12 groundbreaking ideas from HCPS educators win funding in latest round of innovative grants

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Henrico, Va., Feb. 7, 2022 — The Henrico Education Foundation has announced grants totaling $79,282 to fund 12 innovative projects proposed by Henrico County Public Schools educators. The programs will benefit more than 9,000 HCPS students. Twice each year, HEF invites teachers and other educators to submit their ideas for groundbreaking projects that enhance the school division’s mission. The Henrico School Board accepted the grant funds at its Jan. 27 meeting.

The programs that received funding during the fall round of grants are:

  • Three literacy projects that focus on increasing student engagement by providing more diverse reading selections. These include the “First Readers” program at Arthur Ashe Elementary School; a book vending machine at Montrose Elementary School; and an effort to provide more diverse books in Short Pump Middle School classroom libraries.
  • A program at Elizabeth Holladay Elementary School designed to help prepare students for HCPS preschool programs. The program will provide backpacks with age-appropriate activities for 3-year-olds, and engage parents and guardians with dual-language videos.
  • Two projects that will help secondary students build life and language skills. Students with disabilities are an integral part of the Tuckahoe Middle School “Treat Train” service program, which provides goodies for teachers. Deep Run High School’s “Wildcat Den” store will enable students with disabilities to learn life skills and will help students who are learning English to progress with language acquisition.
  • A “makerspace” lab at Tuckahoe Middle School that seeks to expand students’ participation by providing innovative experiences for both exceptional education students and students who are learning English.
  • Pilot programs at George Moody and John Rolfe middle schools conducted by HCPS’ Department of Equity, Diversity and Opportunity. The “Rites of Passage to Belonging” program aims to help students develop skills they’ll need as they move toward adulthood. Facilitators will lead them in discussions, unique experiences and collaboration on projects.
  • Four projects aimed at increasing student and family engagement. They are:
    • An innovative “house system” to build leadership qualities at Maude Trevvett Elementary School.
    • A “Rebuilding Robotics” program at Glen Allen High School.
    • Assemblies and family programs to boost student and parent engagement at Ruby Carver Elementary School.
    • Using ukuleles at Twin Hickory Elementary School to foster a sense of community.

Read more about innovative, grant-funded programs by going to HEF’s website at www.henricogives.org/grants.

Arsalan Yusufi, a first grader at Greenwood Elementary School, examines options in the school's book vending machine.
Arsalan Yusufi, a first grader at Greenwood Elementary School, examines options in the school’s book vending machine. The machine was funded by an innovation grant from the Henrico Education Foundation. The foundation’s newest grants include funds to purchase a book vending machine for Montrose Elementary School.
Nyelle Threatts, a fourth grader at Greenwood Elementary School, retrieves a book from the school's book vending machine.
Nyelle Threatts, a fourth grader at Greenwood Elementary School, retrieves a book from the school’s book vending machine. The machine was funded by an innovation grant from the Henrico Education Foundation. The foundation’s newest grants include funds to purchase a book vending machine for Montrose Elementary School.
A parent and student share reading time at Pinchbeck Elementary School as part of a literacy-related innovation grant funded by the Henrico Education Foundation.
A parent and student share reading time at Pinchbeck Elementary School as part of a literacy-related innovation grant funded by the Henrico Education Foundation. The foundation’s newest grants include funds for more literacy initiatives at several HCPS schools.
A parent and student share reading time at Pinchbeck Elementary School as part of a literacy-related innovation grant funded by the Henrico Education Foundation.
A parent and student share reading time at Pinchbeck Elementary School as part of a literacy-related innovation grant funded by the Henrico Education Foundation. The foundation’s newest grants include funds for more literacy initiatives at several HCPS schools.

The Henrico Education Foundation will fund a second round of innovation grants later in the school year. HEF seeks grant proposals that are innovative and creative; have specific measurable outcomes; target needs of challenged students, particularly in reading and math; include unique ways of using technology and 21st Century learning; and focus on increasing achievement and self-efficacy of all students. Grants for 2021-22 prioritize ideas to address achievement gaps among subgroups, including Hispanic, Black and exceptional education students. The foundation also seeks proposals to address the social and emotional learning needs of students and teachers. Only current HCPS staff members are eligible to apply.

Go to www.henricogives.org to find out more about the foundation and its mission to support public education by advancing initiatives to improve student achievement.