Friends of CRLS, a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to opening up educational opportunities at our high school, recently awarded five Faculty Innovation Grants up to $1,000 each to enable teachers, advisors, and other staff members to implement ideas that will energize learning and expand services to CRLS students. Congratulations to the following grantees:
Jeannie Martin and Casey Crosby, Teachers in the Special Education Post-Grad Program — “Post Grad Adaptive Kitchen” to create a program where students who have disabilities will learn life skills in an inclusive kitchen using adaptive tools and appliances, empowering them to lead more independent and fulfilling lives.
Anays Baez, Math Teacher at the High School Extension Program (HSEP) — “Math Game Night” to bring joy and awareness through math in the HSEP community by inviting caregivers to engage in problem-solving games with their children.
Lynette Belle, Best Buddies Club Advisor —“Spread the Word Inclusion Campaign to increase awareness about isolation of students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDDs) and promote a more inclusive school environment by launching a ‘Pledge to Include’ poster campaign throughout the school, challenging more general population students to engage with and advocate for students with IDDs.
Kara Brown and Mary Shinkwin, Athletic Trainers — “Concussion Role Delineation: From Field to Classroom and Back Again” to create and document a concussion management manual for CRLS, including a return to school without a return to field component.
Dr. Norbert Hootsmans, Math Teacher and Model United Nations Team Advisor — “Cambridge Rindge & Latin’s MUN Team for Everyone” to reduce travel costs to the National High School MUN conferences in New York City for students, particularly those with significant financial concerns.
Since 2007, Friends of CRLS has had a total of 255 grantees (
see full list), many of them collaborating with colleagues. Faculty Innovation Grants helped establish the School Store, Falcon's Market, and the Bicycle Repair Shop. Grantees have brought in accomplished guests, coordinated special events, created classroom libraries, purchased equipment and materials, developed services, and implemented many other projects.
Friends of CRLS will be taking proposals again in the fall. Please email
[email protected] if you would like more information.