Five Meramec Valley R-III educators have been selected to receive a combined $8,869 in grant funding from the MVR-III Bridge Foundation, supporting new and expanded learning opportunities for students across the district.
The Bridge Foundation provides funding twice each year for projects that enhance instruction, encourage creativity, and strengthen student engagement. The latest round of awards will support initiatives ranging from mobile STEM exploration to early childhood motor skill development.
This year’s grant recipients include:
Noah Johnson, Coleman Elementary – $1,900 for STEM on Wheels, a mobile program bringing hands-on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics activities directly to students.
Denise Generally, Riverbend Middle School – $2,069 to enhance Project Lead the Way enrichment classes with additional STEM resources.
Sue Livingstone, Districtwide ELL Teacher – $1,500 for Digital Language Tools, providing technology-based resources that support English Language Learners.
Tonya Schimsa, Doris Hoffman Early Childhood Center – $2,500 for a project aimed at strengthening early childhood gross motor skills through play-based equipment and activities.
Danielle Beerman, Zitzman Elementary – $900 for the School Storytellers and Media Leaders Project, which helps students develop communication and media literacy skills.
The Bridge Foundation raises funds throughout the year to support educator-led innovation. It awards grants each October and March, providing ongoing opportunities for educators to pursue creative ideas that enrich students’ learning experiences.