District Website: Rocky Ford School District R-2

School Address: 601 S. 8th St., Rocky Ford, CO 81067

Grade Level: 7-12

Region: Southeast

Project Title: Classroom Supplies

Category: Social Emotional Learning

Amount Requested: $200

Project Description:
This project seeks funding for classroom supplies, specifically for binders and ink cartridges, to support students in my online classes. My students maintain binders with different topics, and funding would help provide new binders as needed. Since all classes are online, we also print notes for students who require hard copies, and the funding would cover the cost of ink cartridges for this purpose.

Proposal:
This project will:

• Provide students with the necessary materials to succeed in online courses.
• Support students in catching up on credits or excelling in online college classes.
• Help students build confidence in their education by ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed.

Budget Breakdown:

• $100 for ink cartridges
• $100 for binders and binder dividers

Teacher: Emily Heuer
School: Arriiba-Flagler
District: Arriiba-Flagler CSD #20
District Website: https://www.af20.net/
School Address: 421 Julian Ave, PO Box 218 Flagler, CO 80815
Grade Level: K-12 School Counselor
Region: Southeast
Project Title: Four Paws of Healing
Category: Social Emotional Learning
Amount Requested: $1000

Project Description:
What makes Flagler special is how welcoming the people are. Agriculture is a big thing around here and most of the students come from farms. Rural life can be isolating and difficult at times. Mental health and life struggles don't discriminate by where you live. The students here struggle with a lot of the things that students in bigger schools struggle with: drugs, alcohol, self-harm, anxiety, etc. I would like help training my pup, Bea. We are starting from scratch; she needs basic obedience, then we can get certified as a therapy dog team. If I get this grant, having Bea trained and specialized as a mental health therapy dog will help students empathize, regulate stress, improve attendance, relieve depression, anxiety, and much more. The possibilities are endless with how we can impact the students at Arriba-Flagler.

Project Justification:
Dogs have a way of helping us in ways that humans can't sometimes. I have seen firsthand how therapy dogs can help students. I have seen a kindergartner scared of dogs become warm and loving toward my certified therapy dog. Students come into my office or seek me out just to see the therapy dog because they are having a bad day. Therapy dogs help.

I am a school counselor at Arriba-Flagler with about 180 students, K-12. Our students struggle with many issues, and Bea has the potential to be amazing and help so many people. To become a therapy dog, dogs need basic obedience training and can then become certified through a third-party organization. If funded, Bea and I could be a resource not only for the school but also for the community. Our impact could be endless.

Budget Breakdown:
$800 - Basic Dog Obedience (Trainer TBD)
$350 - Workshop Package (Professional Therapy Dogs of Colorado)

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Website: calhanschool.org

Address: 800 Bulldog Drive, Calhan CO, 80808

Grade Level: 9-12

Region: Southeast

Project Title: CREW Competitions!

Category: Social Emotional Learning

Funding Amount Requested: $2000

Project Description:
At Calhan High School in rural Calhan, Colorado, our students are members of one of eight CREWS! CREW is like family and was developed so that every student has at least one trusted adult (their CREW leader) and a loyal family in their life. CREWS spend time together doing community service, building bonds and relationships with each other through designed challenge events, and competing in various activities with the other seven CREWS for bragging rights and points. The CREW with the most points at the end of the school year wins a donated cash prize that the CREW then uses to do something positive in our small community. We are requesting funds to buy supplies for each CREW that help them with their challenge events and build their CREW Spirit.

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Impact:
With supply funds, each CREW will be able to participate in more challenge events and design and represent their CREW with more enthusiasm. To date, many of the CREW leaders have been using their own money for supplies. It is also difficult to create challenge events that don't require any supplies. Students have reported that their favorite events are when they are able to work together, creating something that showcases their CREW and unique traits, such as a team banner, Spirit Stick, or T-shirt designs.

Use of Funds:
Funds will provide each CREW with $250 to buy supplies or help fund items necessary for challenge events, such as Zorbing balls for Zorbing Soccer or supplies for various relay races. Other challenge events have included the creation of a CREW banner and a CREW Spirit Stick. The funds will allow CREWs to purchase supplies such as fabric, glue, string lights, and paint in order to complete their vision for CREW challenges.

Website: swinkk12.net

Address: 610 Columbia, Swink, CO 81077

Grade Level: 9-12 Math & 6-12 Student Gov.

Region: Southeast

Project Title: Community Carnival

Category: Social Emotional Learning

Funding Amount Requested: $1,500

Project Description:
Welcoming the community and students back to school with a small carnival. Student Government has been looking for ideas to increase involvement between the community and the school. One way we came up with was to host a small carnival, but we don't have many resources close by. We can rent a bouncer house and build some games, but what we really want to do is invest in a dunk tank and some of the other bigger games that encourage people to interact. Not just popping some balloons. The students have several ideas and are looking for funding to jump-start us. We want to do a trial run of the carnival this spring and then make it a tradition in the fall as a way to welcome the students back to school!

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Impact:
The funds would be used to secure a dunk tank, and if anything is left, we would use it to acquire the pieces to build other booths. This will be an evolving project that grows as we go, hopefully starting with about 10 activities and adding a new game every year.

Use of Funds:
The funds will primarily support the acquisition of a dunk tank and the construction of additional carnival games, enhancing community engagement and student involvement.

School Website: Upper Blue Elementary

Project Description:
I am seeking funding for "The Return to Playful Learning" to bring back the joy of learning through play in our 5th grade classroom in Breckenridge, Colorado. I have observed a significant increase in stress and anxiety among my students, particularly within the Hispanic population, where rates of depression and suicidal ideation are on the rise. This project aims to reduce anxiety and stress through educational games, creating a balanced and supportive learning environment. The games will help students engage in creative problem-solving, collaboration, and exploration, all of which foster emotional well-being and promote mental health.

Proposal:
Through play-based learning, I will:

• Reduce anxiety by incorporating engaging, game-based activities into the curriculum.
• Promote collaboration and social skills through group play.
• Enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills using fun, educational games.

Examples include:

• Social Studies Quest: Interactive games and role-playing historical figures to deepen understanding of history.
• Science Explorers: Hands-on games and outdoor play to spark curiosity in scientific concepts.

Budget Breakdown:
Funds will be used to purchase sets of the following educational games for classroom use:

• Ticket to Ride (strategy game focused on geography and history): $30 x 4 = $120
• Cytosis (biology-based game): $40 x 4 = $160
• Math for Love: Prime Climb (math game): $35 x 4 = $140
• Blurt! (vocabulary game): $20 x 4 = $80
• Total: $500

Teacher: Lindsey Todd
School: North Fork High School
District: Delta County School District 50J
District Website: https://nfhs.deltaschools.com/
School Address: 438 Miners Way, Hotchkiss, CO 81419
Grade Level: Agriculture, FFA 9th-12th
Region: Central Mountains
Project Title: Get Organized to Get Focused!
Category: Social Emotional Learning
Amount Requested: $1,930

Project Description:
Please help me get organized storage for my classroom! I work at North Fork High School in Hotchkiss, Colorado. In 2021, Paonia and Hotchkiss high schools merged, and parts of the school underwent remodeling. Although the new Agriculture room looks beautiful, it was designed too small and came with no cabinetry or storage. I teach Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources, which includes welding, woodworking, and being the FFA Advisor! These diverse topics require specific lab materials that are used intermittently. Having organized storage would significantly improve the learning environment and make materials more accessible.

Proposal:
My current classroom setup includes mismatched, repurposed cabinets that don't fit together and limit the space. Items often clutter the room, making it difficult for students to navigate. We have the option to store materials upstairs in the shop, but that requires climbing a ladder, which isn't practical for heavy or frequently needed items. Organized storage would not only declutter the room but also make everyday materials easily accessible. A well-organized space is key to fostering a calm, productive learning environment. By sponsoring cabinets, you would help create a space where my students can focus and thrive.

Budget Breakdown:

• Seville 8 Piece Steel Garage Cabinet Set: $1,399
• Seville Classics Lockers: $399.96
• Shipping: $104.74

Total: $1,910

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Teacher: Delaney Pett
School: Burlington Elementary
District: Burlington School District RE-6J
District Website: burlingtonk12.org
School Address: 450 11th Street, Burlington, CO 80807
Grade Level: 3rd grade all subjects
Region: Central Mountains
Project Title: New Desks
Category: Social Emotional Learning
Amount Requested: $2,000

Project Description:
We are a very small district in the last town before the Kansas border. The only grade that has quality desks is 4th grade, while the rest of us have tables, and we have to find storage for student supplies in our classrooms. I switched to desks three years ago, and I had to go into the basement and find usable leftover desks. They have stains, markers, other names, and scratches all over the desktops. None of them stay open by themselves because the springs are broken or have been removed. Some won't close all the way, and most are not adjustable for taller or shorter students. A couple of them have a broken base that has been "glued" back together. I would like to have quality desks for my students that lift open, stay open, and do not slam closed, interrupting class time.

Project Goals:
I typically have 18-22 kids in my class. I know I will not receive enough money for 22 desks, but anything will help my classroom get working desks to improve their learning and enhance their learning environment.

Budget Breakdown:

• Each desk costs $200-$250 each. I would prefer the lifting ones with storage underneath. If there are other ones that provide storage for less, I will purchase those, as long as they fit in our classroom. Our classrooms are not very big to hold large desks. I will be submitting in the Spring Grant Cycle as well

Teacher: Christi Ballard
School: Merit Academy
District: Woodland Park School District
District Website: www.merit.academy
School Address: 500 E Kelley's Road, Woodland Park, CO 80863
Grade Level: 3rd
Region: Central Mountains
Project Title: Appropriately Sized Chairs
Category: Social Emotional Learning
Amount Requested: $1,800

Project Description:
We are a charter classical school that was founded four years ago. We just recently took occupancy of a middle school, and the chairs that we're using are sized for middle school students. Only a couple of my 3rd graders' feet actually touch the floor when they are in their chairs. It's uncomfortable for some and can make it difficult to sit and focus for long periods of time. Having correctly sized chairs would empower the students to use good posture and show engagement by sitting tall rather than curling their feet up in the chair. We are a classical school and are teaching cursive, which works best when sitting with your feet flat on the floor, which is impossible for the majority of my students.

Project Justification:
Using a middle school, the chairs are inappropriately sized for my little 3rd graders. Most of their feet dangle all day. We are working to encourage good posture which promotes better overall health. One outcome would be confidence and pride in their work because of good handwriting, which comes from sitting correctly with feet on the floor.

Budget Breakdown:
25 chairs at about $60 per chair for a total of $1,800.

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Website: https://shs.summitk12.org/

Address: 16201 CO-9 Breckenridge, CO 80424

Grade Level: 9-12, as the school librarian

Region: Central Mountains

Project Title: Games for Social Bonding

Category: Social Emotional Learning

Funding Amount Requested: $650

Project Description:
This project is rooted in the critical importance of supporting students' social and emotional well-being. Summit High School, just outside of Frisco, CO, has a current population of 1,070 in grades 9-12. Based on recent student survey data, only 56-70% of students report feeling like they 'belong' at school. Our staff is on a mission to shift our school culture to help address this concern. One method of increasing belongingness is through prosocial peer interactions, particularly live face-to-face interactions. I am requesting funds to encourage such interactive play. My goal is to establish a free "Stay & Play" area, filled with a wide variety of games and activities that they can play with one another in person while at school. These opportunities will positively impact our students' feelings of belonging, sense of value, and ultimately, their ability to learn.

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Impact:
This games bookshelf would be located in the center of the school, within the library, and would have open access to students all day, every day, during school hours. The intent is to provide all students, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, gender, language, or culture, opportunities to connect and have shared experiences in real time while at school. Play-based interactions lead to enhancing cognitive development, better focus, quicker information retention, and improved problem-solving. It also fosters teamwork, collaboration, and conflict resolution skills, which are vital in both academic and future professional settings.

Use of Funds:
The funds will be used to purchase a wide variety of card games (e.g., Uno, Spot-It!, SkipBo, traditional decks of cards, TacoCatGoatCheesePizza, Would You Rather?), board games (e.g., checkers, Scrabble, Rummikub, Monopoly, Sorry!, chess, Battleship, Mastermind, Chinese checkers), and activities (e.g., origami paper, 3-D puzzles and mazes, Rubik's cubes, anxiety-relief coloring books, calligraphy sets, 'thank you' / 'thinking of you' cards), estimated at about $600. To help organize some of the materials, several trays and shelving units would amount to approximately $50. Total amount requested is $650.

Teacher: Joshua Rogan
School: Deer Trail School District
District: Deer Trail School District
District Website: https://www.dt26j.com/
School Address: 130 S. 2nd Avenue, Deer Trail, CO 80105
Grade Level: K-12 (Counselor)
Region: Northeast
Project Title: Meeting Maslow's - Care Closet
Category: Social Emotional Learning
Amount Requested: $2,000

Project Description:
Deer Trail is a small rural community with just over 1,000 residents, and our school serves about 300 students from PK-12. With 60% of our students qualifying for Free and Reduced Lunch, many face economic challenges. Due to the remote location, students lack access to suitable clothing and hygiene supplies, leading to difficulties focusing on academics. This project aims to provide students with hygiene education and supplies to improve their self-care, allowing them to focus on learning without worrying about their appearance.

Proposal:
The project will provide hygiene education and starter kits for students, as well as expand the current small bank of hygiene supplies and clean clothes available at the school. Many students deal with housing instability and lack access to basic hygiene items and new clothing. This project will alleviate the social pressures around hygiene and appearance by giving students access to clean clothes and necessary hygiene items, helping them feel confident and ready to learn.

Budget Breakdown:

• Unisex T-Shirts (10x YS-AL): $200
• Unisex Sweatpants (10x YS-AL): $750
• Basketball Shorts (4x YS-L): $100
• Boys' Underwear (7-pack YS-YL): $50
• Girls' Underwear (10-pack sizes 4-12): $50
• Socks (12-pack S-L): $40
• Old Spice Deodorant (.5 oz, 4x24 packs): $120
• Secret Deodorant (.5 oz, 4x24 packs): $120
• Face Cleansing Wipes (6x20 ct): $50
• Toothbrushes (100 ct): $25
• Crest Travel Toothpaste (8x12 ct): $70
• Menstrual Products: $250
• Travel Soap (100-pack): $30
• Travel Shampoo (100-pack): $30
• Travel Shave Kit (Cream/Razor, 100-pack): $50
• Mini Hair Brush Pack (56 ct): $30
• Baby Wipes (15x64-pack): $30

Total: $1,995

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Teacher: Ashleigh Madsen
School: Meadow Ridge Elementary
District: Weld RE-3J
District Website: www.re3j.com
School Address: 1501 Fletcher Ave. Lochbuie, CO 80603
Grade Level: 2nd grade (Math, ELA)
Region: Northeast
Project Title: Snacks & Storage!
Category: Social Emotional Learning
Amount Requested: $250

Project Description:
Help me provide my students with healthier snack options and storage solutions for classroom manipulatives! Many students struggle with staying focused due to hunger, either because they didn't eat a proper breakfast or there's a long gap between breakfast and lunch. By offering healthy snack options, we can help students maintain their energy and focus throughout the day. Additionally, we need better storage for math and reading manipulatives to ensure a more organized and calming learning environment.

Proposal:
Some students arrive at school without having eaten a good breakfast, either due to time constraints or a lack of hunger in the morning. This means that by the time lunch comes around, they've gone a long time without food, which can affect their focus and mood. I am requesting funds to provide ready-to-eat snacks for those students who forget to bring their own. Additionally, my classroom is in dire need of storage bins to keep math and reading manipulatives organized, reducing distractions and helping create a more regulated learning environment.

Budget Breakdown:

• Outus 24 Pcs Plastic Small Cubby Bins with Lids Toy Storage Bins: $89.99
• HapiLeap 8 Plastic Storage Bins with Lid, Stackable Storage Containers for Organizing: $69.98
• Mott's Applesauce Pouches, Apple Cinnamon (Pack of 48): $26.04
• Nutri-Grain Soft Baked Bars, Kids Snacks, (32 Bars): $33.24
• Cheez-It Crackers, Original, 1.5oz (60 Count): $30.69

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Teacher: Brook Pomeroy
School: Beaver Valley Elementary School
District: Brush School District RE-2J
District Website: brushschools.org
School Address: 420 Glacier Ave, Brush, CO 80723
Grade Level: 4th Grade, General Ed.
Region: Northeast
Project Title: Flexible Seating in 4th Grade
Category: Social Emotional Learning
Amount Requested: $520

Project Description:
Help give my students multiple seating options within our 4th grade classroom.

As educators, we know students learn in different ways. Different locations, being able to move about the classroom, and not being restricted to their designated desk space has been proven to help students stay engaged and learn as they are able to. Being able to offer a variety of flexible seating options for my variety of students will help them achieve the ultimate learning environment. Allowing students to have options and choice will increase their interest and peak their attention of the lessons being taught. Thank you for your consideration.

Budget Breakdown:

• Classroom Stools for Kids: for small group work at our kidney table (10 items) - $160
• Saucer Chairs: for a comfy, learning environment (3 items) - $240
• Director's Chair: Flexible teaching chair for teacher (1 item) - $70
• Floor Seat Cushions: for floor seating (12 items) - $50
• Total: $520

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Website: https://www.plattevalley.k12.co.us/en-US

Address: 600 Hill St, Kersey, CO 80644

Grade Level: Pre K (3-year-olds)

Region: Northeast

Project Title: Little Learners

Category: Social Emotional Learning

Funding Amount Requested: $2,000

Project Description:
I am a preschool teacher at Platte Valley Early Learning Center in Kersey, where I teach in the 3-year-old classroom. Our center has about 20 3-year-olds and 50-60 4-5 year-olds in other classrooms, and we all share the materials we have. We are in need of new dramatic play items, as most of what we currently have is old and in poor condition. Dramatic play is key for our play-based learning approach, and we aim to update our materials to include items for house play, dress-up, and themed setups such as a pie shop, coffee shop, and doctor's office. These new materials will provide the children with enriching learning experiences and opportunities for imaginative play.

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Impact:
By updating our dramatic play areas, we will be able to create new learning environments that engage students in hands-on, imaginative play. Changing the setups frequently-such as transforming the classroom into a pie shop or a doctor's office-will give students fresh experiences and help develop their social and emotional skills. The new materials will also provide opportunities for collaborative play, problem-solving, and creativity, all while offering a more immersive and realistic experience for the children.

Use of Funds:
- Backdrops: $300
- Dress-up Center: $200
- Dress-up Clothes: $300
- Laundry Set: $200
- Doctor's Office Set: $125
- Workshop Set: $200
- Kitchen Set (different foods): $675

Website: PlattvalleyRE-7.org

Address: 600 Hill Street, Kersey, CO 80644

Grade Level: Preschool

Region: Northeast

Project Title: Grow Little Minds

Category: Social Emotional Learning

Funding Amount Requested: $2,000

Project Description:
I am a lead preschool teacher in Kersey, Colorado, working with 3-year-olds. Our focus this year is on social emotional learning, helping students learn how to share, be good friends, and manage their big emotions in healthy ways. At the beginning of the school year, we spend a lot of time teaching these concepts, and I am seeking more toys and curriculum materials to support our lessons. Circle time and large group activities can be challenging, so we are exploring engaging tools like pop-up books and movement activities to keep the children's attention. Thank you for considering helping our little growing minds!

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Impact:
Providing more materials will expand the daily learning experiences in our classroom. By adding a dedicated social emotional curriculum, pop-up books, a calm-down corner, and cause-and-effect toys, I hope to enhance my students' ability to learn positive behavior and emotional regulation. Large group movement items and positive behavior incentives will further engage the children in developing their social emotional skills.

Use of Funds:
- Social Emotional Curriculum
- New Pop-Up Books
- Calm Down Corner Items
- Cause and Effect Toys
- Large Group Movement Items
- Positive Behavior Incentives

Website: middleschool.fortmorgank12.com

Address: 605 Education Avenue, Fort Morgan, CO 80701

Grade Level: 6-8 Character Traits/Integrity

Region: Northeast

Project Title: Gratitude = Happiness

Category: Social Emotional Learning

Funding Amount Requested: $550

Project Description:
Gratitude = Happiness is a project designed to provide materials for students to write thank you notes to anyone they wish. Expressing gratitude teaches middle schoolers the importance of empathy, appreciation, and consideration for others. It helps them learn that the world is bigger than just themselves, while also making them feel good. Writing thank you notes is incorporated into my Student Leadership class, a unique course I created that focuses on character traits like integrity, empathy, and gratitude. This class encourages students to acknowledge others and express appreciation in meaningful ways.

The Thank You Notes Station is part of our Centers Day, and it's incredibly popular with students. They choose from various cards, use stickers and pens to decorate them, and often ask if they can create more. The project allows them to focus on others and recognize the positive contributions people make in their lives. It's a simple yet impactful way to foster kindness and positivity in the classroom and beyond.

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Impact:
This project will positively impact students by encouraging them to practice gratitude and develop stronger social-emotional skills. Writing thank you notes helps students think beyond themselves, recognize the efforts of others, and experience the emotional benefits of expressing gratitude. It also enhances their empathy and consideration for others.

Use of Funds:
- $180 for various types of English and Spanish thank you cards
- $70 for various envelope stickers
- $70 for all types of gel and glitter pens
- $50 for storage totes
- $180 for color printer (students like to print pictures to include in the cards)

School Website: nfsis.deltaschools.com

Project Description:
Andrea Thompson, a kindergarten teacher at North Fork School of Integrated Studies in Paonia, CO, is seeking funding to create a calming, sensory-friendly space in her classroom. In today's technology-driven world, young children are facing more difficulties with sensory regulation and emotional well-being. Andrea has noticed an increasing number of students struggling to manage their emotions and connect socially with peers. This project aims to provide students with a cozy, calming space where they can feel safe and comfortable, allowing them to regulate their sensory systems and be ready to learn.

Project Proposal:
The "Soothe the Senses" project will transform a section of Andrea's classroom into a welcoming and soothing space for students to feel safe, loved, and seen. This sensory-friendly nook will help students regulate their emotions and sensory needs, providing a foundation for social and academic learning. The space will include a soft rug, a cozy canopy, and sensory materials that encourage calm and focus. These elements will help students feel at home in the classroom, reducing disruptive behaviors and creating a positive learning environment for years to come.

Budget Narrative:

Lakeshore Calming Corner Bundle: $736
Soft Rug: $179
Magnetic Tiles: $53
Sensory Wavy Balance Beam: $400
Total: $1,450

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Teacher: Susan Miller
School: Children's Kiva Montessori Charter School
District: Montezuma RE-1
District Website: kivacharter.org
School Address: 601 North Mildred Road
Grade Level: K-8
Region: Southwest
Project Title: Security Film for Windows
Category: Social Emotional Learning
Amount Requested: $825

Project Description:
We are a charter school with about 130 students. We are housed in a building that has many long thin windows, and every time we have a lockdown drill, our Student Resource Officers have asked us to cover our windows and glass doors with one-way mirror, bludgeon-proof window film for security. Right now, when our students try to hide, there are not enough spaces, and they can be seen. This film would provide privacy and added security, as it prevents the windows from shattering if they are bludgeoned.

Project Justification:
Even practicing lockdown drills can be stressful for many students and traumatizing for some, but at our school, there is really nowhere for the students to hide because of all the full-length windows. They know they can be seen, and this adds extra stress for them. This film will make it nearly impossible to see inside the rooms and building, giving staff, students, and our SRO officers peace of mind. The SRO officers have specifically recommended this type of film for added security.

Budget Breakdown:
We have 73 windows that need the privacy protective film. Most of them are between 12 and 24 inches wide and between 70 and 80 inches long. After measuring and calculating, we determined the number of rolls needed:

• 7 rolls of 24" X 50 feet @ $76.50 each
• 1 roll of 30" X 50 feet @ $112.99
• 1 roll of 36" X 24 feet @ $87.99
• 1 roll of 48" X 12 feet @ $86.99

Total: $823.47 (from Amazon)

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School Website: hps.eagleschools.net

Project Description:
Homestake Peak School, serving around 420 students from Pre-K through 8th grade in the Vail Valley, is seeking funding to restock their Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) store. Students earn SOAR points for demonstrating positive behaviors, which they can redeem for various items, activities, or experiences at the school's SOAR store. This initiative fosters responsibility and financial literacy, allowing students to play a role in deciding what motivates them both academically and behaviorally. The PBIS store helps students aged 3 to 14 take ownership of their actions, reinforcing school values of Perseverance, Excellence, Accountability, Kindness, and Safe, Organized, Attitude, Respect (SOAR).

Project Proposal:
The SOAR store offers around 150 different items, ranging from small trinkets to scooters and experiences like lunch with the principal or changing the school bell song. Points earned by students can be redeemed for items valued between 20 and 850 points. The store serves as a key motivational tool for students to excel both academically and behaviorally. Additionally, the store empowers students to manage their points through financial literacy, teaching them to balance saving and spending. Funding will enable the school to replenish the store with items that reflect student voice and choices, ensuring sustained motivation throughout the school year.

Budget Narrative:
Items for the SOAR store are typically ordered from Amazon or Oriental Trading Company. The full list of items and quantities can be accessed here.

Teacher: Amber Clover
School: Graham Mesa Elementary
District: RE-2
District Website: https://grahammesa.garfieldre2.net/
School Address: 1575 Farmstead Pkwy, Rifle, CO 81650
Grade Level: 3rd Grade, Reading, Math, and Writing
Region: Northwest
Project Title: Reading, Room, and Reorganize!
Category: Social Emotional Learning
Amount Requested: $1,500

Project Description:
This is my first year teaching 3rd grade, and I came into an empty classroom. As I get to know my students and their needs, I realize that organization, technology, and fun learning tools are essential. The items funded by this grant will help create a structured, engaging, and safe environment for my students. The grant will allow me to provide a welcoming, well-organized space where students feel secure and excited to learn, helping them thrive academically and socially.

Proposal:
My classroom is filled with bright, eager students who come from diverse backgrounds, many facing significant challenges outside of school. Despite these obstacles, they show incredible resilience and a thirst for learning. The funding will allow me to update classroom materials, add new technology, and provide a structured, engaging environment that will help my students feel safe, motivated, and ready to learn. This project aims to enhance their learning experience by creating an organized and stimulating space that encourages curiosity and academic growth.

Budget Breakdown:

• Lahome Insect Print Area Rugs 8x10: $159.99
• Criss Cross Chair, Cross-Legged Office Chair: $54.94
• Edens Garden OK for Kids Blends Essential Oil 18 Set: $34.95
• AFMAT Electric Pencil Sharpener: $30.00
• Biupky Rain Humidifier Diffuser: $26.99
• Teacher Created Resources Bulletin Board Roll: $17.99
• BN-LINK Wireless Remote Control Electrical Outlet Switch: $14.44
• COLAMY Rocking Chair (x2): $279.98
• The Questioneers Picture Book Collection: $50.97
• The Wonderful World of Elephant & Piggie Series: $49.98
• A Series Of Unfortunate Events Collection: $48.44
• HOOBRO Tree Bookshelf: $42.98
• The Mo Willems' Pigeon Collection: $41.50
• Grumpy Monkey Series 4 Books Collection: $37.19
• A Waffle Lot of Narwhal and Jelly (Books 1-5): $36.49
• Wild Robot Series 2 Books Collection: $20.70
• Not Quite Narwhal (Not Quite Narwhal and Friends): $12.37
• Weather Together (Not Quite Narwhal and Friends): $11.40
• Perfectly Pegasus (Not Quite Narwhal and Friends): $10.21
• IRIS USA Plastic Scrapbook Paper Storage Cases (x4): $187.96
• DEPOW Power Strip Surge Protector: $25.99
• Yuixoseu Bamboo Dish Drying Rack (x4): $18.99
• Senhoglb 12 Tier Mesh Hanging Wall File Holder (x2): $119.98
• DOSTATNI File Organizer (x2): $77.98
• BEYGORM Magnetic Dry Erase Marker Holder (x2): $25.98
• Secura Home 60-Minute Visual Timer: $21.34
• DIYMAG Round Magnets with Adhesive Backing: $9.99

Total: $1,450

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Website: https://www.canoncityschools.org/schools/mvcks/index

Address: 890 Field Ave Canon City, CO 81212

Grade Level: Prek-Social Emotional Learning

Region: Northwest

Project Title: No Stress for Success

Category: Social Emotional Learning

Funding Amount Requested: $2000

Project Description:
As a school counselor and teacher, I have the opportunity to work with every student in our school. Many students face stressors that make coming to school difficult, such as hunger, ill-fitting clothes, or hygiene concerns. To alleviate these challenges, I would like to create a "Care Closet" stocked with essentials that help students feel more comfortable and ready to focus on learning.

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Impact:
The Care Closet could help reduce student stress and absences by providing items like healthy snacks, socks, shoes, and hygiene products. These essentials will allow students to come to school relaxed, improving their behavior and participation in the classroom.

Website: mphs.egsd.org

Address: 795 N 2nd St, Granby, CO 80446

Grade Level: Grades 9-12: Outdoor Education

Region: Northwest

Project Title: Outdoor Education

Category: Social Emotional Learning

Funding Amount Requested: $1,000

Project Description:
Our high school runs a multi-day rafting/camping trip in the spring that focuses on exposing students to nature, removing technological distractions, and teaching students how to balance the social/emotional challenges of life today. Food has been a primary rising cost of this experience for our students. As costs rise, the future of this trip becomes more uncertain.

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Impact:
Here are some reflections from students who have attended the trip:
- "This has been the best thing I have ever done in my life."
- "I didn't think it was possible for a group of high school students to become so close and connected with each other so deeply."
- "On this trip, I learned how important my mental health really is."

Use of Funds:
$1,000 will be used to purchase food for high school students attending the school's annual multi-day rafting/camping trip.