MPS is proud to have two our Bear Exploration Center teachers to be awarded the Alabama Power Classroom Grant. The Alabama Power Classroom grants are designed to prevent teachers from paying for materials out-of-pocket by awarding grants up to $1,000 for materials to better the classroom environment, and in turn, enhance a student's ability to learn.
Ms. Keisha Graves, a 3rd-grade teacher, and Mrs. Maria Ball, a 1st-grade teacher, were selected as recipients. Both teachers plan to use the grant funds to provide hands-on learning experiences for students.
Ms. Graves’ project, titled The Great Outdoor Classroom: Stations that Spark Curiosity & Creativity, will support the development of a sensory garden and weather station in Bear Exploration Center’s Certified Alabama Outdoor Classroom. This project will provide students with hands-on learning opportunities that engage their senses and deepen their understanding of science, nature, and environmental stewardship.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Ball’s project, Mindful Minds, Mindful Hands, aims to support student learning experiences by providing resources that are intended to create an engaging and effective learning environment for first-grade students, promoting their academic growth and understanding.
Both teachers expressed gratitude for the opportunity the grants provide. As they move forward with their projects, Graves and Ball hope to continue facilitating hands-on learning experiences to ensure their students have the tools and inspiration to succeed in both academics and beyond.
