The Mid-Coast Retired Educators Association recently presented its annual classroom grants to local educators.
The organization usually awards three of the $300 grants, but because there were many worthy proposals in the latest round, it gave five.
Maggie York, teacher of the new prekindergarten class at Harpswell Community School, will use her grant for a project called Little Scientists in Action. York will buy scientific tools to foster early STEM learning through discovery and play. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Colby Gail, of Bowdoin Central and Bowdoinham Community schools, will create a “Maine Ninja Warrior” obstacle challenge for pre-K and kindergarten students.
Ashley Hoskins, of Woolwich Central School, will buy a kid-safe power tool called a ChompSaw for creative construction projects.
Leah Heyman, of Bath Middle School, is planning an interdisciplinary program called “Backstage Beauty and Lighting Lab: Cosmetology and Theater Technology.”
Ryan Weed and Brandon Dudley, of Brunswick High School, plan to teach students various applications for sound design.
The Mid-Coast Retired Educators Association has awarded the grants for five years. The group meets monthly to participate in engaging, entertaining and educational programs. Members raise funds to support various projects, including a backpack program in September, the classroom grants in late fall, and scholarships for graduating high school seniors in the spring.
The association welcomes all retired educators living in the area. Meetings are on the second Tuesday of each month from September through June. For more information, email midcoastretired@gmail.com.
