OEF Grant Program
The purpose of OEF Grant Program is to fund creative and innovative projects in Olentangy Schools. Grants are used for materials, resources and programs that fall outside school budgets. For more information on the grant process or to submit an application, please visit the grant application page.
2024-25 Classroom Grant Highlights
Jumpstart's Read for the Record
Written by Sunday Weakley at Olentangy Academy
Sponsored by: OEF Funds
Jumpstart’s Read for the Record is the world’s largest shared reading experience celebrating children’s early language and social-emotional development. The event-- a day of celebration and fun-- builds an intergenerational community through reading and raises awareness around the critical importance of early literacy and access to inclusive, high-quality books.
Moreover, this initiative is a gateway for all Teacher Academy students to immerse themselves in early childhood literacy. By engaging with the Read for the Record event, young learners are introduced to the teaching profession and encouraged to consider their future career paths through exploration and planning...maybe even a career in education!
Sensory and calm down space
Written by Lauren Eggleston at Olentangy Liberty High School
Sponsored by Adam Edgerton Memorial Fund
The goal for this space/items is to provide a multi-sensory resource to support students' sensory needs, enabling them to engage in learning, fine-motor skills, and tactile interest, as well as visual impairment growth. In addition, teachers and therapists can collaborate on life skills together allowing for increasing student growth. The dedicated sensory room gives students a safe space when they are feeling overstimulated. This space allows students to have the opportunity to self-regulate and reduce anxiety. In turn, decreasing students from engaging in problem behaviors. This space promotes student communication and when utilizing the sensory space, they come back to class ready to learn.
Word Work Fun and Games
Written by Ramona Thompson at Shale Meadows Elementary School
Sponsored by: OEF Funds
Enhancing Literacy Through Word Work Games
The grant aims to purchase interactive word work games focused on spelling and figurative language practice. These games will engage students in a fun and educational way, improving their language skills. The impact will be felt in the 4th grade classrooms with increased student participation and enthusiasm for learning. At the school level, improved literacy skills will lead to higher academic achievement. In the Olentangy community, this grant will contribute to creating a culture of literacy and language appreciation among students, fostering a love for reading and writing.
Open the Magic
Written by Brittni Vasila at Walnut Creek Elementary School
Sponsored by the Ashley Wyss Memorial Fund
"Open the Magic" is a way to create shared learning experiences through picture books. To "Open the Magic" is to promote inclusion, honor diversity, cultivate social/emotional learning, and nurture a love for reading. By incorporating more picture books into the curriculum, we can create engaging and memorable shared learning experiences for our students while instilling a lifelong love for reading.
The Vocabulary Parade
Written by Heidi Wolfer at Wyandot Run Elementary School
Sponsored by: Marilyn & Michael Leymaster Fund for Teacher Excellence
The objective of this grant is for teachers and students to want to learn new words, with the help of wonderful read-alouds. Vocabulary instruction should aim to engage students in actively thinking about word meanings, the relationships among words, and how we can use words in different situations. This type of rich, deep instruction is most likely to influence comprehension (Graves, 2006; McKeown & Beck, 2004).
Unleashing Student Voice in Maker Space Environments
Written by Katelyn Baker & Melissa Chan at Olentangy Berkshire Middle School
Sponsored by the Huprich Family Fund
Utilizing an array of materials, including LEGOs, Rory’s Story Cubes, Buddha Boards, dry-erase name tents, and others, to foster a dynamic maker space and implement versatile teaching strategies applicable across all subjects and settings. This initiative aims to enhance student engagement, empower their agency, and amplify their voices in their learning experiences.
Sensory Expansion of the Specialized Learning Center Smart Technology Functional Integration Project
Written by Michele Basile & Alison Verdes at all High Schools and Olentangy Academy
Sponsored by the Elaine K. Eddy Endowed Fund
This grant is to initiate the Smart Home Sensory Library to expand the Specialized Learning Center Smart Technology Functional Integration Project. There is a need to add sensory components (visual, tactile, and auditory accessories that can be used with our smart plugs and hubs) that students can use with their voice/devices as well as provide the 3 new HS SLCs with the technology to use these (Google Nest Hubs, Color Changing Bulbs, Smart Plugs). With this Smart Sensory Library, the high school SLCs will have more options to share and can further motivate students to become more independent and competent with technology.
My Geodes - print resources for at-home reading practice
Written by Jennifer Glass at Walnut Creek Elementary School
Sponsored by the Olentangy Dyslexia Fund
This school year the district adopted and purchased the Geodes reading library for our classrooms. These books align to our Foundations phonics program and the program follows the science of reading. This grant supports the purchase 1 or 2 My Geodes libraries for the classroom. After reading the book with students in class, they can take the My Geodes home to read and then return it to the classroom. This supports the Olentangy promise for equitable learning opportunities.
We are Word Collectors
Written by Lauren Greisberger at Shale Meadows Elementary School
Sponsored by: Marilyn & Michael Leymaster Fund for Teacher Excellence
“Shale’s Word Collectors”, is anchored by Peter H. Reynold’s The Word Collector. Just like the main character, the students of Shale Meadows will spend their days collecting the words that interest and stand out to them. Each classroom will be gifted with their very own copy of the book The Word Collector. Classrooms will also be given a poster-sized paper jar that will display the collected words. Students will be provided with a stack of post-its and their very own notebook, perfect tools for collecting words. Shale Meadows will spotlight vocabulary in exciting ways that concludes with a vocabulary parade!
Integrated Sensory Dramatic Play Area
Written by Karen List at Liberty Tree Elementary School
Sponsored by Del-Co Water
This grant will provide first grade students many cross-curriculum learning opportunities in a literacy-rich, sensory, and play-based learning environment. Students will participate in various themed dramatic play areas throughout the year that support the core curriculum. It will impact my classroom by making learning engaging through real-life application. This learning experience will carry over to school by integrating learning that promotes discovery and collaboration within cultures. This learning experience will carry over to the district by aligning with the Pillars of Literacy: Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Fluency, Vocabulary, and Comprehension and promoting a culture of inclusive excellence.
Revitalizing Our Library: Revealing Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors to Create a Diverse and Inclusive Space
Written by Erin Budic & Lindsay Gunther at Liberty Tree Elementary School
Sponsored by: UnitedHealthcare
This grant will help diversify Liberty Tree Elementary's library with culturally representative texts for students in grades kindergarten through fifth. These books will be displayed and circulated to align with the district's monthly equality and inclusion calendars. They will offer students the chance to see themselves reflected in literature and explore diverse communities. Books will be both displayed and available for checkout year-round, enriching students' reading experiences and promoting understanding of the world around them.
FCS Cooking Grant (Air-fryer)
Written by Timothy Hackworth at Berkshire MS
Sponsored by the Reitter Family Memorial Fund
This grant will support the purchase of 6 classroom countertop air fryers that will allow students in FCS and Global Gourmet how to properly and safely use an air fryer. With 40% of homes having an air fryer, up from 10% in 2018, these resources would help students grow their independence at home and prepare them for the future. As most air fryers are banned in dorm rooms, they are still the preferred method for cooking among young people. The appeal to young people to use an air fryer is the ability to have a fried-like food in less time and be healthier. With the air fryer market growing 10 annually, teaching students how to safely and effectively use, clean, and handle air fryers is in their best interest.
Stitch and Sew Club
Written by Colleen Szerencsits at Liberty Tree Elementary School
Sponsored by: M/I Homes
Empowering Creativity; Teaching LTES Students to Sew. This grant provides funding for sewing machines for LTES students, enabling hands-on learning and creative expression. The grant will supply sewing machines along with basic sewing supplies such as fabric, thread, needles, and scissors. These resources will enable LTES to implement a comprehensive sewing curriculum that aligns with Olentangy School District's educational goals and standards.
Out-Loud BIPOC Theatre Collective
Written by Cathy Swain-Abrams at Olentangy Orange High School
Sponsored by OEF Funds
The goal is to fund OOHS’ Out-Loud BIPOC Theatre Collective and move it toward a district-wide offering.
Out-Loud is a welcoming safe place for all student performers and back-stage members. It offers a space to discuss, collaborate, and create theatre celebrating and featuring the voices of students and playwrights who identify as Black, Indigenous, or as a Person of Color.
Through art, we commit to nudge thought, open hearts, and inspire movement towards deeper empathy, inclusion, and action. These students also gain experience behind the curtain which translates into relevant job skill creation and career inspiration.
Visiting Artists' Series: Exploring New Techniques from Practicing Artists'
Written by Rhainy Edwards at Olentangy High School
Sponsored by: Fanning Howey
Based upon the continued success of this grant, and across the district, OHS wants to continue to bring in local professional artists to share their craft, and skills to share with Olentangy students. The success of previous years’ artists' has been so great and has continued to prove to be engaging and motivating to students’ work! Every artist is different and has different styles and techniques to share. Students will continue to get to know the artists, work directly, hands-on with the artists to refine their skills. Students will be given a project designed by Ms. Edwards and influenced with techniques gained by the artist themselves. Projects will be individualized for each student and will exceed both the district and state standards. The knowledge will be shared and can be implemented through any art classes in the Olentangy District.
Books For All! A District Collection of Large Print and Braille Books
Written by Kelly Silwani at Orange Middle School
Sponsored by Delaware Pediatric Dentistry
This grant will provide print resources (fiction and nonfiction) for a district-wide collection of large print and braille books to support the needs and access of low vision and blind students. Students, teachers, and librarians from Pre-K to 12 will be able to borrow titles from this collection which will be housed and managed at Orange Middle School Library.
Olentangy ACT Sensory Room
Written by Shannon Gallatin, Dawn Imbrogno, Kirby Stewart, and Meghan Kuecher at Olentangy Academy
Sponsored by: Feasel Family Fund
This application is for the technology and equipment necessary to outfit the first-ever Academy for Community Transition Sensory room. ACT will be moving into a new space in the Fall of 2024. This new space has the potential to be transformed into a space that benefits students from all 4 ACT classrooms and to provide students with a space that will support their mental, emotional and physical needs in order to further encourage independence, employability and community engagement.
Topo The World - Topographic Table
Written by Jeremy Arend, Jenna Haskins, Roscoe Holt, Jaimie Thomas, Kara Hemminger, and Greg Stevens at Olentangy Berlin Middle School
Sponsored by CT Consultants
“TOPO The World” is a unique opportunity to engage students in a hands-on, interactive learning experience that captivates students’ attention. The visual and tactile nature of the sandbox enhances engagement and encourages active participation in lessons. By manipulating virtual landscapes in real time, students develop spatial reasoning skills as they observe how their actions affect the topography of the sandbox. AR sandboxes promote collaboration and teamwork among students as they work together to create and explore different terrains and scenarios. The hands-on experience provided by AR sandboxes allows students to apply theoretical concepts in a practical, real-world context, enhancing their understanding of complex topics. AR sandboxes cater to different learning styles, including visual, kinesthetic, and tactile learners, making educational content more accessible to a diverse group of students. Most importantly, AR sandboxes are fun and motivating by making learning enjoyable and encourages students to explore, experiment, and problem solve in a dynamic and engaging way.
Augmented Reality Interactive Sand Table
Written by Tyler Little, Joel Glassburn, and Christine Rinehart at Olentangy Berkshire Middle School
Sponsored by: North Orange Dentistry
The Augmented Reality Interactive Sand Table merges physical and digital worlds, allowing students to sculpt terrain while a projector overlays topographic map data. As they manipulate kinetic sand, real-time projections produced by the computer and Kinect sensor illustrate elevation changes, contour lines, and water flow patterns. This interactive experience enhances spatial understanding, as students see how water naturally flows downhill based on topography. By experimenting with various landforms, they grasp concepts of watershed, erosion, and drainage systems. This hands-on approach fosters comprehension of geography and hydrology with tangible, experiential learning, making complex concepts like topography and water flow accessible and engaging.
Whiteboard tables to facilitate collaboration and foster an environment of problem-solving and learning in mathematics classrooms
Written by Amy Dieterle and Angela DeLong at Olentangy High School
Sponsored by Schottenstein Real Estate Group
Mathematics is a subject where students are often afraid to start a problem if they don’t know the exact route to take and are afraid to make mistakes in the problem solving process. This grant will be used to purchase rectangular whiteboard tables that will offer students an opportunity to create a non-permanent problem solving process where their thoughts and problems have the ability to change. The rectangular tables will also allow the students an opportunity to collaborate with peers rather than working in isolation.
Mustang Family Fun Book Club
Written by Kevin Pulfer at Olentangy Meadows Elementary School
Sponsored by: Robertson Construction
The Mustang Family Fun Book Club invites all families to read together at home with a community book appropriate for elementary-aged students. The school provides discussion questions and novel activities to accompany the book. The reading culminates with a school-sponsored family night with activities and tie-ins at school to celebrate and motivate. Families will be set up to learn together and bond over educational experiences while empowering parents and guardians to take an active role in their child’s learning.
PEAK Relational Training System for students with Autism and Related Disabilities
Written by Allison Turner & Holly Williams at Berlin Middle School
Sponsored by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
The curriculum proposed focuses on students’ Foundational and experiential Learning, Social Skills, Perceptual, Verbal Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning, Memory, Problem Solving, Reading, Writing, Decision Making, Action Planning, Perspective Taking, and Math Skills.
Emergency Response Training for Olentangy Academy STEM Students
Written by Jamie Doup & C. Brooke Kelly at Olentangy Academy
Sponsored by: OSU Wexner Medical Center
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillator (AED), and First Aid for Severe Trauma (FAST) are basic life-saving skills that are beneficial for all individuals to learn. This grant is for the Red Cross CPR manikins, AED training devices, FAST wound management simulators, and instructor training. CPR/AED training would begin in ninth grade and FAST would be implemented for eleventh-grade Biotechnology Pathway students, with both certifications valid for two years.
Kiln Care and Creativity
Written by Jonathan Juravich at Liberty Tree Elementary School, impacting ALL Elementary Schools
Sponsored by the Maryann Howey Visual Art Fund
A kiln is a staple within elementary art rooms in Olentangy Local Schools. However, the tools and equipment are used year after year and need replacing, which puts a strain on available funds for the art curriculum. Innovative and creative ideas are just out of reach due to the costs associated with dreaming new possibilities. This grant would provide each of the art teachers at the 17 elementary schools the same amount of money ($294) to replace items, be innovative, and support their students’ love of hand-built clay products. The grant would benefit every single elementary student in the district.
Monarch LEGO Coders
Written by Jennifer Shoaf at Shale Meadows Elementary School
Sponsored by: HR Imaging
"Monarch LEGO Coders" uses LEGO Education to support student learning by incorporating STEAM throughout the process of storytelling in the Media Center, as well as exploring creativity and problem-solving as coders and creators of their own innovations. Students will be working with LEGO Education's Spike Essential set, which includes 67 unique and adaptable lesson opportunities, as well as over 100 hours of learning. The Spike Education app is also accessible in 21 different languages and with various accessibility tools to support every student. LEGO Education links STEAM instruction to real-world experiences in an intuitive and fun way. Students engage in engineering, data analysis, and communication, developing skills like critical thinking and collaboration. The LEGO Learning System uses a progression of playful learning experiences to build STEAM knowledge, academic practices, and 21st century skills at the primary and secondary school levels.
These learning experiences strengthen students’ ability to apply STEAM concepts, practice interdisciplinary skills (e.g., scientific inquiry, computational thinking, engineering, and mathematical practices), and develop essential future-proof skills like creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and effective communication with confidence.
Electrify Your Symphony (EYS) Mark Wood
Written by Lori Cornett at Olentangy Orange High School
Sponsored by Fanning Howey
The Orange HS orchestra would like to invite Mark Wood to bring his innovative "Electrify Your Symphony" program to OOHS. Mark is a recording artist, composer, producer, and one of the founding members of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, an internationally renowned performing ensemble that has frequently performed to sold-out audiences at Nationwide Area here in Columbus. His program "expands the horizons of young musicians by... (helping)... them connect the classical and contemporary musical worlds." (electrifyyoursymphony.com) Through this program, orchestra students from Orange HS, 7th and 8th grade Berkshire MS, and 7th and 8th grade Orange MS students would have the chance to experience a hands-on workshop directly with Mark. The experience would culminate with two performances for the community at Olentangy Orange High School, with tickets available to students and family first, followed by the wider community.
Epilog Fusion Maker: Laser Machine
Written by Tyler Pray at Liberty Middle School & Orange Middle School
Sponsored by: DCTS & Scott Scriven LLP
The project is called "Epilog Fusion Maker Laser Machine." Students in Computer/Technology class would use this laser to complete the “Footprint or Blueprint: Design Challenge” and other computer/technology projects. In this challenge, students will use the engineering design process to engrave/cut a symbol representing who the student is, or who they want to become. Students at Liberty and Orange Middle will create a digital symbol on their computer representing who the student is (the footprint), or who they want to become (the blueprint). This digital symbol will be engraved into a material selected by the student with a laser machine. Lastly, the engraved material will be displayed throughout the building, along with a description created by the student explaining what the symbol is, why they chose it, how it makes them feel, and how they hope it makes other people feel. Students and teachers in core subjects would also benefit from this laser machine when it is used for core subject projects.