SDNEA Awards Mini-Grants, Scholarships at BOE Meeting
May 25, 2023 - Special District National Education Association (SDNEA) presented its annual round of student scholarships and teacher mini-grants at the SSD Board of Education meeting on May 23, 2023. Funding these projects has been part of the organization’s mission for many years and demonstrates its support of extraordinary teaching and learning among SSD’s population.
"SDNEA leadership recognizes the fact that so many teachers put their own money into creating interesting learning opportunities for their students, and we love that we are able to give back in this way," says Tammy McGrellis, SDNEA president. "Also, it is our pleasure to assist students in their future endeavors in whatever way we can help."
Twelve SSD teachers (pictured above) were selected to receive mini-grants, each worth up to $500. Project proposals were required to benefit students but not fit within any budget managed by their principal or coordinator. This year, teachers have been granted funds to cover proposals that include the cost of language and communication aids, supplies for calming rooms/sensory labs, and supplies for a student garden.
Mini-Grants to Teachers
Allison Gill - Litzsinger School
Amanda Howell - Parkway Bellerive Elementary
Amanda Wise - Litzsinger School
Christina Monolo - SSD ECSE, Augmentative Communication
Danielle Cerone-Griffin - SSD ECSE
Ginny Scognamiglio - SSD ECSE, Augmentative Communication
Lisa Finder - Rockwood Kellison Elementary
Madelyn McDonald - Parkway Bellerive Elementary
Molly Raines Evans - Litzsinger School
Monica Sood - Rockwood Kellison Elementary
Bonnie Meyers - Parkway Wren Hollow/Shenandoah Valley Elementary Schools
Cynthia Bodecker-Meyers - Ferguson-Florissant Ferguson Middle School
The SDNEA selected four SSD students for scholarships (pictured below). The students were selected based on the essay they each submitted about goals they wanted to achieve after high school. They were nominated by SDNEA members.
Scholarships
Andres Giardina (Ritenour High School) - St. Louis Community College: General Arts
Terrence Clark (Ritenour High School) - St. Louis Community College: Funeral Service Education
Evelyn Auberry (South Tech High School) - St. Louis Community College: Culinary Arts
Jamaal Hayes (SSD Northview High School) - University of Missouri-St. Louis: Succeed Program