Innovation Grants

Great teachers/staff are always looking for ways to create innovative instruction to engage their students. For the past six school years, with your support, SchoolForce increased the budget for the Innovation Grants program.

In 2022/23, SchoolForce approved just over $200,000 district-wide for 132 projects. This is possible due to the generous gifts from our donors. Innovation means impact. In these times, ALL staff has an impact on our students’ daily experience. Innovation does not need to be technology, it is books, experiences, creating safe spaces, and other ideas which allow students to engage in learning.

We are proud to have funded two projects which received Kent Awards in 2023. These were the intercession program at Sandpiper Middle School and the vast Cipriani garden projects across multiple grades with the leaders of the grant being TK & K teachers.

  • image description Sheep Heart Dissection
  • image description Light Table for Animation
  • image description “Hamilton, A Short Muscial”

Who is eligible to apply for innovation grants?

To qualify, Michelle Green SchoolForce Innovation Grants (MGSFIG) applicants must be:
• Actively employed as a teacher or staff member by the Belmont-Redwood Shores School District during the 2023-2024 school year
• In good standing with outstanding grant criteria, i.e.: if you have received a grant in previous years, you must have complied with all aspects of previously awarded grants

What is the application process and timeline?

Read and understand grant guidelines, eligibility, and grant timeline. Fill in the MGSFIG request form below and submit it by SEPTEMBER 15th. The grant will be reviewed and applicants will receive a response by October 6th. Grants must be initiated and all work completed by the end of the school year. Receipts must be submitted by May 31st unless an alternative date is previously agreed upon.

Apply for a Grant

Who do I contact with questions?

We are happy to help! Send an email: execdir@schoolforce.org.

Guidelines

The Michelle Green SchoolForce Innovation Grant (MGSFIG) Program is meant to creatively engage students, directly relate to the curriculum, and impact the learning atmosphere.

  1. Applicants should read and understand grant guidelines, eligibility, and grant timeline.
  2. Only one application is permitted per person. Staff can participate in collaborative grants, just not be the lead for this grant cycle.
  3. Applicants need to have full support from their supervisor for this project application and its implementation.
  4. The budget for the MGSFIG application should not include expenses incurred before MGSFIG approval nor non-academic items. Grants cannot include substitute expenses, food, other items which do not comply with the BRSSD health and wellness guidelines, or gift cards. Technology requests must be compliant with the BRSSD technology policy and be able to be supported by the district technology staff.
  5. Amendments to approved grants are permitted upon written request by the applicant and approval by the MGSFIG review committee.
  6. Applicants must initiate and complete all work outlined in their MGSFIG description by the end of the 2023-2024 school year.
  7. Following completion of the project, applicants will provide SchoolForce with a short wrap up report summarizing project status and successes/failures.
  8. Any unused grant money will be returned to SchoolForce for future grant cycles.
  9. If an applicant does not comply with the conditions of this program, it is necessary to reimburse SchoolForce for grant funds, up to the total grant awarded.
  10. Any non-compliance with terms and conditions of grants will render the applicant ineligible for future grants applications.
  11. All items purchased are property of BRSSD. The serial numbers must be registered at the time of reimbursement.

2022 Innovation Grants

2022 – CENTRAL

  • Kindergarten – Candace Temer – Flexible Seating
  • 1st – Claire Unger – Bringing Coding Into the Classroom
  • 1st grade – Laura Seawell – tinker space
  • 1st grade – Kerry Schroeder – STEAM materials & books about diversity/inclusion
  • 2nd – Gina Bruno – Flexible Seating and Executive Functioning Organizers
  • 2nd – Anne Marie Nobrega – Leveled Reading Books
  • 3rd Grade Team – Frax Math Site License
  • 3rd Grade team – Garden project
  • 4th grade – Cheryl Fong – Exercise the Mind and Body
  • 4th grade -Jennifer Gray – STEAM Hands-on materials
  • 4/5th grade – Laura Better – maker space
  • K – 5 – Reading Specialist/Learning Center – Amanda O’Connor – Flexible Seating
  • K-5 – Sara Nelles (Education Specialist) – sensory stations & flexible seating
  • K-5 – Vanessa Liao (Speech & Language Pathologist) – software & publications to support work
  • 3-5 – Dr Christopher Della Pietra – BodyBeat Sync Wireless Pulsating Metronome
  • 3-5 – Luke Barnes – Singing, Singing Bells Program
  • K-8 – Kate Williams – Behavior Specialist – Mental Health art supplies & engagement tools
  • K-5 – Danielle Kim – School Counselor – SEL Library & Alternative recess materials
  • K-5 – Sherrene Fu – Behavior Analyst – Social Skills Group
  • District-wide Science specialists – Lisa Sweeney, Teri Robinson, Anne Strehlow, Mia Fanourgiakis  – build a living biome (Val Helmont Experiment) 
  • District-wide School Counselors – Anisha Ramani, Paul Lucich, Katarina Cook, Danielle Kim – Kimochi – Targeted system for supporting students with emotion management
  • District-wide Speech & Language Pathologists – Strengthening the Core of Social Cognition

2022- CIPRIANI

  • TK – Diane Quiery Sexton – Phase two of TK Garden
  • Kindergarten – Ann Snelling, Kristen Walls, Alison Beltramo – Garden Project 
  • 1st grade – Tiffany Durand, Kim Donoho, Kim Suydam, & Tia Cilia – Garden Project
  • 1st grade – Tia Cilia – Small Group Hands On Learning Centers
  • 3rd grade – Tressa Sabo, Michelle Wike – Wildmind’s Our Native Wildlife assembly 
  • 4th grade – Jana Coyle – Classroom Library
  • 4th grade – Chris Suydam – Flexible Seating
  • 4th grade – Sean Nakamura – Brainpop
  • 5th grade – Bre Lawrence, Pamela Miller, Justine Phipps – Project-based STEAM Activities
  • 5th grade – Justine Phipps – Flexible Seating
  • 5th grade – Pamela Miller – Diversity Library
  • Custodian – Josue Alexander Mayorga, Allison Martinez – Responsible citizens project – trash grabbers, other supplies to empower students to care & clean for their environment
  • Behavior Analyst, Education Specialist, Speech and Language Therapist, Paraeducator – Megan Byerly, Elizabeth Boldt, Vanessa Liao , Julie Oeser, Ceren Kurt Olgun – IIntegrated Play Group (IPG) Training: Autism Collective for Peer Socialization, Play, and Imagination
  • District-wide Science specialists – Lisa Sweeney, Teri Robinson, Anne Strehlow;Mia Fanourgiakis  – build a living biome (Val Helmont Experiment) 
  • District-wide School Counselors – Anisha Ramani, Paul Lucich, Katarina Cook, Danielle Kim – Kimochi – Targeted system for supporting students with emotion management
  • District-wide Speech & Language Pathologists – Strengthening the Core of Social Cognition
  • TK-5 – Vanessa Liao (Speech & Language Pathologist) – software & publications to support work
  • 3-5 – Dr Christopher Della Pietra – BodyBeat Sync Wireless Pulsating Metronome
  • 3-5 – Luke Barnes – Singing, Singing Bells Program
  • TK-8 – Kate Williams – Behavior Specialist – Mental Health art supplies & engagement tools
  • TK-5 – Gwendolyn DeWees – School Yard Beautification
  • K-5 -Julie Levonian – Reading Specialist – High-quality decodable books
  • TK – 5 -Katarina Cook – Art Cart Social Emotional Learning

2022 – FOX

  • TK – Brandon Whiteman – STEM Exploration Centers
  • TK, K & 1 – Toni Strickland – Physical Challenges Materials
  • 1st grade – Bart Leaver – Decodable Books
  • 1st grade – Carol Raisner, Teresa Thompson -Superkids Reading Resources – Differentiated Decodable Texts Library
  • 2nd grade – Karen Bowman, Jen Duffy, Jennifer Pusker – Music Instruction
  • 3rd grade – Susan Hall, Kim Hock – Reading Support Materials for Lucy Calkins Reader’s Workshop
  • 3rd grade – Shelly Menz – Classroom Reading Materials
  • 3-5 – Dr Christopher Della Pietra – BodyBeat Sync Wireless Pulsating Metronome
  • Reading Specialist & ELD – Sarah Muscolina, Lara Goldman, Angel Hession, Shelly Menz, Kortney Kaa – Leveled Library
  • 3-5 – Luke Barnes – Singing, Singing Bells Program
  • TK-8 – Kate Williams – Behavior Specialist – Mental Health art supplies & engagement tools
  • K-5 – Sherrene Fu – Behavior Analyst – Social and Life Skills Group Teaching Materials
  • TK – 5 -Katarina Cook – Art Cart Social Emotional Learning
  • 4 & 5th grade – Dr. Anne Strehlow – Engineering Design Challenges and Hands-on Projects
  • 4th grade – Corie Silva – Meaningful Math
  • 5th grade – Julie Grogan-Crane – Books that promote social interaction and inclusion
  • ⅘ split – Kortney Kaa- Inclusive Books
  • TK – 5 – Lisa Mudd – Librarian – Books
  • 4th grade – Lynnette Dowling – Soft starts materials
  • Tk – 5 – Marla Levy – Speech and Language Pathologist – Everyday Speech
  • 5th grade – Nerina Carpenter – FOcus Tools & FLexible Seating
  • District-wide Science specialists – Lisa Sweeney, Teri Robinson, Anne Strehlow, Mia Fanourgiakis  – build a living biome (Val Helmont Experiment) 
  • District-wide School Counselors – Anisha Ramani, Paul Lucich, Katarina Cook, Danielle Kim – Kimochi – Targeted system for supporting students with emotion management
  • District-wide Speech & Language Pathologists – Strengthening the Core of Social Cognition
  • Ed Specialist /Learning Center – Lara Goldman, Sarah Muscolina, Angel Hessionn -Decodable Book Sets

2022 – NESBIT

  • Kinder – Michelle Rothe – Flexible Seating
  • Kinder – Christine Brady- Hands-on Literacy & Math Activities
  • 2nd grade – J Shaaban – Classroom Library 
  • 2nd grade – Najlaa Qattawi – Flexible Seating
  • 2nd grade – Tara Dolin – Flexible Seating
  • 3-5 – Dr Christopher Della Pietra – BodyBeat Sync Wireless Pulsating Metronome
  • 3-5 – Luke Barnes – Singing, Singing Bells Program
  • 4th grade – Mark Fox – Games for Logical Reasoning and Social Skills
  • 5th grade – Keli McHugh – class pet
  • 5th grade – Chloe Stein – Technology enhancements for classroom learning
  • 5-8 grade – Keli McHugh, Katey Marsh  – Lion King Jr Production Support & Funding
  • Reading Specialist/EL Specialist – Carolyn Fogarty, Stephanie McMaster, Meghan Ghassemzadeh – Decodable Text for Newcomer and EL students
  • 7th grade – Katie Hunter, Michael Reeves – Read to Succeed 
  • School Psychologist – Paula Mancillas, Paula Crosatto, Barbara DiGrande – Social Thinking skills
  • K-8 – Kate Williams – Behavior Specialist – Mental Health art supplies & engagement tools
  • Kinder – (Katie) Thanh Lu – Books
  • 3-8 – Carolyn Fogarty – Reading Specialist – Inclusive Books
  • 6, 7 & 8 – Cassandra de Wood – STEM materials
  • 8th grade – Chandra Mc Keon – Dystopian/Literary Nonfiction Books
  • 6th grade – Kyle Ting – engaging nonfiction books
  • TK – 8 – Lisa Mudd – Library Refresh
  • K – 8 – Paul Lucich – School Counselor – Tobacco and Vaping Prevention Program
  • K- 5 – Paula Crosatto – Speech and Language Pathologist – Speech & Language Therapy Subscriptions
  • 1- 5th – Stephanie McMaster – Technology Tools
  • 6th grade – Timothy McIntyre – Nonfiction books
  • 8th grade – Travis Whitebread – High Interest and Book Club Books
  • 3-8 grade – Ashley Green – Behavior Analyst – Behavior Tools
  • Tk – 8th – Jody Hamon – Speech & Language Pathologist – Learning and Growing Together
  • District-wide Science specialists – Lisa Sweeney, Teri Robinson, Anne Strehlow;Mia Fanourgiakis  – build a living biome (Val Helmont Experiment) 
  • District-wide School Counselors – Anisha Ramani, Paul Lucich, Katarina Cook, Danielle Kim – Kimochi – Targeted system for supporting students with emotion management
  • District-wide Speech & Language Pathologists – Strengthening the Core of Social Cognition

2022 – RALSTON

  • 6th grade – Susan Welter, Fleur Uptegraft, Robert Banker – Renewable Energy; Wind Turbine Engineering Project
  • 6th grade – Sabrina Adler, Kelly Jorgensen, Patrick Wilson – Marine Science Institute/Wonders of Watershed Program
  • 6th grade – Fleur Uptegraft, Robert Banker – Genetic Creatures project
  • 6th grade – Brian Kersey – Education Specialist – Flexible Seating
  • 6th grade – Noel Ekstrom – Create a Student Podcasting Studio 
  • 6th grade – Kenneth Kuo – Academic Focus Tools
  • 6th grade – Lisa Kafka – School Counselor – Academic Focus Tools
  • 6 & 7th grade – Lynn McVey, Jaime Sanchez, Sheila Woods, Alison Kim, Kathy Tofigh, Laura Parks, Franziska Bussiek – Vocabulary.com, Latin & Greek Roots
  • 7th grade – Michael Snyder – Dark Field Microscope
  • 7th grade – Franziska Bussiek – technology & flexible seating
  • 7th grade – Heather Staniszewski – math tools and executive functions aides
  • 7 & 8 – Daly Dominguez – flexible seating
  • 7 & 8 – Kathryn Marinos – Culinary Arts Tools
  • 7 & 8 – Alan Bean – Drama Elective Materials
  • 8th grade – Elizabeth Kendall, Dave Ortolan, Jenny O’Hara – Waves Unit
  • 8th grade – David Ortolan, Elizabeth Kendall, Valerie Gow, Jennifer O’Hara – Bottle Rocket Launch
  • 6,7 & 8 – Sherrene Fu – Behavior Analyst – Social and Life Skills Group Teaching Materials
  • 7th grade – Alisha Ferrario – Math Support Tools
  • 6,7 & 8 – Angela Sveda – Interactive Computer Science Library 
  • 6, 7 & 8 – Kira Painchaud – Librarian – Lunchtime Middle School Book Clubs 
  • 6-8 grade – David Pickett, Ellen Paisley, Michael Snyder, Tiffany Sam – SAGA Resources
  • 6-8 grade – Lisa Kafka, Dan Stark, Tiffany Sam, Patrick Wilson – Lunchtime Mindfulness Projects
  • 6-8 grade – Kelly Jorgensen, Brian Kersey, Franziska Bussiek, Josh Batacan, Ann Romani, Tatiana Kutuzova, Tiffany Sam, Dan Stark, Lisa Kafka – Garden Club
  • 6 & 7 – ​​Kirsten Knudson – Books for build literacy for struggling readers
  • 7 & 8 – Laura Parks – Yearbook Elective Support (cameras, software)
  • 7 & 8 – Robert Banker – Green Careers Curriculum
  • 8th grade – Susan Welter – Genetics and Adaptation Experiential Learning
  • 8th grade – Tiffany Sam – Sensory Counseling Toolbox

2022 – REDWOOD SHORES

  • Preschool – Alyssa Baker, Robin Silk – Motor Path for Gross Motor Development
  • Preschool – G Alves – Speech Language Tools
  • 1st grade – Heather Bassett – Sensory Materials, flexible seating and diversity books
  • 2nd grade – Kirsten Ivazes – Classroom Library/Math and STEAM Centers
  • 2nd grade – Lisa Ildefonzo – Sensory Tools & Chapter Book Library
  • 3rd grade – Katy Pasion, Rachel Imura, Sheri Norman – Generation Genius
  • 3, 4 & 5 – Alexandra Wolles – Educational resources, art projects, recreation games, and social emotional development tools for special education students
  • 4th grade – Beth DeStefani – Environment of inclusion
  • 4th grade – Lisa Fahey – Headphone(noise canceling and computers), Document Camera, Math Manipulatives, clipboards, diverse books
  • 5th grade – Caroline Baldonado – Reader & Writing Workshop and lots of books
  • 5th grade – Jessica Cobb – Reader & Writing Workshop and lots of books
  • TK – 5 – Juliana Hsu – Hands First Curriculum & OT Subscriptions
  • 3-5th grade – Ashley Green – Behavior Analyst – Behavior Tools
  • 3-5 – Dr Christopher Della Pietra – BodyBeat Sync Wireless Pulsating Metronome
  • 3-5 – Luke Barnes – Singing, Singing Bells Program
  • TK-5 – Kate Williams – Behavior Specialist – Mental Health art supplies & engagement tools
  • K-5 – Danielle Kim – School Counselor – SEL Library & Alternative recess materials
  • District-wide Science specialists – Lisa Sweeney, Teri Robinson, Anne Strehlow, Mia Fanourgiakis  – build a living biome (Val Helmont Experiment) 
  • District-wide School Counselors – Anisha Ramani, Paul Lucich, Katarina Cook, Danielle Kim – Kimochi – Targeted system for supporting students with emotion management
  • District-wide Speech & Language Pathologists – Strengthening the Core of Social Cognition

2022 – SANDPIPER

  • 1st grade – Jennifer Schultz – Decodable Readers
  • 1st grade – Jessica Dong – Whole Phonics Books
  • 3rd grade – Katie Rosas – Multicultural and SEL activities 
  • 3rd grade – Miranda Correll – Books of interest 
  • 3rd grade – Katie Rosas, Carolyn Marinaro, Miranda Correll – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Design Thinking
  • 3-5 – Dr Christopher Della Pietra – Music Teacher – BodyBeat Sync Wireless Pulsating Metronome
  • 3-5 – Luke Barnes – Music Teacher – Singing, Singing Bells Program
  • 6th grade – Nikole Neugebauer Buret – Creation of Culinary Arts elective 
  • 6-8 grade – Aaron Van Laar, Jules Dizon, Lynn Bjorkquist, Monique Burtschell, Valeria Gow, Nikole Buret, Francesca Karkoski – Inspirational Intersession Materials & curriculum
  • 8th grade – Monique Burtschell -Building Projects and Garden Beautification
  • 8th grade – David Ortolan, Elizabeth Kendall, Valerie Gow, Jennifer O’Hara – Bottle Rocket Launch
  • TK-8 – Kate Williams – Behavior Specialist – Mental Health art supplies & engagement tools
  • K-5 – Sherrene Fu – Behavior Analyst – Social and Life Skills Group Teaching Materials
  • TK – 8 – Juliana Hsu – Hands First Curriculum & OT Subscriptions
  • TK – 8 – Anisha Ramani – Counseling Curriculum & Supplies
  • 5-8 – Nicole Pacwa – Education Specialist – Classroom life skills group
  • 6, 7 & 8 – Valerie Gow – Middle School Electives & Clubs
  • TK – 8 – Ann Truong – Speech and Language Pathologist – SLP software
  • TK- 8 – Sherrene Fu – Behavior Analyst – Social Skills Group
  • Tk – 8th – Jody Hamon – Speech & Language Pathologist – Learning and Growing Together
  • TK – 8 – Stephanie Scala, Anisha Ramani, Sherrene Fu, Jennifer Giese, Nicole Pacwa, Benjamin Bartel – Wellness Center
  • K- 8 – Evan Vanlaar – Reading Specialist – Leveled Library Book Sets and Language Library
  • District-wide Science specialists – Lisa Sweeney, Teri Robinson, Anne Strehlow, Mia Fanourgiakis  – build a living biome (Val Helmont Experiment) 
  • District-wide School Counselors – Anisha Ramani, Paul Lucich, Katarina Cook, Danielle Kim – Kimochi – Targeted system for supporting students with emotion management
  • District-wide Speech & Language Pathologists – Strengthening the Core of Social Cognition
See 2018-2021 Grants
  • Earthquake Proof Structures Fox 4th/5th Grade Science
  • STEAM Maker Station 1st Grade, Central
  • Lamb Heart Dissection Fox 4th/5th Grade Science
  • Breakout Boxes Ralston Middle School English
  • Light Table, Animation Ralston Middle School
  • STEAM Challenge Materials 5th Grade, Fox
  • STEM Matrials 5th Grade, Cipriani
  • Stepping Stones, Outdoor Play RWSE Preschool
  • Snap Circuit STEM Kits 3rd Grade, Central
  • Plant Unit Supplies 4th Grade Science, Nesbit
  • One World Classroom Conversation 6th Grade, Sandpiper
  • Incubator/Chick Unit Kindergarten, Nesbit