Teacher: Katie Parker-Shupe

School: Calhan

District: Calhan School District RJ-1

Website: www.calhanschool.org

Address: 800 Bulldog Drive, Calhan, CO 80808

Grade Level: 7-12, Social Studies, CTE Director

Region: Southeast

Project Title: El TRiBO Crew FUN Days

Category: Vocational & Physical Education

Funding Amount Requested: $1000

Project Description:
Calhan Middle School's 7th and 8th grade students are organized into Crew Cohorts, with my Crew being EL TRiBO. In rural Calhan, we emphasize relationship-building between teachers and students, as stronger relationships lead to healthier students, better test scores, and a safer school climate. Our Crews meet four days a week, and Thursdays are designated for non-academic time. This day is for fun, competitions with other Crews, and service projects, all aimed at fostering relationships through engaging activities. I want to purchase new board games, card games, and gym/PE equipment for our Crew Thursdays, as PE equipment is currently shared with the entire school. These resources will benefit everyone in the Middle School, not just my Crew.

Photos:
Photo 1

Impact:
Calhan is a rural, low socioeconomic, K-12 school with approximately 90 middle school students. Our student body comes from diverse backgrounds, with some living in 5th wheels and using generators for electricity. Many are part of the free and reduced lunch program, but they are also amazing, fun, and positive students. Funding this project will support our efforts to build a positive school culture through non-academic activities that promote camaraderie, team building, competition, and communication. By fostering these relationships, we contribute to the overall safety and development of a healthy school environment.

Use of Funds:
The funds will cover multiple board games, card games, PE equipment, balls, yoga balls, GAGA Ball game equipment, pickleball nets, and storage containers.