Over 800 students throughout Old Adobe, La Tercera and Miwok Elemetary Schools will benefit from a $15,000 Major Impact Grant from Petaluma Educational Foundation, funding a state-of-the-art program that teaches children new and innovative methods of how to learn, communicate and think creatively, critically and independently.
The second (Sonoma Country Life Sponsor) PEF Major Impact Grant to be featured, Visual Thinking For 21st Century Citizens uses classic art masterpieces to invite and promote motivational, challenging conversation and conclusions, based on evidence.
"VTS uses technology to activate the frontal lobe of the brain by deep thinking, contemplation and articulation required to engage in thoughtful discussions involving art or other subject areas," explains Ken Schwinn, Principal of Petaluma's La Tercera School.
"This grant will truly have a major impact for years to come for Old Adobe Schools. There is another Visual Thinking Strategies event coming up in Petaluma. We aim to grow this program to all schools in Petaluma and want more people to know and understand why it is so wonderful," says Diane Zimmerman, Superintendent, Old Adobe Union of an event to introduce the program to educators in the area. The event takes place at the Petaluma Arts Center, Thursday February 4th, 2010 from 4-6pm. To find out more about this fascinating new educational tool, rsvp to attend the event.
Superintendent Zimmerman is pictured above, second from right, with Janet Ramatici, Executive Director of PEF (left), Carol Ann Libarle, PEF Board Member/VP Fundraising and JRick Parker, President of OAUSD School Board.
Petaluma Educational Foundation's Board has been extremely busy this January, out and about in the educational community presenting Major Impact Grant awards amounting so far this new year, to $96,281:
Wilson Elementary: "Accelerated Education in Math and Reading" for $14,427 -directly affecting 202 students.
Corona Creek Elementary: "Educating the Digital Generation" for $15,000 -directly affecting 481 students.
Kenilworth Junior High: "Junior High Fitness Circuit" for $15,000 -directly affecting 1,014 students.
Petaluma High School: "Advanced Agriculture Art and Iron Working" for $11,700 partnership with Rotary Club of Petaluma -directly affecting 85 students (featured here last week).
Grant Elementary: "Engagement, Accessibility and Achievement for All" for $10,154 partnership with Grant School parent group -directly affecting 353 students.
Old Adobe Union School District - Old Adobe, La Tercera and Miwok Elementary: "Visual Thinking for the 21st Century Citizens" for $15,000 - directly affecting 870 students (featured above).
McDowell Elementary: "SMART Board Technologies" for $15,000 -directly affecting 316 students.
With additional funding, several more cutting-edge programs will be added to the award recipient list in the next few weeks, including a new "Learning Garden" for $5,000 in partnership with Barbara's Bakery -directly affecting 100% student body in a school to be announced.
A city-wide, 3rd Grade Science Program at Shollenberger Park, administered by Petaluma Wetlands Alliance for $5,000 in partnership with Petaluma Chapter of Realtors -available to all 50 third class classrooms in all Petaluma area schools was announced last Fall.
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