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.

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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.

School Website: custercountyschools.org

Project Description:
Rachel Simpson, Head Cheer Coach at Custer County School in Westcliffe, CO, is leading an exciting initiative to transform the school's original locker room into a state-of-the-art Cheer Conditioning Room. This space will provide cheerleaders with a dedicated environment for training, conditioning, and improving their skills. By investing in this project, you will help enhance the safety and performance of the athletes, foster team unity and pride, and strengthen community spirit.

Project Proposal:
The Cheer Conditioning Room will be equipped with strength and conditioning tools, as well as flexibility and mobility aids. This space will offer cheerleaders a safe and supportive environment to improve their athletic performance. Strength training equipment, such as free weights and resistance bands, will build muscle and reduce the risk of injuries, while flexibility tools like stretch bands and foam rollers will help athletes perform high-level stunts and routines. The funds will be used to purchase the necessary equipment to create this conditioning room, which will benefit cheerleaders for years to come.

Budget Narrative:

• Strength and Conditioning Equipment ($957.97):
• VEVOR Plyometric Jump Box Set: $249
• LifePro Half Exercise Ball: $89.99
• Sportsroyals Power Tower Station: $269.99
• CAP Barbell Dumbbell Set: $189.99
• Stealth Core Deluxe Trainer: $159.00
• Flexibility and Mobility Tools ($894.76):
• Ankle Balance Board: $39.95
• Tumbl Trak Stunt Double Base Trainer: $319.98
• Tumbl Trak Base Trainer Single: $249.99
• Tumbl Trak Fly Right Trainer: $254.99
• Myosource Kinetic Band Cheer (x3): $9.95 each

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Teacher: Latisha Schlabach
School: Custer County Middle School
District: Custer County
District Website: www.custercountyschools.org
School Address: 709 Main Street/PO Box 730, Westcliffe, CO
Grade Level: 6th-8th Grade Volleyball
Region: Central Mountains
Project Title: Youth Volleyball Supplies
Category: Vocational & Physical Education
Amount Requested: $750

Project Description:
I am a youth volleyball coach in Westcliffe, CO, a small rural school where youth sports opportunities are limited, and traveling for sports camps requires a two-hour drive. Our middle school volleyball program relies on hand-me-downs from the high school and has no budget for equipment of its own. This grant would help provide new volleyballs, practice gear, and competition shirts, and support the start of a youth volleyball camp for elementary students. It would also allow us to offer snacks during after-school programs, providing both physical and emotional support to students, many of whom come from low-income families.

Proposal:
Funding will be used to purchase new volleyballs, practice gear, and youth jerseys for our volleyball program, which currently relies on hand-me-downs. Additionally, we plan to start a youth volleyball camp for elementary students, offering them an opportunity for physical activity and team-building. The funds will also help us provide snacks for participants in both the middle school and youth programs. Extra-curricular activities like these are essential for student development, especially in a small rural community where more than 50% of students qualify for free/reduced lunch.

Budget Breakdown:

• Volleyballs: $500
• Youth Volleyball Jerseys: $100
• Snacks for Campers: $150

Total: $750

Teacher: James Reaser
School: Merit Academy
District: RE-2
District Website: Merit Academy
School Address: 500 E Kelley's Rd, Woodland Park, CO 80863
Grade Level: 6th thru 11th grade
Region: Central Mountains
Project Title: Keep Kids Moving
Category: Vocational & Physical Education
Amount Requested: $1,100

Project Description:
We are a new school in our 4th year and growing here at Merit Academy in Woodland Park, CO. Our school scored top in our region for state testing with a total of 500+ students from Pre-K to 11th grade. Each year we add another grade level, so with that we will have our first graduating class next school year 2026. We have a weight room that needs a couple more items to help our students. Getting this money will really help our students raise their fitness levels, which is very important in a technology world that unfortunately keeps kids on devices instead of moving around and being active. Getting these items will help our students understand how to use the weight room efficiently and safely. My goal is to have these students understand the weight room and use it after high school to stay active and healthy throughout their adulthood. Thank you for your time!

Project Goals:
We are looking to get more weight room rubber floor mats to protect our floors, some weight belts to keep kids safe, some weight plate racks for storage, and a pull sled.

Budget Breakdown:
4 weight belts, approximately $40 per belt. Rubber floor mats costing about $250 each. Weight plate racks at $60 per rack, and a pull sled which costs about $150. Total estimated cost: $1,100.

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Website: gses.rfsd.k12.co.us

Address: 915 School St., Glenwood Springs, CO 81601

Grade Level: K-5 PE and Adventure

Region: Central Mountains

Project Title: Taking Risks on Ropes

Category: Vocational & Physical Education

Funding Amount Requested: $1965

Project Description:
Glenwood Springs Elementary is a Title 1 school where over half of the student body qualifies for free and reduced lunch. The school emphasizes risk-taking in learning, and this project will enhance the students' abilities to explore risks through their challenge course, which includes climbing walls and high/low ropes. The purpose of this course is to foster teamwork, determination, and the ability to try new things. Students use this course yearly, and it's a favorite among them. The course helps students develop both academic and life skills while improving teamwork.

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Impact:
The ropes course, located in the school gym, features a climbing wall, high ropes, and a zip line. Due to the recent inspection, some equipment needs to be retired for safety reasons. To ensure student and staff safety, we require updated helmets, harnesses, belay devices, carabiners, and ropes. This funding will enable students from small kindergartners to adult-sized 5th graders to safely use the course, which provides a unique opportunity for students, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. This course fosters confidence, teamwork, and perseverance.

Use of Funds:

• One Petzl climbing rope for high rope belaying: $200
• Two Petzl carabiners for belaying: $25 each
• Two Petzl belay devices: $150 each
• Six Petzl full-body harnesses: $95 each
• Nine Petzl helmets: $70 each
• Two small Ouisiti harnesses: $75 each
• Two Corax Petzl harnesses: $80 each

Total: $1,965

Website: ellicottschools.org

Address: 322 South Ellicott Highway Calhan CO 80808 USA

Grade Level: Paraprofessional, K-12

Region: Central Mountains

Project Title: Community Dance Competition Team

Category: Vocational & Physical Education

Funding Amount Requested: $15,000

Project Description:
Kalayla DunbarJohnson is requesting funds to establish a community dance program for students in a rural, low-income military school district. This program will offer students a platform for self-expression, teamwork, and physical fitness, enriching their educational experience. The program will feature a low-non-profit competitive dance team and tumbling classes, promoting personal expression and physical skills while supporting academic performance. By providing a vital outlet for students, this program aims to build self-esteem, improve teamwork, and enhance their overall attitude towards schoolwork and life.

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Impact:
This community dance program will provide students in a rural and low-income community with opportunities for creative and physical expression. The program will help build students' self-esteem, teamwork skills, and a positive attitude toward academic and life challenges. Through dance and tumbling, students will gain valuable life skills that will enhance both their personal and academic growth.

Use of Funds:
The funds will be used to cover the following:

• Venue Rental (community center/school gym): $1,500/year
• Instructor Salaries (2 part-time): $10,000/year
• Costumes & Props: $1,500/year
• Marketing (flyers, social media): $500/year
• Insurance: $1,000/year
• Miscellaneous Supplies: $500/year

Total Estimated Budget: $15,000/year

Teacher: Brian Baker
School: Wiggins High School
District: Wiggins RE-50
District Website: Wiggins RE-50
School Address: 201 Tiger Way, Wiggins, CO 80654
Grade Level: Business 9-12
Region: Northeast
Project Title: Crafting Futures with Lasers
Category: Vocational & Physical Education
Amount Requested: $2,000

Project Description:
Wiggins High School seeks to purchase an xTool F1 2-in-1 Dual Laser Engraver for its business education program. The goal of this project is to introduce students to cutting-edge technology and provide hands-on experience in design, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship. By using this engraver, students will gain practical skills in product development and learn about the business aspects of bringing products to market. The project will empower students by fostering creativity and providing them with the tools needed to explore potential career paths in business, engineering, or the arts.

As a rural school with limited resources, this project will provide students with access to modern technology, which is typically more accessible in urban areas. The xTool F1 will help bridge the gap between rural education and the broader opportunities found in larger cities, preparing students for future success in today's workforce.

Budget Breakdown:

xTool F1 2-in-1 Dual Laser Engraver: $2,000
Total Request: $2,000

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Teacher: Tegan Lewis
School: Battle Rock Charter School
District: Re-1 Montezuma Cortez
District Website: www.battlerockschool.org
School Address: 11351 County Road G
Grade Level: K-6
Region: Southwest
Project Title: Play with a Purpose!
Category: Vocational & Physical Education
Amount Requested: $800

Project Description:
Battle Rock is located in rural Colorado, west of Cortez. Established in 1915, our small school continues to support a diverse population in a multi-age setting. Some of our students travel up to 45 minutes each way to attend our school, which provides differentiated instruction for all students. Just over 50% of our students qualify for free and reduced lunch, and our diverse student population reflects our community's diversity, with students representing our surrounding Native American Tribes, Hispanic, African American, Asian, and White communities. We spend most of our funding supporting teaching staff to keep our student-to-teacher ratio low. Six years ago, we were able to purchase playground equipment for our students, but over the years, the equipment has worn out, and we are down to just a few worn-out soccer balls. We are asking for funds to purchase playground equipment.

Proposal:
Our students are very creative and enjoy imaginative play, however, we have many children who love to play basketball, football, soccer, kickball, etc. Unfortunately, we no longer have the playground equipment to support that play. Some students bring equipment from home, but many of our students do not have the funds to purchase sports equipment nor do they have the opportunity to participate in organized sports after school. Providing equipment would allow these students access to these sports before they reach high school, where they might have the opportunity to participate in organized athletics. Without the exposure to these sports, they may not have the opportunity to participate in the school sports due to lack of experience. While we have a teacher who provides weekly movement instruction, her activities are limited to the equipment that we currently have.

Budget Breakdown:
We would like to purchase the Deluxe Recess pack through Gopher supplies, listed at $699 with a shipping cost of $97. This pack would replace the items which have worn out and provide many hours of play. Gopher Deluxe Recess Pack

Total: $800

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Website: https://nfhs.deltaschools.com/en-US

Address: 438 Miners Way

Subject: PE/Strength & Conditioning 9-12

Region: Southwest

Project Title: Legacy & Locks

Category: Vocational & Physical Education

Funding Amount Requested: $2000

Project Description:
The grant will enhance North Fork High School's physical education program. Since the school's merger, outdated equipment has limited students to traditional sports. The funds will allow the introduction of new activities such as Touch Rugby, Tchoukball, and Rebound Relays, emphasizing creativity and teamwork. It will also provide agility hurdles, light dumbbells, and BOSU balls to support strength and coordination, especially for special needs students. Additionally, 100 padlocks will be provided to help students securely store belongings.

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Impact:
By upgrading equipment, students will have opportunities to engage in a wider range of physical activities, branching out from traditional sports. This will empower students to explore new interests, improve collaboration, and foster teamwork skills. Special needs students will benefit from specialized equipment that supports strength and coordination development.

Budget:
- Raychee Portable Soccer Rebounders (4): $211.96
- Lotto Campo 500 Soccer Balls (4): $120
- Pop-up Foldable Soccer Net: $49.99
- Cosom Junior Hockey Sticks (2 sets): $308.86
- Hacky Sacks (3 sets): $59.97
- BOSU Ball NexGen (2): $279.98
- CAP Dumbbell Set (2 lb, 3 lb, 5 lb): $51.98
- PawHunt 8-piece Dog Agility Hurdles (2): $162.52
- Golf Balls (70 count): $83.98
- Golf Tees (100 count): $13.62
- Masterlock Padlocks (100): $638