Fourteen Anthony Wayne Local Schools (AWLS) staff members were awarded grants from the Anthony Wayne Education Foundation (AWEF) to support a dozen special projects taking place across the District.
Their proposals reflect diverse educational goals, from enhancing academic engagement to fostering social skills and inclusivity. We are grateful for the AWEF’s contributions and commitment to making innovative and impactful projects a reality for students. These generous gifts help to enhance student learning and build a positive school culture. Thank you!
Anthony Wayne High School - Katie Pollock ($500)
Mrs. Pollock is building a classroom library for her junior students, who now must take a financial literacy course to meet graduation requirements. She intends to stretch her budget by purchasing used books, with plans to acquire more than 80 books and personalized bookmarks. Her goal is to inspire lifelong learning in finance after students graduate.
Anthony Wayne High School - Jennifer Naujock ($500)
This project will enhance botany studies at AWHS by taking students to Oak Openings Metropark for field trips, where they will explore local plant species, habitats, and take part in a unique tree-climbing experience for close-up examination of the tree canopy. These field experiences activities will deepen their understanding of botany.
Anthony Wayne High School - Andrea Riggenbach ($500)
The grant funds will be used to buy incentives for students at Anthony Wayne High School through the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program. Students earn "General Way" tickets for positive behavior, redeemable for prizes such as early lunch passes, pizza, or event tickets. The initiative promotes appropriate behavior and a positive school environment.
AW Junior High - Jessica Clouse ($540)
Ms. Clouse plans to use her grant funds to purchase three standing desks for use in her classroom. The goal of her implementation of this new equipment is to improve student health, concentration and engagement.
AW Junior High - Laura Eubanks ($500)
Mrs. Eubanks will create a "Brain Break Bin Center" where students can take mini breaks from learning to relieve anxiety and stress. The activities are designed to help them “reset” and reframe their thinking, so they can return to learning with a renewed focus.
AW Junior High - Janet Hamilton ($500)
Mrs. Hamilton plans to establish a classroom economy for 7th graders, where students manage their own financial responsibilities in a simulated environment where they can earn a wage, manage bills and make purchases. The grant will stock the classroom store with educational items, allowing students to apply financial literacy skills in a real-world context.
Monclova Primary - Brianne Black ($166.25)
This grant will fund a Native American history presentation from Sauder Village for Monclova’s 4th-grade students. The program will provide hands-on learning about early Native American life, enhancing students' understanding of Ohio history.
Monclova Primary - Chris Buehrer ($500)
Mr. Buehrer’s project aims to support the continuation of the school facility dog program upon Laney’s retirement. The grant will contribute to the cost of a new facility dog and staff training, continuing the social-emotional and academic support currently provided by Laney for students and staff.
Monclova Primary - Lisa Dick ($246.63)
The "Kindness Rocks" project for 4th graders promotes positivity by having students decorate rocks with inspirational messages and place them around the community. This art project fosters creativity and kindness while aligning with the District’s Portrait of a General competencies of empathy, communication, collaboration and critical thinking.
Monclova Primary - Lauren Whalen & Elena North ($500)
Mrs. Whalen and Mrs. North run a weekly social group for students with various disabilities to develop life, social, and functional skills. The grant will fund trips to educational events where students can practice their skills in real-life community settings, such as the Toledo Walleye and Mud Hens games.
Fallen Timbers Middle School - Meredith Carver ($482.91)
Ms. Carver’s "Building Thinking Classrooms" project focuses on developing critical mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills in students. The funds will support the creation of an interactive, student-centered classroom environment.
Waterville - Jennifer Leiber & Tai Knoll ($490)
Ms. Leiber and Miss Knoll will use the grant to purchase adaptive equipment for physical education, art, music and library classes. They intend to foster inclusive environments where students of all ability levels can participate in the learning activities, and demonstrate the Portrait of a General Skills of critical thinking, empathy and adaptability.