Providing Grants to Bring Innovation to the Classroom
Social Studies Teacher Shannon King Root
The world map on the wall in Shannon King Root’s social studies classroom at Cortland Junior High School was provided by a grant from the Cortland Public Education Foundation (CPEF).
“I am over the moon excited with this map as an additional teaching tool in my classroom,” Shannon says. “My students and I reference it all the time and even during times we are not learning social studies, such as during study halls.”
Since its inception in 1995, CPEF has awarded up to $8,000 in grant funding to Cortland teachers every year. The process starts when teachers submit a formal application detailing how the project will benefit their students and how it will expand the educational opportunities in the Cortland schools.
The CPEF board reviews the applications twice a year and awards grants to teachers and staff every fall and spring. CPEF has provided grants for a wide array of classroom resources, from wobble stools for students with special needs to a set of West African drums for a new music ensemble.
CPEF Grants Awarded for Fall 2024
Audio Amplification System - $812 for one amplification system in Barry Primary School. This is a two-part request. Written by Shannon Bush and supported by Katherine Swanson.
Art Easels/ Drafting Tables - $700 for 24 table-top easels and two drafting tables for the art classes at Smith School. Written by Elizabeth Moshkowski and supported by Jen Block.
Green Tech in the Makerspace - $946 for expanding opportunities to introduce students in the Jr-Sr High School to future green tech careers. Items include air compressors, Sea PErch robotics kits, an AI robotic arm, and solar exploration kits. Written by Jon Herr and supported by John Zarcone.
Live Sound Gear for Modern Band - $987 for purchasing specific equipment for live performances including a mobile PA system, a mic for guitar amps, etc. Written by Jon Keefner and supported by John Zarcone.
Banding Wheel: Art Supplies - $504 for twenty banding wheels for use in the HS ceramics and sculpture class. Written by Sarah Panzarella and supported by Joseph Mack.
Total Amount Awarded for Fall 2024: $3949
CPEF Grants Awarded in 2023
Meteorological Instruments - $1,000 for the 8th-grade science classes. Includes an anemometer, rain gauge, wind vane, thermometer, barometer, and hydrometer. This grant was written by Lacey Mikochik and supported by Kevin Cafararo.
Musical Instruments - $997 for the “Play at Home Project Part 2” and expands upon a Spring 2022 grant. This includes 3 guitars for the Modern Bands Class at the Jr/Sr High School. This grant was written by Jonathan Keefner and supported by Kevin Cafararo.
Esports Streaming Equipment - $965 for the Esports team expansion. This includes purchasing 5 capture cards that will allow the Cortland Esports team to elevate their program at the Jr/Sr High School. This grant was written by Jonathan Herr and Jordan Prignon and supported by John Zarcone.
VR Equipment - $1,000 for the “Leveling up Makerspace” in Cortland Jr/Sr High School. This includes two VR headsets and is the first step into adopting Virtual Reality technology into the classroom. This grant was written by Jonathan Herr and Kim Hay and supported by Janesa Cornish.
Total Amount Awarded Spring 2023: $3962
8th-grade students collect weather data with meteorological equipment purchased with a CPEF grant.
Fidget toys provide a quiet option for students who have difficulty concentrating in class.
Applying for a CPEF Grant
Teachers in the Cortland City School District may apply for a grant from the CPEF by filling out an application and mailing it to the superintendent’s office. Requests for funding may not exceed $1,000.
The application deadlines are: January 15 for spring grants and May 15 for fall grants.
Applications must include a summary of the purpose of the grant and an explanation of how the project will enhance the curriculum and expand the education of Cortland students. Teachers also need a letter of support from their school principal or administrator.
Here are the guidelines for the grants and here is an application.
For more information, contact the CPEF at info@cortlandpef.org.