LEWISTON – Thomas Stocker always wanted a better way to teach his freshmen about energy. As an Earth science teacher at Lewiston High School, he could build models to show atoms, but energy was too abstract for such hands-on lessons.
When he finally thought of a way – building two contraptions using solar panels, a bicycle and light bulbs – he realized he didn’t have any money.
On Thursday, the Lewiston Education Fund made sure that wasn’t a problem any more.
Stocker and four other teams of teachers won $1,000 each to pay for a special activity or a creative or innovative program.
“I’m so excited,” Stocker said. “These are the kinds of programs that keep you fired up.”
The Lewiston Education Fund was established in 2002 with a $10,000 contribution from a developer who wanted an easement across Martel Elementary School’s property. School officials envisioned the fund as a way to accept and distribute private donations to the city’s schools.
For two years the fund was little publicized and never used. A five-member board of directors spent the time creating a logo, writing a mission statement and setting a goal to get $1 million in endowments. Although the nonprofit fund only had about $18,000, directors decided they could start giving away money and publicizing the fund this fall.
A dozen Lewiston teachers applied for the fund’s first five $1,000 grants. Like Stocker, each wanted to try something new, but couldn’t afford the cost.
Judges chose the winners based on their ability to expand educational opportunities, foster creativity and enhance academics.
On Thursday, fund officials presented the checks.
Project details
To better teach his students about energy, Stocker applied with his plan to build energy stations powered by solar panels and a bicycle attached to a generator. Students would use the solar panels or ride the bike to power light bulbs, a radio and a battery charger.
The $1,000 grant will pay for most of the supplies. Stocker hopes to receive some equipment donations and will pay for the rest with another small grant.
He plans to have the energy stations running by spring.
“Now they’ll say energy has meaning to me,'” Stocker said. “All of a sudden, they can relate to energy because they’ve experienced energy flow.”
Two other Lewiston High School teachers had talked for months about starting an after-school African drumming program. But they had no drums.
“I was dragging my feet, saying I don’t think we can get the money to make this happen,'” said Wayne Strout, the high school’s band director.
When he and art teacher Jody Dube learned about the Lewiston Education Fund, they jumped at the opportunity. They were given $1,000 to make their dream come true.
The pair will use the money to buy eight African drums. They plan to start the after-school program this spring or summer, training students how to play and teaching them about the culture and music.
“We’re always trying to expand a little farther on what we already have. This seemed natural,” Strout said.
Six high school administrators also won a $1,000 grant. They will use their money to visit other New England high schools to see how they differ. The group hopes to change some aspects of Lewiston High to better help students.
Two Montello Elementary School teachers will start a wellness program for girls, preparing them for a 5K run in an effort to raise their self-esteem.
Two other Montello teachers will give their students backpacks filled with books, tapes, computer software and a doll to take home and share with their parents.
BREAKOUT>>>>
Five Lewiston Education Fund grants will pay for:
• Energy stations at Lewiston High School
• African drums for an after-school program at the high school
• Six high school administrators to tour other New England schools
• A wellness program for elementary school girls
• Backpacks filled with books, tapes and other items for young students to share with their parents
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