From sensory gardens to student-constructed ferris wheels, Berkeley County School District teachers have some innovative projects in the works.
Thirty educators/employees from 15 BCSD schools were able to secure funding – either individually or as a team – through Berkeley Electric Cooperative’s 2023 Bright Ideas Education Program.
The program supports innovative and effective classroom education curriculum that cannot be covered by traditional school financing. Individual teachers can apply for grants up to $1,000 while teams of teachers are eligible for grants up to $1,500.
Teachers in public and private schools, K-12 in Berkeley Electric Cooperative’s service area are eligible to participate. Grants are awarded for projects in any discipline and are intended to help teachers within Berkeley Electric Cooperative’s service area produce a better-educated workforce. The grants are designed to help teachers introduce innovative teaching methods.
Grants are awarded annually in a competitive evaluation process. This year, with the support of the community, Berkeley Electric was able to distribute more than $35,000 to 30 different educational projects across the Lowcountry, supporting teachers and their classrooms.
Congratulations to Westview Primary on scoring a Bright Ideas Grant!
Occupational therapist Victoria Wood and physical therapist Dr. Annie Bailey are using the grant to benefit both Westview Primary and Westview Elementary students with special needs by purchasing sensory equipment. The idea is if a student’s sensory needs are met, their learning and academic readiness will improve. Wood said the plan is to purchase an enclosed trampoline structure that can be used as a ball pit. She also put in an order for a four-in-one climbing structure, as well as a water table, more weighted backpacks and vests, additional weight inserts and a sensory table that has arm holes for exploring textures.
“When a student is in their ‘just right zone’, learning occurs,” Wood said. “In order for certain students to get into their 'just right zone', accommodations and sensory strategies are provided.”