Makayla Huizar uses one of the flexible seating chairs to work and study in Haley Batchelder’s class, 1st grade at Hayes Elementary.

Enid Public Schools is proud to announce that 44 grants were awarded to teachers from the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

The total of all of the grants funded at EPS were valued at $38,210.05.

According to the press release, OSDE used federal pandemic relief funds to partner with DonorsChoose, awarding public school teachers with grants up to $800 each. The program, Classroom Learning and School Supplies (CLASS), opened on February 4 for teachers to apply and the $6 million set aside for funding was given away in three days. Joy Hofmeister, state superintendent of public education, directed the funding after a state-wide teacher’s survey showed the need for assistance in funding classroom tools.

Haley Batchelder, first grade teacher at Hayes Elementary, was one recipient from EPS. Her grant was for flexible seating.

“I have seen an increase in productivity, focus and responsibility,” said Batchelder. “I am so grateful to have these tools to further differentiate learning in my classroom.”

Another grant funded by OSDE was for a rolling book cart featuring books in Brenna Dunham’s English IV classroom at Enid High School.

“After two years of primarily virtual and digital learning I wanted to give my students the opportunity to get books and utensils back in their hands,” said Dunham. “The CLASS grant allowed me to do more interactive and hands-on activities in my ELA classroom!”

Additional funding was provided by donors giving to projects through DonorsChoose.

Kristen Jones, Curriculum Director at EPS, expressed her thanks for OSDE pushing this initiative for teachers.

“Our EPS teachers are always looking for ways to engage students in the classroom and grants are one way we can fund those initiatives,” said Jones. “The CLASS Grants awarded from the OSDE through DonorsChoose made a difference for over 4,000 EPS students because teachers took the time to request learning materials and supplies that would enhance their instruction. I’m excited that EPS was able to take advantage of this opportunity and that students benefitted as a result.”