Four Centralia teachers have been awarded $500 United Way Teacher Grants.
Kenya Stacey of Central Middle School/Centralia Junior High, Laurie Miller of Centralia City Schools, and Shannon Shipley and Stephanie Aarons-Dennison of Centralia High School were presented the awards Thursday night at the Centralia Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting.
Stacey will use her funding to purchase essential items for their inaugural Market Day program where students will design, create, and sell products to family and friends. The project aims to cultivate various skills, including collaboration, marketing and communications, while providing a practical, hands-on learning experience.
Miller will use her grant to fund subscriptions to education programs, special items that could enhance lessons such as science kits or materials, sensory items, interactive objects, or additional incentive items such as small trinkets and individualized rewards, to show students appreciation for their efforts.
Shipley’s grant will be used for ‘Club 180’, a program at CHS that supports students who have obstacles in the way and need additional support. They work on skills, catered specifically toward the students needs. The program provides lunch twice a month, brings in guest speakers, purchase supplies and sometimes meet general needs.
Aarons-Dennison will use her grant to provide crucial funding to purchase new instruments for the band program, directly enhancing the musical education and performance opportunities for students. The investment will also broaden the diversity of instruments available, allowing more students to take part in the program.
