Ellington recognizes EDU Innovate grant recipients from elementary to high school

The Ellington Board of Education’s meeting included a special recognition of EDU Innovate grant recipients. District staff introduced several teachers who briefly described how the grants will be used in classrooms across the district.

Connor, a technology education teacher at the middle school, said his grant purchased equipment for a CO2 car engineering unit used with eighth-graders, including timing and racing equipment to engage students in the engineering design process. Elise Castengway, the library media specialist at Crystal Lake School, said the grant funded EVO Ozobots for multiple elementary grades, allowing unplugged activities and iPad integration; Castengway said the district secured accessories during a holiday sale that expanded the kit. Erica Bushor, an eighth-grade math teacher, said RC cars will be used to collect real-world data and teach scatter plots and lines of best fit. Linda Robinson, technology integration specialist, said a grant provided four high-performance computers that will allow installation of SOLIDWORKS so students can learn 3-D design and pursue SOLIDWORKS certification. Subabh, who runs a post-school chess program at Ellington Middle School, said his grant bought professional chess boards for after-school instruction.

The board applauded recipients and staff said they hope community members will visit classrooms to see the projects in action.

Ending

The recognition was honorary; no additional funding decisions were made at the meeting. Recipients said they have already begun or are ready to begin using the equipment and will report on classroom outcomes through regular district channels.