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| "Keys to Success" at Goochland Elementary School ( GEF image) |
Equipping our kids with the tools they need for successful
and satisfying lives is the goal of education. Filling thirsty young minds with
knowledge is a daunting task. As every child has differing gifts—the motto of
Goochland Public schools is “maximizing the potential of every learner—accomplishing
that task requires a supportive environment for creative teachers, and often
more money than is available in the county budget.
The Goochland Education Foundation, a 501c(3) organization,
was founded in 2008, at the start of the “Great Recession” when county tax
revenues were stressed by falling real estate values, to “bridge the gap
between what traditional funding provides and innovative education requires” by
citizens dedicated to help every student succeed. (Go to https://goochlandedu.org/ for details)
Each year, the GEF awards strategic innovation grants that reward
and incentivize creativity in education.
This press release describes 2025 grantees.
“The Goochland Education Foundation (GEF) Board of Directors
is proud to announce grant funding totaling $15,003.52 for ten innovative
projects that will directly benefit students across Goochland County Public
Schools. The Strategic Innovation Grants program supports the research and
implementation of forward-thinking instructional practices, empowering students
with the critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability essential for success
in today's dynamic world. "Innovation in education means meeting students
exactly where they are and giving educators the tools to unlock each child's
potential," said Cyndy Brown, Chief Executive Officer of GEF. "These
ten projects represent the kind of creative, student-centered approaches that
don't just enhance learning—they transform it. We're proud to invest in ideas
that will resonate in our classrooms and our community for years to come."
Dr. Andy Armstrong, Superintendent of Goochland County
Public Schools, attended the awards ceremony to celebrate the recipients and
their commitment to educational excellence. "Goochland Education
Foundation Strategic Innovation grants continue to expand and enrich the
engaging educational experiences our students and families deserve and
expect," said Armstrong. "From kindergarteners discovering the joy of
reading to high schoolers exploring professional theatre careers, these
projects demonstrate our commitment to nurturing creativity, critical thinking,
and real-world skills. I'm grateful to the Goochland Education Foundation for
their continued investment in our students' success."
2025 Strategic Innovation Grant Recipients:
● Time Travel in
Goochland and Beyond 4.0 – Byrd, Goochland and Randolph Elementary Schools
Fourth graders explore Goochland's historic sites as part of their Virginia
history curriculum, creating multimedia projects including podcasts, 3D models,
and photojournalism to showcase the county's role in state history.
● Enhancing Supports for Literacy Development – Goochland
Elementary Expands access to decodable books for struggling readers, providing
families and volunteers with targeted materials to build reading confidence and
fluency.
● Otterly Excited to Read: Kindergarteners Dive into
Reading! – Goochland Elementary Partners with Goochland Library to connect
kindergarteners with reading resources and foster a love of literacy through
structured library visits and community engagement.
● "Keys" to Success – Goochland Elementary
Provides wireless keyboards for fifth graders to improve typing fluency,
writing stamina, and digital literacy skills essential for future academic and
career success.
● A Sensory Room for All Learners – Randolph Elementary
Creates a dedicated sensory room and classroom calm-down spaces where students
can self-regulate, manage emotions, and develop coping strategies to support
learning and well-being.
● Just make a mark…(and see where it takes you…) – Randolph
Elementary Students refresh and enhance the school's outdoor courtyard learning
space through artistic collaborations with local artists, creating lasting
environmental and creative contributions.
● Good Morning Goochland: Student Broadcast Enhancement –
Goochland Middle Eighth-grade media students gain real-world journalism
experience through upgraded broadcast equipment for their student news program.
● Math through Music – Goochland Middle Students explore
mathematical concepts including fractions, ratios, and patterns through guitar
instruction, analyzing frequency relationships, time signatures, and chord
progressions while developing musical skills.
● Real World Experiences for the Performing Artist –
Goochland High Theatre and choir students attend professional workshops while
traveling to New York City to explore career pathways in musical theatre
through performances and backstage tours.
● Bulldogs Read to Succeed: Enhancing Student Literacy
Through Beanstack – Goochland High Implements Beanstack reading platform and
expands the library collection to gamify reading, track progress, and build a
sustainable culture of literacy across all subject areas.”
Kudos to GEF for funding these initiatives.
If you have an extra “bean” or two, please consider investing
in the future of our students through GEF.
