Elkins High School Dance students are bringing the rhythm and sound as they tap their way to success! To support her grant, “The Sound of Success: Granting Access to Tap Shoes for Aspiring Dancers,” Head Dance Director Susan Price used her $1,500 FBEF grant to purchase 38 pairs of tap shoes for students. When they step into the shoes, the students can smoothly create complex rhythms and music, releasing their artistic expression! Through tap, not only are students exploring the art of dance, but they are also supporting their cardiovascular fitness, toning and strengthening muscles, improving balance, coordination and flexibility and supporting mental sharpness through memory exercises. 

To support students’ love of reading and reinforce classroom learning, Dulles Middle School librarian Melanie Hodges received a $4,735 school site grant to fund her project, “From Algebra to Algeria: Using library books to support Math and Social Studies Instruction.” She purchased new library books that serve as powerhouses for math and social studies learning, as they support TEKS and add context and engagement that reinforces classroom learning. Students can read about the history behind math concepts and ideas, gain real-world connections as they learn how math shows up in everyday life, expand their civic and global awareness and receive narratives connecting them to current societal issues – all while developing their research and inquiry skills.