During spring of 2022 Longfellow Elementary teacher Jenni Ringwald and the preschool team submitted a funded Marion School Foundation grant to purchase new classroom rugs. Staff had recently taken a class which stressed the importance of having plain rugs for large group time so the students can have their own space but also won’t be arguing about what “special” place on the carpet he/she wants to sit.
Per the application, “data proves that flexible seating for students allows the teacher to accommodate many different learning styles and having a large carpet with no designs will allow for options of different types of seating.”
We are excited to share that the new rugs have been purchased. In a final grant report Jenni shared “staff are able to see all students as they can sit around the outside of the rugs and that helps with classroom management. The associates in the room are able to be closer to the students and quietly talk with the students as they are on the outside of the carpet instead of in the middle.” Staff also learned that being able to see students helps teachers to manage behavior a little easier during our large group experiences.
The Marion Foundation’s grant program provides teachers an opportunity to receive funding for projects that benefit students in the Marion Independent School District. Grants are made possible because of generous contributions the Foundation receives throughout the year from both businesses and individuals as well as a number of educational funds that are invested with the Foundation for long-term benefit.