MEF Round 44 Grants – November, 2024

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Round 44 Grants – November, 2024

MIS Chess Club
The MIS Chess Club is an after-school club designed to introduce 5th and 6th grade students to the vast world of possibilities in the world of chess. 2020 ushered in a world of technological advancements in every aspect of the world and chess is no exception. Despite the rapid expansion of chess globally, chess’ presence in Merrillville (and the Region as a whole) is the same if not less than when I was a student in Merrillville schools. The purpose of a chess club is to provide a space where kids can learn the game of chess and develop all the skills needed to be productive and successful students in the classroom and, eventually, successful adults. Chess is one of those games where there is no barrier to entry and allows for all skill levels to get together and learn. Chess also has no limits in terms of who gets to play as both boys and girls, young and old can play on equal and fair terms and practice good sportsmanship. Chess is also a worldwide game, thus opening up those that play to a literal world of possibilities.
Merrillville Intermediate School, Grades 5-6, 30 students, Joshua Haynes
Robotics Team Arena Field Tiles Replacement
The robotics arena field is used exclusively for the robotics team as all the competitions take place in these arenas on foam tiles. The team uses their arena to test and design their robots that are built for competition. Over time of having field structures being built on the tiles and competition tape put down, the tiles have become worn and need replacing. New tiles will be necessary for the robot to drive without any interference from any damaged tiles. Also, the programming of the robot to go from point A to point B has issues when the program runs and assumes a clean path without any blemishes in the arena tiles to change the robots path. This MEF grant would be a great opportunity to update the arena without replacing the entire structure.
Merrillville High School, Grades 9-12, 12-15 students, Joseph Hussey
Science of Reading Tools Library
We seek funds to establish a comprehensive library of hands-on manipulatives, interactive games, and targeted resources aligned with the Science of Reading framework. These materials will enhance students’ language arts skills by supporting foundational reading areas like phonemic awareness, decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. These tools will cater to diverse learning styles and promote deeper understanding by making learning more engaging. Teachers will be empowered to deliver more differentiated instruction during Student Resource Time (SRT) and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MITSS), helping close learning gaps. This tools library will provide lasting benefits, improving literacy outcomes for students across all grade levels. we seek funds to establish a comprehensive library of hands-on manipulatives, interactive games, and targeted resources aligned with the Science of Reading framework. These materials will enhance students’ language arts skills by supporting foundational reading areas like phonemic awareness, decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. These tools will cater to diverse learning styles and promote deeper understanding by making learning more engaging. Teachers will be empowered to deliver more differentiated instruction during Student Resource Time (SRT) and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MITSS), helping close learning gaps. This tools library will provide lasting benefits, improving literacy outcomes for students across all grade levels.
Salk Elementary School, Grades K-4, 565 students, Kevin Kerr, Rose Matthews, Nick Petralia, & Tammy Rassbach
Flexible Seating Choice
This project “Flexible Seating Choice” will be used for the students to complete their small group work and independent work. Each student will get a choice for their flexible seating. In order to continue to use the flexible seating, the students will have to show responsibility of taking care of the seat, completing work while using the flexible seating option, and obtain higher grades as this is helping our learning environment. The purpose of this project is to help students learn in a better manner as these children have lots of wiggles and need movement to keep their brain working and focused.
Fieler Elementary School, Grade K, 22 students, Nicole Olson
Reading A-Z Reading Program
Reading A-Z is a reading program that has phonics-based activities and books to meet the needs of the students with IEPs. The Reading A-Z program has books that can be used with the students to work with both fluency and phonemic awareness. They will benefit with books they can bring home to practice, read in groups in class, and complete activities. This can further help them progress with The Science of Reading. The phonics portion of it aligns with the Science of Reading as well as meet the needs of the IEP goals of the students.
Wood Elementary School, Grades K-4 Special Education, 30 students, Melina Parent
Pierce Reading Program
Pierce Reading Program is an initiative used to encourage students to independently read in order to obtain the many benefits that reading provides as mentioned above. As a motivator, this is a rewards-based program having used student input to determine rewards. Unlike other programs, this one does not limit what students can read nor assigns quizzes or time limits on books. This allows students the freedom of choice and pace which in itself is an encouraging factor. I believe that this program can create an environment that demonstrates the importance and joy of reading which will also stay with the students beyond Pierce.
Pierce Middle School, Grades 7-8, 800 students, Megan Henderson
Science in the Classroom
The 4th grade teachers would like to bring generationgenius.com into the classroom. This online subscription offers many incredible science lessons that fill the gap for 4th grade Indiana State Standards. There are thirty-seven science lessons which include videos, experiments, vocabulary and reading lessons. Each lesson is matched to a state standard. We would like to use the lessons and hands-on activities in the classroom so that students perform better on ILearn Science which fourth graders are required to take.
Miller Elementary School, Grade 4, 50 students, Michelle Robinson and Thomas Helmuth
STEM Butterfly Garden
This standards-based lesson plan allows students to explore the wonders of the natural world around them. Utilizing our outdoor science courtyard, students will build, design, grow butterflies from caterpillars and keep this endangered species alive. The butterfly garden is located in the center of our school within our courtyard, adjacent to the pond. Approximately 200 students will be able to make predictions, monitor the processes and climate of the growth of butterflies. This interactive project is designed to build a sense of wonder, excitement and appreciation for the natural world around us.
Iddings Elementary School, Grades K-1, 205 students, James Stamper
Milo Imagines the World
Milo Imagines the World project will inspire our students to understand how all of the lessons they learn at school intermingle with the world around them. The knowledge they gain in a literacy lesson is important in art and in our community. Milo Imagines the World project will enable our students to see themselves and see others in a new way. The story will inspire them to be better versions of themselves with learning empathy and recognizing our similarities. They will begin to understand how important it is to learn all we can about the people we live with and are in community with so that we can be more understanding. The purpose of this project will also be to help our third and fourth grade students gain an understanding of idioms of which they may have little understanding.
Miller Elementary School, Grades 3-4, 100+ students, Janet Tipold
A World of Words: Building a Diverse Classroom Library
The “A World of Words: Building a Diverse Classroom Library” project aims to establish a comprehensive and engaging classroom library in my 6th-grade ELA classroom. By providing students with access to a wide range of books from diverse cultures and genres, this project seeks to foster a love of reading, enhance reading comprehension, and promote critical thinking skills. The library will feature a variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and graphic novels, covering a wide range of topics and themes. Students will have opportunities to participate in a variety of reading activities, such as book clubs, author studies, and independent reading. Through these activities, students will develop a deeper appreciation for literature and learn valuable skills that will benefit them throughout their academic and personal lives.
Merrillville Intermediate School, Grades 6, 60 students, Melissa Bushnell
Handmade With Love Program
Handmade with Love is the name of our project. It will involve two groups of 4th grade students meeting twice a week to crochet red scarfs for our service men and women. Our Behavior Aide will be meeting with our students to teach them to crochet. Students that volunteer will agree to meet twice a week during recess to complete the scarfs. The project will be documented on social media, newsletters, and announcements in the building. We believe students involved in the Handmade with Love program will learn the importance of service to others and understanding that even small gestures of kindness are never wasted.
Miller Elementary School, Grades 4, 10-12 students, Nancy Fleming
Let’s SWITCH to Effective Communication to Increase Positive Behaviors in Children with Autism
My proposed project “Let’s SWITCH to Effective Communication to Increase Positive Behaviors in Children with Autism” is designed to provide opportunities for our elementary-age students who are non-verbal in the Pirate Academy a way to effectively and quickly express their wants and needs; encourage positive communication with their peers, teachers, and adults; increase positive behavior; and actively participate in the curriculum. This project aligns with MCSC’s mission of frequent monitoring of student progress, and aligns with MSCS’s Standards for Reading in Grades 1-3. The purchase of two sets of switches with four buttons each can be used for the whole class. These switches can be programmed and changed quickly and easily for the subject/assignment at hand, whether for academics, behavior support, or social communication.
Pirate Academy Class, Grades 1-3, 10 students, Michelle McGill-Vargas
Reading is FUNdamental
In efforts to encourage the love of reading, Miller School hopes to bring an interactive book vending machine to use as a reward incentive. Through PBIS, academic progress, and modeling great character traits (all a part of our school’s goal), we would love to reward our students with a book to build their home libraries. Like any kid, adult or small, everyone loves a good vending machine. The difference is that we won’t have sweet treats or salty snacks that are often unhealthy, but books that will grow students love of reading. As rewards, students will receive a token that will allow them to choose a book of their own (chapter or picture book). Our purpose is to “build a school” (school’s theme is Building our Future One Brick at a Time) of students who love to read.
Miller Elementary School, Grades K-4, 250-300 students, Jennifer Griffin
Learning and Growing and Through Fun
The purpose of this project is to fund the occupational therapy department in order to assist us with more sensory friendly equipment as we have started out with the bare minimum for our students since leaving the co-op. The reason many students need OT services is because the learning style that is being taught in the classroom is too challenging and they need alternative ways to address the underlying skills that they are struggling with. This could be decreased hand strength, sensory challenges, visual motor coordination difficulties, etc. If we do not have the proper equipment and alternative ways to address these skills, then we are unable to provide students with the best interventions to meet their goals. Our department wants to provide the proper therapy within the school setting to give our students the treatment they deserve!
Merrillville High School and Pierce Middle School, Grades 7-12, 300 students, Kennedy Albertsman
Building Character at Salk Elementary School
A structured approach to character education enhances students’ social skills and emotional intelligence. By introducing, reviewing, and celebrating character traits, Salk creates an environment where students can thrive both academically and personally. Character traits are essential qualities that help shape who students are as individuals. For elementary students, understanding and developing positive character traits such as kindness, honesty, and responsibility is crucial for building strong relationships with peers and adults. These traits not only guide students in making good choices but also help them navigate challenges and conflicts they may encounter in school and beyond. By learning about character traits, students can recognize the value of empathy and respect, fostering a positive classroom environment. Emphasizing character education in the early years sets the foundation for becoming caring, compassionate citizens, ultimately contributing to their social and emotional growth in later years.
Salk Elementary School, Grades K-4, 600 students, Nicholas Petralia
EZ Measurement Trainer
The EZ Measurement Trainer is a teaching tool designed to help students learn how to read a tape measure accurately and confidently. It typically consists of a tape measure or ruler with clearly marked increments, often featuring supplemental labels or color-coded sections to make identifying fractions of an inch (like 1/8, 1/4, and 1/2) easier. This trainer is particularly useful for students struggling with measurement concepts, as it provides a hands-on, visual method for understanding and practicing measurements. Widely used in vocational education and construction training, it helps students overcome measurement anxiety and gain a foundational skill essential for success in the construction trades.
Merrillville High School, Grades 10-12, 220 students, Terrell Taylor & Max Sokol
The Ukelele Innovation in General Music
The Ukulele Innovation in General Music project is designed to teach 5th and 6th-grade students how to play the ukulele while learning the basics of music. Over the course of several months, students will learn to play chords, strum patterns, and simple songs. They’ll also explore music theory and write their own short compositions. The goal is to not only develop their musical skills but also to encourage creativity and teamwork. The project will culminate in a final performance where students can showcase what they’ve learned, building confidence and pride in their achievements. It will be a fun, engaging experience for all.
Merrillville Intermediate School, Grades 5-6, 500+ students, Emma Goulet
PBIS Cart
The Pirate Academy PBIS Cart will reward students for making good behavioral choices and improved academic effort. By monitoring and rewarding students on a weekly basis, we are able to help them monitor and apply self-regulation skills so that they are more successful students. Positive behavioral interventions and supports have been proven to enhance students’ academic, behavioral, social and emotional successes. It is a program that has been instituted and supported within our school district. Therefore, we believe it will also benefit the students of the district’s newly formed entity, the Pirate Academy.
Pirate Academy, Grades 1-13, 24 students, Zella Garron
Ukuleles for 8th Grade
This project aims to provide the students of the 8th grade general music class with the opportunity to perform on actual instruments and take part in an activity they would not get to do otherwise unless they joined an instrumental ensemble. The instruments would provide a unit of learning concepts such as, history of the ukulele, cultural impact of it, how to play certain chords, chord progressions, and performance etiquette.
Pierce Middle School, Grades 8, 75 students, Alex Villalpando
Show Your PBIS Off
The “PBIS Star Student” shirt contest and “PBIS Star Student” will serve as a platform to celebrate and recognize students who exemplify positive behavior and values within our school community. Through this initiative we aim to foster a culture of respect, responsibility, and recognition among all students. We are seeking approval and support for the implementation of this program to enhance the overall school climate and promote positive behavior among Merrillville students.
Merrillville High School, Grades 9-12, 2400 students, Courtney Gabriel
SRT Math Resources
Our grant proposal, SRT Math Resources, is a way to help our students improve their independent and critical thinking skills while also reviewing math, ELA, and social skills. It also helps keep Merrillville School Corporation a step ahead of the state and what Indiana expects of their students. Our main purpose in requesting this program is to not only provide our students with essential tools, but also help them prepare for the future. Helping our kids build critical thinking skills and independence during small group SRT time is not only practical, it is vital to their success in life.
Wood Elementary School, Grades K, 60 students, Stacie Anderson

TOTAL ROUND 44 GRANTS: $12,717.00

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MEF Round 44 Grants – November, 2024

All Awarded Grants