Johnson Educators Awarded Grants

Shown are third grade teacher Tiffany Barrett and her classroom, along with SCCF Executive Director L.L. Lowry, Principal Doris Marcum, and members of the Sunnyside Alumni group.

Johnson Elementary School teachers were surprised with grants from the Sunnyside Reunion Memorial Fund in November. The teachers were honored with a surprise trip to their classroom from Sunnyside School alumni during American Education Week.

Educators at Johnson Elementary School were invited to submit applications for creative classroom projects which would provide a positive learning experience for students. The following teachers received $250 each for their ideas.
First grade teachers Leigh Funk and Lisa Spencer were awarded a grant for “Being Safe and Healthy in Scott County.” They will enhance the knowledge of the students about fire safety, help to prevent fires and what to do to stay safe in the event of a fire. The project also promotes healthy lifestyle and food choices along with the importance of daily exercise. They will visit the local fire department and Scott County Family YMCA.

Second grade teachers Flossie McGannon and Jaclyn Goode received funding for “Nurturing Our Nature Trail.” Johnson Elementary has a nature trail but it has become overgrown in the last few years and needs new benches and cleanup. All classes in the school will benefit from the outdoor lab which is used to study and document their findings on life cycles and habitats.

Third grade teacher Tiffany Barrett was awarded a grant for “Mad Science.” Lessons will be created and used throughout the year. One topic will be presented with different experiments each month after school during Science Club. Experiments including surface tension, water density and air pressure will be conducted while incorporating technology into the projects through the classroom webpage.

“Johnson Elementary School is overwhelmed and honored to be the recipient of the Sunnyside alumni grant,” said Principal Doris Marcum. “We do appreciate any help given during this time of such cutbacks. Any money donated will go to enhance the education of all the students entering the Johnson Elementary School front doors.”

The Sunnyside Reunion Memorial Fund, which is established at the Scott County Community Foundation, was formed after an annual Sunnyside alumni reunion. The one-room Sunnyside School was closed in 1956 when the new Johnson Elementary was built. The 2010 awards were presented in memory of Dora Evans Couch, Juanita McIntosh and Lois Somsel Moss.

If you would like to contribute to the Sunnyside Reunion Memorial Fund for future grants, please mail your tax-deductible donation to the Scott County Community Foundation, PO Box 25; Scottsburg, IN 47170. For more information, you may call 752-2057, email info@scottcountyfoundation.org or visit the website at www.scottcountyfoundation.org.