"The NHJ Foundation grants have greatly benefited my students over the years. Last year, the FACS classroom was awarded an embroidery machine. Now that the students have the opportunity to personalize their sewing projects, they are so enthusiastic about working on them. Recently, my classroom was awarded a snow cone machine complete with flavored syrup and cups. The students will earn snowcones once a month for “positive” behavior in the classroom. This year I was also awarded a grant to travel to New York City with the high school FACS teacher. The trip was an amazing experience. A few highlights from our trip were that we attended a Fashion Show, took a pasta cooking class, and explored the wonderful city. The students loved hearing about our experience in the “Big Apple.” In a few weeks, I plan to bring NYC into the classroom and teach the students how to make pasta from scratch like we learned in our cooking class. The NHJ Foundation allows teachers to incorporate more engaging and exciting activities in their classrooms! As a teacher and parent I am very thankful for this fantastic organization!"

- Brooke McFann

"As a recipient of a NHJEF grant that purchased books of poetry to use with struggling readers, I have been amazed at my students' reactions to this! Whenever they see that I have the books out for the day, I inevitably hear exclamations of "Yes!" The students enjoy our poetry days immensely and some have taken the initiative to check out similar books from the library for their own enjoyment. This grant has introduced students to a new genre of literature to enjoy, and has definitely had a positive influence on their fluency skills. I am very grateful that the foundation supports teachers with the funds to enhance the academic experience of students at NHJ."

- Jennifer Edsell, Title I Teacher, Indian Creek Intermediate School

"NHJ Education Grants have been instrumental in helping students be successful in both my high school business class last year and with my students in my Resource class this year. Whether it be helping provide hands-on learning experiences that enrich students opportunity in the business world or by providing flexible seating for students to help them focus, the NHJ Education Grants have truly blessed the Indian Creek students and staff!"

- Mike Elmore, Indian Creek Middle School, Special Education Teacher

"Funds were used to cover printing costs for a 50-page literary magazine solely developed by the sophomore English classes. The magazine was composed of original writing and artwork of ICHS students and will provide students the opportunity to create a unique publication from beginning to end."

- Rachel Dobbs, Indian Creek High School

"Purchase of six Color Nooks, protective cases and headphones to help children become more engaged in reading through the use of technology. The Nooks can be used in independent reading, reading stations, and group work activities, and can be rotated in multiple classrooms each week. Additional apps are also available on the Nooks to provide additional skill development. Sponsor: Mutual Savings Bank"

- Brooke McFann, Angela Fennig and Chris Beasley - Indian Creek Elementary School

"This grant provided funds for the author Stephanie Bodeen to visit Indian Creek Middle School in support of the 8th-grade students reading the novel "The Gardner". The students did supplemental activities in Language Arts and Reading as well as a cross-curricular art project to go along with the novel. The author visit provided a unique opportunity for students to talk with the author behind the work of literature they are studying."

- Corey Scott, Bev Koron, and Jenn Talley - Indian Creek Middle School

"We purchased two electronic balances to enhance and expand laboratory experiences in the Indian Creek High School Science Department. The balances will allow for more efficient, accurate collection of data and additional inquiry-based opportunities in chemistry, physics and biology which will better prepare students for AP level courses in the sciences. Sponsor: ICHS Alumni classes of 1968-1979"

- Carol Piety, Jennifer Koron and Katie Fix - Indian Creek High School

"We purchased 36 S2H REPLAY activity trackers to be used in the ICMS 8th grade PE and Health curriculum (HEART). The tracker monitors student's activity level, notifies them when they are in their "zone" and when they fall out, and records the final fitness activity the student performs. The trackers would give students accountability in their efforts to reach the recommended 60 minutes of intense daily activity. Students are awarded points based on activity level that can be redeemed for rewards. The trackers can also be used in the 6th and 7th grade curriculum to introduce the fitness concept. Sponsor: Johnson Memorial Health"

- Debbie Miller, Melissa Poff and Brad Smith - Indian Creek Middle School