Teacher Grants
Since 1994, the Hoover City Schools Foundation has provided grants to teachers for innovative ideas in the classroom. During a typical year, the Foundation receives a number of proposals requesting funds to help start or supplement teaching in the classroom. For the 2023-24 school year, the Foundation is awarding $49,360 in grants, the most teacher classroom grants ever funded in one grant cycle. All 17 schools–elementary, middle, high school and Crossroads–will have at least one grant funded. There is one systemwide grant, serving more than one campus and many students. Click the toggle below to see this year’s teacher classroom grant recipients.
2023 - 2024 TEACHER CLASSROOM GRANTS
Berry Middle
Ginger Hewitt, Adventures in Interactive Reading (AIR), $2,000
Bluff Park Elementary
Katie Collins & Maghan Craig, Grant Us a Greenhouse…Please! $2,000
Charley Anne Sanderson, Finding a Path to Fine Motor Schools, $2,000
Brock’s Gap Intermediate
Lindsey McNiel, Decodable Readers-3rd Grade Classrooms, $1,920
Bumpus Middle
Kristi Donald, Treasure Hunt: Coding Robotic Sensors, $2,000
Michael Kennedy, Engaging Math by 3D Printing, $875
Leigh Ann Roe, The Pressure is On (Peeps Lab), $2,000
Laura Stanton, First Floor Physics; Innovation & Science Meet, $1,938
Crossroads
Ryan Gibson, Stories Made for Me, $2,000
Lisa Tisdale, Math You See, $1,500
Deer Valley Elementary
Caroline Cathers, STEAM MACHINE, $1,800
Kandis Chatman, Let’s Chat, $2,000
Kristi Fehler, Let’s Be Droniacs, $2,000
Districtwide
Natalie Brinkman, Developing Sensory Spaces for Students, $2,000
Green Valley Elementary
Melissa Willcox, Fun with Robotics, $2,000
Greystone Elementary
Kristen Belcher, Light the Way to Learning, $1,088
Gwin Elementary
Kelley Feagin, On the Road to Code, $2,000
Hoover High
John Kincaid, Digital Sound Board Operation, $1,800
Janet Ort, Learning Stations & Outdoor Classrooms, $2,000
Exploring STEM through Drones $2,000
Riverchase Elementary
Lori Wilson, The Indi Race is On, $1,950
Rocky Ridge Elementary
Margert Colburn, P.E. Adaption for All, $1,096
Shades Mountain Elementary
Meredith DeVore, Musical Minds on the Mountain, $2,000
Simmons Middle
Sarah Cox, Flexible Learning Environments, $853
Matthew Chambless, Chamber Music for Charitable Events, $1,000
South Shades Crest Elementary
Christy Bain, Trikes for Motor Development, $737
Anna Leigh Moncrief, Engaging Through Technology, $810
Spain Park High
Casey Cain, Mental Health Groups, $600
Trace Crossings Elementary
Abby Chaplin, Sensory Space for Student Success, $1,393
Ashley Sparks, Hands On Math, $2,000
The Hovercraft Project
For the last several years, the Hoover City Schools Foundation has sponsored The Hovercraft Project for all fifth graders in each of our elementary schools. The day-long, in-school field trip gives groups of students everything they need to assemble their own hovercraft that they ride at the end of the day. The students learn how to problem solve, work together, experience failures and celebrate successes. Once again, the Foundation is funding this exciting project for the 2023-24 school year! “We know that children easily retain what they learn doing a hands-on activity,” said Executive Director Shelley Shaw. “The project has been overwhelmingly positive and a fantastic experience for our fifth graders.”
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Strong Community Presence: Throughout the year, the Hoover City Schools Foundation participates in local events that are supportive of school initiatives, such as Taste of Hoover, Celebrate Hoover Day and Chamber of Commerce events.
Real Estate: Our Realtor Initiative is all about educating local real estate agents about what we do and how we support our award-winning schools.
Political Forum: It’s important to bring local and state-elected officials together to discuss issues that are important to students and their families.
Food for Thought: This initiative partners with local restaurants for spirit nights and fundraising.
INTERVENTION
Another area of focus is Intervention, where the Foundation supports the efforts of Hoover City Schools in the education and prevention of substance abuse, mental health and anti-bullying initiatives. The Foundation also recognizes the importance of partnering with school counselors and administrators to reach students in the classroom who may need intervention.
Other components of our Intervention efforts include:
• Drug Awareness breakfasts held at all three middle schools in partnership with Hoover City Schools and local law enforcement.
• Parent University held at both high schools, focusing on a variety of issues important to teens and their families.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
One way the Foundation helps the professional development of our teachers is by providing grants for conferences. A $1,000 grant to Spain Park’s science department helped fund their trip to Nashville over spring break, where they presented and participated in the National Science Teachers Association National Conference.