2020-2021 Partner Grants
We’re excited to announce our 2020-2021 Move2Learn Grant Partners, a program that provides funding to Alexandria City Public Schools’ educators for fun and interactive programs that promote physical activity, giving kids the best opportunities to thrive during the school day. This year’s grants are funding creative and impactful programs teachers have put together to help their students. Science shows that getting regular exercise and movement is essential for academic and social development. With school starting out virtually this fall, the challenge — and need — is greater than ever.
We received a record number of applications: 13 new teachers applied and six repeat teachers applied to build on past successful outcomes. RunningBrooke awarded 19 grants at seven elementary schools across our city and T.C. Williams High School, for a total of $93,278 to benefit 3,879 students.
More than half of the programs, about 60%, are fulfilling immediate needs in the virtual setting, including movement kits that are being sent to students’ homes. Physical education and classroom teachers are collaborating to use the kits throughout the learning day to boost brains, spark focus and support both synchronous and asynchronous learning. The remaining programs are preparing schools and classrooms for when children return in person.
Here is the full list of our 2020-2021 Move2Learn Partners:
- Charles Barrett Elementary School
- Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology
- Ferdinand T. Day Elementary School
- James K. Polk Elementary School
- Jefferson-Houston Elementary School
- Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School
- T.C. Williams High School
- William Ramsay Elementary School
A Few Examples
April Bullock, a teacher of deaf and hard of hearing children at Charles Barrett Elementary, requested three portable Green Screens to increase student engagement and physical movement. This equipment will be in use for remote learning that is later convertible for the classroom.
She tested this tool during the summer, and in one activity, her students took a virtual field trip to space. Kids were up and moving, practicing their space walks, leaping, spinning, and reaching for floating objects.
Anne Booth, a teacher at William Ramsay Elementary, requested The StoryWalkⓇ trail, a walking trail between a half and one mile long for in-person learning. It’s a great way to get students and families moving and reading at the same time.
She’ll work with the school librarian to curate and purchase culturally responsive picture books and the exhibits will change monthly. Booth says the possibilities of ways to use this are endless. She hopes it will develop into a citywide project in collaboration with the Alexandria City and Library system.
Another kind of program for in-person learning is the BITS program, Biking in the Schools. Jennifer Wiser, coordinator for ACPS Safe Routes to School, requested a grant to purchase another set of bikes for the fleet. She said in speaking with her colleagues across the state, ACPS has far and away the most robust student biking program in Virginia.
“Last year, we taught biking to over 800 students — one-third of whom were new riders,” she said. “Our students love biking, and we appreciate the opportunity to teach this lifelong skill and promote a healthy, active lifestyle. We are thankful to community partners like RunningBrooke who make this possible!”
These are just a few of the amazing programs developed by amazing educators. RunningBrooke is proud to fund programs like these that give our students from around the city the same opportunities to succeed, regardless of their background or needs. As always, we are grateful to our fantastic sponsor, The LizLuke Team, and all of our generous donors who make this possible.
What People Are Saying
“Certainly RunningBrooke is the definition of IMPACT and ACTION.” Kurt Huffman, M.Ed, Executive Director of Community Partnerships and Engagement
“This is a world class donation. You are having a huge impact on our kids and especially at a time when they are all locked up. I believe your support will be even that much more important.” Greg Tardieu, Ed.D., Grants Officer
