done on the smeharginger.net. Requestor: Dow Tate. Category:
Technology
Legal Research iPad Learning Lab--$8160 purchases 10 iPads for use in the Legal Research class
which will allow students to take notes, do research and share ideas. The students will be able
to use several legal applications, including a free one, “Law Libe.” This app will supply multiple
sources of information including: Federal Rules and Regulations, The US Constitution, Manual
of Patent Procedure, and a Law Library to name a few. Additional iPads may be requested in
the future so each student in the class has access to one; however, this initial group will be
tested first to determine use and need. The iPads will also be used in AP English classes.
Requestor: Vicki Tucker. Category: Technology.
New animal cages for Environmental Education--$2032 to purchase new cages that will
improve animal health, provide better security for the animals and improve their presentation
to the public. The SME Environmental Education program annually educates 120-150 East
students and 1500-2000 visiting elementary school students. It has been nearly 20 years since
new cages have been purchased for the program. Capital outlay funds have decreased and
needs such as new lab tables and exhaust fans have taken priority. Requestors: James Lockard
and Rusty Debey. Category: Classroom Program
Digital Printers for Photography--$6000 to purchase 2 new printers, 2- 2 year warranty plans
and ink to initially fill the printers. Subsequent replacement cartridges would be purchased
through course fees. The objectives for this project are to expand and update the visual art
department’s photography labs. The rapid move toward digital media in commercial and fine
art processes has made it imperative that students and staff have up to date printing
capabilities for the finest prints for district and public exhibitions and for college, scholarship
and professional portfolios. Students are encouraged to enter national and international
exhibits, and this equipment will allow them access to museum quality prints that would be
acceptable in competition and in professional display. Currently, the department uses old
printers that are showing signs of age and high use wear and tear. Students often spend class
time waiting in line, so the impact of new equipment would allow for a faster pace in class and
more projects completed. The printers could be used by 200-300 students each semester in
Photography classes, AP Studio Art, IB Visual Arts and Art Portfolio students. Requestors:
Adam Finkelston and Lauren Phillips. Category: Technology
3-Axis Computer Numerically Controller Router--$5,793.47
This technology grant submitted by 2 students would purchase the necessary equipment to
produce a functional 3-axis CNC router.
This will allow students in woods, CAD and
drafting courses the ability to broaden their understanding of CNC systems and production.
Students will be able to craft finer projects with improved student safety in the shop.
Students will also be able to craft finely made components for the robotics club, as well as
create signs, hall passes etc for various school departments. Requestors: Bray Hoefgen,
Thomas Dettenwanger-students. Supervision by Shaban Scott. Category: Technology.
Robotics—longer season challenge grant--$2000.
The SME Robotics team seeks to enhance its value to students and the community by
extending its competitive season from one competition to two. The SME Robotics program is
self-supporting through sponsorships and fund raising. The applicants propose creating a
matching-funds program to leverage additional corporate and individual sponsorships from the
community. The seed grant from the East Fund would demonstrate the high value that SME
places on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) learning. Success would be
measured by increased sponsorship, and also by increased interest and participation in an
enriched robotics program. The group’s intention is to build their base of support so that
additional East Fund funding will not be necessary. Requestor: Vincent Miller. Category:
Technology and Classroom Program
Document Camera--$700. This equipment will be used in an English classroom to show
samples of student writing and demonstrations of editing and annotation techniques to the
entire classroom. These skills are critical for college preparedness and are emphasized in the
Common Core standards and AP curriculum. **12 document cameras were funded last school
year. One classroom did not get a camera so this is included as an addendum to last year’s
request.
Requestor: Amy Anderson. Category: Technology.
Extreme Library Makeover 2013--$3000
This grant would purchase 4 comfortable leather chairs for the library with the goal of making a
common area for lounging, reading, and working in the redesigned and updated middle section
of the library. These upgrades would give the library more of a “bookstore” feel, would draw
more students into the library, and would make the library more usable for all students in the
building. Students would be able to use the chairs to sit with laptops, books etc. The
Librarian/requestor also plans to get docking stations with “Friends of the Library” funds, which
will make this area more adaptable and will lead to an increase in students using their own
devices in the library. Requestor: Kathi Knop; Category: Classroom Programs.
Ad Astra AP Summer Institute--$4200
This grant would provide professional development for 7 AP/Honors English teachers. The goal
is to assist teachers in solidifying the scope and sequence from one grade level to the next,
both for standard and honors/AP classes. The teachers will attend a weeklong training course
in language and literature for new or experienced teachers. The teachers believe that student
retention in honors/AP classes will improve as a result of the teachers working together to
ensure that every student is prepared for the rigors of the scope and sequence of honors/AP
and college composition courses. The teachers also believe that they will see a rise in test
scores as a result of well-planned and well-organized instruction. Requestor: Jeannette
Bonjour/English Division Coordinator.
Category: Professional Development.
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2011-2012 Grant Awards:
PTA/Science grant--$3,240.82 provides funding for 3 science grants originally presented to the
PTA and then forwarded to the East Fund as the PTA had exhausted their mini-grant fund.
These grants include: (1) Weather station Computer ($434.00) which is used to study weather
in the Environmental Education classes. Their existing computer is beyond repair. Requestor:
James Lockard, Science department. (2) Electrostatic Field Apparatus with generator
($1,496.88) purchases equipment used for experiments and allows students to see how a
generator works. Requestor: Miles Martin, Science department. (3) Gas tanks ($1,309.94)
which purchases gas tanks that would replace the cylinders that are presently rented saving the
science department on-going rental fees. Requestor: Jerrod Bardwell, Science department.
SME Journalism Technology—$6,232.85 purchases a SMARTboard cart and 3 new laptops. The
SMARTboard cart will house the SMARTboard, which was awarded to the Journalism
department for winning the Association of Education Publishers award for best website in the
country. The laptops are to be used by students enrolled in journalism classes and by the staffs
of the Harbinger (print and online newspaper) and the Hauberk (yearbook). Category:
Technology; Requestor: Dow Tate, Journalism teacher/Advisor and Barb Nichols, president of
the Journalism Booster Club.
Digital Signage Grant—$10,000 helps purchase TV sets, wall mounts, protective coverings, and
installation/training of equipment that will allow daily announcements to be broadcast
throughout the school. Category: Technology; Requestor: Jeremy Higgins, Associate Principal;
Karl Krawitz, John McKinney and Molly Armstrong-White.
Supplemental funds for the Laptop Computers for ImPACT grant—$800 purchases extended
warranties for the two computers approved in the ImPACT grant. Category: Technology;
Requestor: Janice Porter, Secretary for Associate Principals and Susan Varner, school nurse.
Digital Media Print Lab—$7,801 purchases a large format printer, two scanners and four digital
cameras for the Digital Media class. This class combines design and commercial art objectives
as well as presents advertisement media, clothing design and industrial design. Category:
Technology; Requestor: Adam Finkelston, Visual Arts Teacher and James Meara, Visual Arts
Teacher.
Digital Darkroom--$6,310.00 purchases 5 Apple Macbook Pros with sufficient memory and
hard drive to run the Adobe Design Suite software efficiently. This Digital Darkroom helps
prepare photography students for careers in photography and design by giving them an
opportunity to learn basic digital photography along with learning more advanced techniques.
Category: Technology. Requestor: Adam Finkelston, Visual Art Teacher.
NOOK a Love for Reading--$3,905.00 purchases 15 CPO Nook Simple Teach readers and 5 CPO
Color Nooks. The grant will introduce e-readers to students who do not have access to this
technology and encourage reading through a book club. The 5 color Nooks will be loaded with
newspapers and magazines for library use. Category: Technology; Requestor: Kthi Knop,
Library Media Specialist.
Laptop computer for the ImPACT--$3,877.94 purchases 2 MacBook Pro and 2 printers to be
used by the school nurse and Athletic Trainer to administer the ImPACT Concussion
Management Test to student athletes. Category: Technology; Requestor: Janice Porter,
Secretary for Associate Principals and Susan Varner, school nurse.
SME Late Bus--$2,571.52 funds a late bus for students staying after school to work with
teachers, participate in after school activities, and who are part of the East for Excellence
tutoring program. The late bus is available for students two days per week. The late bus has
received funding from the East Fund for the past two years. Category: Classroom program;
Requestor: John McKinney, Associate Principal.
Master Schedule Building Workshop--$2,810.20 provides funding for two staff to attend a two
day workshop entitled Pearson’s Master Schedule Building Workshop: Fundamentals of
Scheduling. This workshop provides training to complete the process of creating students class
schedules by combining traditional concepts and techniques with the use of data and
technology. The grant provides funds for the workshop, travel expenses, lodging and meals.
John McKinney and Deanna Griffey will attend this course. They are responsible for creating
the master schedule this upcoming year. Category: Professional Development. Requestors:
John McKinney, Associate Principal and Deanna Griffey, Counseling Department Coordinator.
iPads and Classroom Walkthrough Program for Administrators--$5,072 purchases 4 Apple
iPad2, iPad smart Covers and a Classroom Walkthrough Building Site License. These iPads will
be used to gather information from the classrooms such as student engagement, teacher
competencies, time management classroom management, etc. This information will be shared
with staff and used to build on-going professional development. Category: Professional
Development. Requestors: Jeremy Higgins, Associate Principal; John McKinney, Steve Loe, and
Karl Krawitz, Administration.
World Languages iPad Learning Lab--$12,616 purchases an iPad learning lab for the World
Languages department. This lab includes 15 Apple iPads, covers, and protection plans. These
iPads provide students with new ways to consume and create material as well as be an active
part of the learning experience. Build-in apps native to the iPad include language listening
activities, music, podcasts, maps, and a voice memo app for recording speaking practice.
Category: Technology and Classroom Program. Requestor: Jeffrey Finnie, Spanish 5 AP/IB &
French 2 teacher.
New Wireless Copier/Printer/Scanner for Debate/Forensics/Mock Trial--$5,000 purchases a
multi-purpose machine that can print, copy, and scan research for debate forensics, and mock
trial. Category: Technology. Requestor: Trey Witt, Debate, Forensics, and Mock Trial Teacher.
Document Cameras for English Classrooms--$4,492.20 purchases 12 document cameras for
each of the English classrooms. These cameras allow teachers to show samples of student
writing and demonstrations of editing and annotation techniques to the entire classroom.
Category: Technology. Requestor: Jeannette Bonjour, English Division Coordinator and John
McKinney, Associate Principal.
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2010-2011 Grant Awards:
Solar Power--$10,419 for purchase and installation of a Solar Array. This equipment will be
used to motivate discussion of alternative and renewable energy as well as provide students
with an opportunity to study and analyze data. This data can be used in classroom instruction
by science, math, and economic teachers. The power generated from the Solar Array will be
donated to SMSD. Category: Technology. Requestor: James Lockard, Environmental Science
Teacher.
Percussion Equipment--$10,000 purchases percussion equipment that will expand the
marching band pit ensemble. The equipment includes a Yamaha Xylophone with cover, a
Yamaha Marimba with Tough Terrain Frame and cover, and shipping fees. These instruments
will be used by both marching and concert bands. Category: Classroom Program. Requestors:
Melissa Watzke, Assistant Band Director and Kim Harrison Director of Bands.
Orchestra Uniform Project--$7,077 purchases 80 dresses and 45 tuxedo packages for the
orchestra program. The present orchestra uniforms are in disrepair and they do not have any
spare uniforms for the girls if an increase in the incoming class occurs. Category: Classroom
Program. Requestors: Jonathon Lane, Orchestra Director and Teri Orr, Co-President of the SME
Orchestra Boosters.
AP Annual Conference--$2,223.90 provides funding for AP conference, travel expenses and
lodging/meals. This conference includes workshops, exhibit of new classroom textbooks and
technologies as well as networking between colleagues from across the United States. Ms.
Bonjour will attend this conference. She is the English Division Coordinator as well as serving
on the Language Arts Curriculum Council and the district PLC for senior English. Category:
Professional Development. Requestor: Jeannette Bonjour.
Choral Music Robe Project--$5,000 purchases 30 robes and 35 stoles. This purchase allows the
entire choir to wear formal robes at performances. SME presently has the largest choral music
program in the state of Kansas with approximately 380 students participating this year. This
number has grown significantly in the last few years and the choir did not have enough robes to
outfit their choir. Requestor: Ken Foley, Choral Music Director and Shelle Jensen, President of
SME Choir Boosters.
35 mm SLR Film Cameras--$3,500 purchases 20 film cameras for the photography department.
The photography department has six sections of photo per semester with an enrollment of 300
students per year. These cameras will be utilized in these classes. Requestor: Adam Finkelston
and Shelly Trewolla, Fine Arts Teachers.
Music Technology--$2,520 to create a small recording and composition room. Orchestra
students could use this room to arrange, compose, and record music. The room will also be
available to music students in other departments. Requestor: Jonathon Lane, Performing Arts
Teacher (Orchestra Director).
Audio Visual Equipment for Technology Students - $7,607.69 funds the purchase of equipment
to support the Tricaster that has already been purchased by the school. The Tricaster and this
additional equipment allow the Journalism program to conduct high definition live and studio
broadcasts. This equipment can be used to broadcast sporting events, music performances,
instructional videos, and much more. Daily video announcements and weekly addresses from
the principals, athletic director, and student leaders can be filmed and published. The
equipment purchased from this grant includes a professional camcorder, wireless mic system,
photo studio lighting, a wheeled run bag, and other technical equipment. Requestor: Dow
Tate, Journalism Advisor; Logan Heley and Patrick McGannon, Harbinger Online Editors.
Portable Sink and Accessories for Ms. Peggy Bell’s classroom - $1,647.75 to purchase a
portable sink and EZ Flow Water Sensor along with an EZ Fill and Roll Dolly. This sink will be
used in Ms. Bell’s special education classroom for science and art projects. Currently this
classroom does not have access to water in the room and must haul water buckets and pitchers
to their classroom if water is required for experiments and any cleanup. Requestor: Ellie
Walker, SME student.
SME Late Bus - $2,318.16 to fund a late bus for students staying after school to work with
teachers, participate in activities after school, or who are part of the East for Excellence
tutoring program. The East Fund granted $2,164 for the late bus last year. Category:
Classroom program. Requestor: John McKinney, Associate Principal.
Link Crew - $3,520.00 to provide continued training for the Link Crew program. This grant
provides training for a new Link Crew coordinator. Link Crew is a program providing orientation
and on-going support to help with successful transitions for freshmen into our school. This
program has previously received $11,538 for start up training and a refresher course.
Requestor: Hannah Pence, Meredith Birt, Ken Foley, and Jeff Finnie.
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2009-2010 Grant Awards:
Wind Power - $10,618 for purchase and installation of a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine that will be
used to motivate discussion of wind and other alternative energies as well as donate generated
electricity to SMSD. SME would be only the second school in the district with a demonstration
windmill (the other is at SM West). Different from SM West, the SME unit is smaller and better
suited for urban and rooftop applications. It will provide a starting point for discussions about
wind and other alternate energy sources in all science classes. The data collected could be
used for calculations in math classes and the social studies classes could review the economics
of this technology. Requestor: James Lockard, Environmental Science Teacher.
Large Format Enlarger - $2,600 for purchase of a high-quality Beselerphotographic enlarger for
large format negatives. This equipment would allow classes to better utilize the large format
camera received through an East Fund grant two years ago. Currently, they have been using
used, donated, large-format enlargers which have worn parts and limited functions. This new
equipment will allow students to become familiar with top-quality equipment and
opportunities to work in processes and techniques that they normally would not be exposed to
until college or a professional setting. Requestor: Adam Finkelston, Fine Arts Teacher.
Main Gym PA System - $2,000 (1/2 of total request of $4,000) for replacement of the current
PA system and addition of two speakers, a subwoofer, and new wall unit in the main gym to
provide improved sound quality for assemblies, school and community events, and graduation
activities. It is hoped that this project be completed over winter break. Requestor: Jim Ricker,
Athletic Director.
Conference Room Projectors - $3,770 to purchase two projection systems; one for the
Administration Conference Room and one for the Counseling Conference Room. (Category:
Technology. Requestors: Steve Loe, Associate Principal and Janice Porter, Secretary).
Closing the Achievement Gap - $6,000 to purchase 6 laptops, a mobile locking laptop cart, and
printer for use by special education students and educators in a 10 th grade English co-taught
class. (Category: Technology. Requestor: Spring Gehring-Lowery, SME English 10 Teacher.)
Robotics T-Shirt Launcher - $889.70 to create a robotic T-Shirt launcher for use at pep rallies
and sporting events. Sargon Robotics (the SME Robotics club) works to promote science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics at SME. To further their goal of promoting
innovation and presenting technology in a fun way, they have designed the T-Shirt Launcher.
At this time, the creation lacks the parts necessary to be fully functional. Requestor: John
McKinney on behalf of Qui Chen, SME Robotics President.
Expanding Online Opportunity- $2,550 to purchase two new iMac computers and Computer
Applications software for student use. The hope is to provide greater access for SEEK students
who are doing computer-based learning, whether it’s accelerating through graduation
requirements such as Computer Applications or Health, working on music compositions, or
doing independent research. Purchase would also reduce use of library computers by SEEK
students. Requestor: Alex Migliazzo.
Lancer Dance Room Sound System, Video Projector, and Screen - $6,038.50 to purchase and
install new equipment to provide quality music and instruction to students/dancers as they
prepare for class projects, competitions, and other events. Dance Team members can use the
video equipment for critique of performances and better understanding of dance moves.
Theater students can use the equipment for play practices, One Act plays, and other rehearsals.
The P.E. Department will be able to use the equipment for yoga, tap, dance, and other classes.
Requestor: Tom DeFeo.
Updating Latin: New Skins for Old Wine - $2,000 for purchase of a document camera and new
textbooks. Document Camera: The document camera would be used in place of the oldfashioned opaque projectors and allow immediate display through a computer to the existing
ceiling-mounted projector. The image can then be seen by everyone in the room with equal
clarity. Although primarily available for the Latin, English, Spanish, and IB classes, this camera
will be installed in room 500B which is scheduled for a removable wall. Thus 500A and B could
be combined on occasion for large-group instruction and testing. Textbooks: Since SME offers
both AP Latin and IB Latin within four years instead of the more usual five or six, we need
supplementary Latin I books that provide a strong foundation for AP and IB, and yet are
attractive enough to be an encouragement to all students to continue their study of Latin. A
pilot program has already begun with books purchased through a PTA mini grant and College
Now grant. More books are needed so that each student can have a book to start the year.
Requestor: Dr. Athanasia Worley.
Student Apparel Shop - $5,000 for materials, equipment, and finishing of an existing space
inside the new gym entrance to house a Student Apparel Shop. (Category: Technology.
Requestors: Lauren Reynolds, Deca Student and Mercedes Rasmussen, SME Marketing
Instructor.)
SME Late Bus - $2,164 to fund a late bus for students staying after school to work with
teachers, participate in activities after school, or who are a part of the East for Excellence
tutoring program. (Category: Classroom Program. Requestor: John McKinney, Associate
Principal and Heather Royce, Associate Principal.)
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2008-2009 Grant Awards:
Built-In Projector & Screen - $3,000 so that the cafeteria will now have its own projector and
screen for presentations.
Digital Darkroom - $5,500 for two Macbooks and a special printer to bring our photography
students up-to-date digital photography techniques.
Personal Leadership Class - $3,030 so that Seniors may take a unique and highly active class to
develop their leadership skills for future success in all aspects of life.
SHARE Program 2008 - $4,000 for operational costs of this program that provides community
service opportunities for SME students. The East Fund previously granted $15,000 to SHARE
over a three year period when the district discontinued its funding for the program. $4,000
Professional Learning Communities Conference 2009 - $3,000 to cover lodging, meals, and car
rental for John McKinney and Heather Royce to attend a conference in Phoenix, Arizona in
February, 2009. The conference will enhance their understanding of the Professional Learning
Communities concept which will be implemented in the coming years at SME. $3,000
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2007-2008 Grant Awards:
Modernizing SME Band Music Library -- $3,165 to purchase new music for the concert band (7
pieces), symphonic band (12 pieces), and two jazz ensembles (12 pieces each)
(Program – requested by Kim Harrison, Band Teacher, and Joy Bower, Parent)
Adaptive PE -- $3,044 to purchase yoga equipment, Wii games, tv, and Dance Dance Revolution
to be used in special education during seminar time. Special education students will be paired
with cadet teachers from the general student population for this adaptive PE experience.
(Program – requested by Maureen Johnson, Special Ed Teacher and Wes Wedman, Para
Educator)
Hands On, Minds On Physics Part Two -- $5,329 to equip an additional physics classroom with
special equipment for bringing difficult concepts of motion, electricity/magnetism and
sound/light to life. This is similar to equipment purchased in 2004 and successfully used
already in one classroom. Equipment includes photogates, force sensors, optics kits, digital
thermometers.
(Technology – requested by Miles Martin and Raji Prakash, Physics Teachers)
College Counseling Professional Development -- $11,056 to fund travel and registration
expenses for each SME counselor to attend a college counseling conference that has been
identified as valuable to enhance their expertise and effectiveness in the college counseling
process at SME. Different counselors will attend different conferences (mostly during the
summer) and bring back their knowledge for in-service training of their colleagues.
(Professional Development – requested by Lili Englebrick, Counselor Coordinator)
Soap Box Cars -- $1,794 to fund the purchase of 2 soap box car kits and entry fees for
competitions in May and September. Besides utilizing woodshop skills, this project will
promote school pride/connectedness and expose woodshop students to other curricular areas
such as Auto Tech, Engineering, Journalism, Art, and Photography.
(Program – requested by Shaban Scott, Wood Shop Teacher)
SHARE -- $ 4,000 to continue support (East Fund granted $5,000 a year over the last three
years) of operational costs for this volunteer program that provides community service
opportunities for SME students. Through volunteerism, SME students learn leadership,
organizational skills, time management, people management, and commitment to the
community.
(Program – requested by Bev Timmons, Founder, and Kathy Gates, Advisory Board)
Labquest Chemistry Data Collection and Analysis Technology -- $32,077 to fund the purchase
of 28 stations of high-tech chemistry data collection equipment to be used during lab time in
two classrooms. Chem 1 and Chem 2 AP/IB students will benefit. Computer software, lab
books, and training will be provided.
(Technology – requested by Steve Appier and Jeremy Higgins, Chemistry Teachers)
Help for Math Block Scheduling -- $6,962 to fund the purchase of 50 graphing calculators, 60
scientific calculators and 300 individual white boards with markers. Block scheduling will allow
more time for graphing applications to be taught in geometry and algebra classes. If a student
forgets to bring a calculator, involvement in class activities will be severely compromised.
Having students answer problems on white boards will actively engage them in learning and
give teachers immediate feedback on whether or not the concept is understood.
(Technology? – requested by Carolyn Seeley, Math Department Chair)
Large Format Camera for Photography Classes - $2,600 to fund the purchase of a 4” x 5” field
camera and accessories. This large format camera makes available historical processes (Van
Dyke, cyanotype and salted prints) and will increase the resolution of enlargements up to
30”x40” -- more of a fine arts (vs. commercial) approach. This photographic process also
enriches chemistry applications as students mix their own emulsions, developers, and fixing
agents to achieve their uniquely-desired results.
(Technology? – requested by Adam Finkelston, Photography Teacher)
Block Scheduling Contingency Fund - $10,000 to fund unforeseen requests that may arise for
professional development or equipment needed to optimize instruction in the new block
scheduling format. This fund will be available only between now and the next grant request
deadline of September 1, 2008. A committee of three (Dr. Swift or designee, the Governing
Board President or designee, the Grant Review Fund Chair or designee) will review any requests
and have authority to disburse funds up to the $10,000 total.
Link Crew 2008 Refresher Training - $4,500 for the follow-up training in Colorado Springs of
three teachers who serve as Link Crew Coordinators. Link Crew is a program providing an
orientation and year-round support to help with successful transitions for freshmen into our
school.
Robotic Brain Power - $3,012 for three laptop computers to equip students in forming
competitive robotics teams, as well as to support instruction in the CAD, Pre-Engineering, and
Auto Tech classes.
Grant Summary By Year
2004-2005
2005-2006
2006-2007
2007-2008
2008-2009
2009-2010
2010-2011
2011-2012
2012-2013
2013-2014
2014-2015
8 grants approved
8 grants approved
7 grants approved
12 grants approved
5 grants approved
11 grants approved
11 grants approved
14 grants approved
11 grants approved
13 grants approved
11 grants approved
$44,460
53,752
41,330
87,539
18,530
43,630
55,834
74,730
40,886
73,064
46,589