Arcadia Rotary has been doing Mini-Grants since 1989. To date we have awarded 400 grants totaling over $100,000. This year the awards totaled $3500, 12 grants out of a total of 27 applicants.

The Principal of 1st Ave Middle school, Tom Bruce, introduced three of the recipients. He explained how education has changed so much with the integration of technology early -kids able to go on the net at kindergarten level. The three awardees are each designated “Site technology coaches” – tech savvy teachers that can help others integrate more technology into their teaching methods.

The first teacher Courtney Miller teaches 6th grade. Her project “Young Scientist Become Publishers” allowed the kids to print magazines about science topics in a format they created for themselves. The format was taken from a magazine application that is provided by Google for Educators. The finished magazine layout was sent to a service “Blurb” that printed the magazines. Ms. Miller explained the kids, in small groups, did all the work with little supervision. It took a week to complete the booklets that were then printed and displayed at the open house. They sold the booklets and made $1000 which was used to buy a 3d printer. The cost of the magazines ($4 each plus shipping) was provided for by the Arcadia Rotary Mini-Grant.

Alejandra (Alex) Worozaken from Holly Avenue elementary teaches curriculum that covers body systems including comparing and contrasting the frog to human anatomy and physiology. Her mini-grant provided 28 bullfrogs for dissection for 120 students. Using small groups every student was able to be involved.  A goal is to introduce them to science and inspire some to more science oriented careers.

Antoine Le’s project for the Rancho Learning Center, Arcadia’s alternative/extension program allowed the purchase of two 3d printers. The “Rancho Extension School” is for “at risk”students. Many have lost all hope and have no dreams. The 3d printer teaches kids to envision their project and allows them to see it created. When asked “what can be printed?” Antoine explained when they study the civil war they can print a civil war era bullet, something that might better capture the attention of these youth.

All the teachers were appreciative of the mini-grant but also mentioned the ongoing support of Rotary and the blessing of being able to teach in the Arcadia Unified School District.