Two Emporia schools are benefiting from grant funds through the Emporia Community Foundation.
Emporia High School’s science department received $750 for restoring the school’s retention pond near Pizza Ranch and for turning part of the nearby area into a small stand of native tallgrass prairie. Department Chair Matt Irby says this will give science students opportunities for lab and research work while giving the public a new area to enjoy.
Timmerman Elementary got nearly $1,200 total for two projects. Teachers will help buy items as students create products “to sell in a business-like scenario.” Another project involves purchases of sensory regulation items.
Community Foundation Executive Director Linda Kehres-Schmidt says the funds are through the Emporia Public School Endowment Fund, which allows annual grants for “non-budgetary” items across USD 253. With this fund, the Community Foundation looks to help projects that use alternative learning methods, creative education ideas, innovative strategies and motivate students.
