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Westlake Educational Foundation awards $22,569 in classroom grants
Summary
The Westlake Educational Foundation announced $22,569.21 in 2025 grants to support classroom projects districtwide, including a $5,789 sensory-room grant for Westlake High School and investments in library renovations and STEM experiences at other schools.
The Westlake Educational Foundation presented its 2025 grant awards at the Westlake City Schools board meeting on Dec. 8, announcing a total of $22,569.21 to support classroom projects across the district. Miss McHugh, president of the foundation, told the board the funds will enhance educational opportunities and be distributed to projects in every building.
Notable awards included $5,789 to a Westlake High School team (identified as Ellen Furley, Betsy Donnelly, Rachel Kang and Katie McGlynn) for a 'Pathways Independence' sensory-room project that will purchase items such as a squeeze machine, a calming bubble tube and a wall-mounted sensory pad to support student self-regulation and independence. Miss McHugh described the sensory environment as important for developing self-regulation and coping strategies needed for learning.
Other grants announced included a continuation grant for Lee Bernison Middle School to expand an outdoor courtyard learning environment, $8,300 to renovate the Dover Middle School library under a 'Read the Last Renew' project to make the space more welcoming, and $3,336 to Dover Intermediate School for a 'Movement Minded Classroom' that provides flexible seating and movement options to improve focus for fifth-grade students. A Westlake Elementary STEM experience (a one-day 'Build a Rocket' program for second graders) was also highlighted; presenters said materials will be reusable for future years.
Board members and foundation leaders thanked applicants and emphasized that the foundation deliberately distributes awards across all buildings. The foundation promoted an upcoming car raffle fundraiser that supports future grant cycles. Recipients expressed appreciation: 'You can't learn if you're not regulated,' one teacher said, underscoring the intended impact of the sensory-room grant.
The foundation asked applicants to offer feedback on the application process; the board encouraged continued participation. No formal board action was required to accept the foundation awards at the meeting; the presentations were part of the recognitions section of the agenda.
