Leadership & Community Building Grants

Lead Where You Are (Fall 2022)

Building on the success of author Thomas C. Murray’s keynote speech at MTSD’s 2022 convocation, this grant will allow the district to host educator and author Joseph M. Sanfelippo as a speaker at kick-off day in August 2023. Sanfelippo encourages educators to focus efforts on growth opportunities and to foster an environment where everyone has a chance to lead. Several possibilities exist to extend the event over the course of the school year, including self-reflection, Professional Learning Community activities, incorporating themes and strategies in administrator meetings with teachers and at mid-year check-ins.  This project supports district’s comprehensive plan goal to facilitate school-wide powerful learning, personal growth, and leadership opportunities, and aims to empower staff by addressing the positive impact they have on the school community.

The Martian Colonization Project (Fall 2022)

The Martian Colonization Project is an interdisciplinary, problem-based STEM learning experience, based on the novel “The Martian” by Andy Weir. Over the course of several months, 7th grade students will collaborate to solve real-world problems in non-traditional formats accessible for all learners.  Students will experience integrated learning: content from all their courses woven together to illustrate relationships, connections, and applications of 7th grade topics.  As a team-based, long-term immersive experience, this project is an opportunity for teaching teams to fully utilize the middle school’s schedule and teaming model, and to enhance a sense of student belonging for 7th graders in a new building.  

Improving Climate FOR Landis Run (Fall 2019)

This grant will provide supplies for 5 FOR Clubs at Landis Run Intermediate School.  These Rachel’s Challenge clubs include Welcome, Compassion in Action (CIA), Spirit Club, Rachel’s Closet, and Marketing & Art.  One of goals of the FOR Clubs is to make LRIS a positive environment where students want to go to school every morning.  Creating a positive school environment will increase pride, self-worth and respect for others and for their school.  This grant for Rachel’s Challenge FOR Clubs at Landis Run helps bring alignment with the Rachel’s challenge programs at the middle school and high school and aligns with the district’s Strategic Plan goals.

Note that many grants have outcomes in multiple impact areas.