Four Hilton Head Prep teachers received "Bright Ideas" grants from Palmetto Electric Eectric Cooperative after a competitive application process. Each year, Palmetto Electric awards funding for innovative classroom-based education projects. Congratulations to the following teachers who received grants:
- Michael Bassett ’92 [US English] and Katy Hudak [US English Chair] won a $750 Bright Ideas grant for “The Art of Living Write,” which will be used to provide opportunities for artistic expression and increase student-to-student mentorship in the arts. Upper school students will create a literature and arts journal featuring work by, and in collaboration with, middle and lower school students. A team of upper school students will also create a documentary about the collaborative aspects of the journal’s production, highlighting arts education and our students’ experiences with drama, visual arts, music and literature.
- Sarah Benedik’s [MS Science] grant, “It’s Hip to be Fit,” will be used to purchase a set of FitBit® wristbands that collect health data including heart rate, steps taken, calories burned and sleep patterns for the person wearing it. Data will be analyzed in the classroom and used to conduct Science Fair experiments.
- Gay Keyes [Library Director] will use funds from her “Read-y to Create” grant to purchase new arts and crafts books, and the supplies for lower and middle school readers. Student teams will read books, pick projects and teach their classmates. Each team will develop a supply list, a budget and plan teaching strategies.
- Funds for Jason Leonard’s [US Chinese] Bright Ideas grant will be used for computer programming and to support our international ESL students. The programs, along with planned curriculum, will help students transition to an all-English environment and communicate fluently.