Inaugurated during the 2016-2017 school year, Avoca District's Innovation Grants promote innovation in and out of the classroom by providing funding to faculty who demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to our children’s future. Innovation Grants support materials and programs that foster inclusivity; advance the discovery of new strategies for engaging students; advocate experimentation with new technologies; and implement high-impact pedagogies - such as project-based, experiential and community-engaged learning.

In order to support as many grants as possible in 2019-2020, the Avoca PTC is appealing directly to you to support its Innovation Grant Program and asking that each family consider giving $25, $50 or more. Your donation will go directly towards Innovation Grants, enabling us to raise over $12,000. As not every family can afford $25, we kindly ask that you please give what you can! Also, consider asking family and friends to contribute to Innovation Grants, as the PTC does not fundraise with traditional wrapping paper or candy sales.

We thank you in advance for your serious consideration in helping fund this year’s innovative faculty projects that will enhance our district’s academic enterprise.

Congratulations to the 2019 Innovation Grant Award Winners:

1st Grade Team (Jennifer Stump, Kelly Reardon, Emily Hargadon): Seesaw recording studios

Janis Michael: 2 trail cams and accessories

Kindergarten Team (Olivia Kamysz, Erin Dowdle, Susan Walsh, Elizabeth Zebro): Sensory Path

Mary Rudzinski: Holiday Music for Community Concert

Peter Ogden: Wind energy turbines

Trista  Raczyla: Mindful Masters (singing bowls and lessons)

Jessica Bodzewski: Flexible seating

Innovation Grants VIDEO

PREVIOUS INNOVATION GRANT INFORMATION & AWARDS

Spring 2018 Grants Awarded:
Aquaponics (5th grade team)
iPad Pro Pilot (2nd grade team)
Interdisciplinary Teaching: Math & ELA (4th grade team)
Kinesthetic Classroom Furniture: Pedal Desk (Angie Piechowiak)
Osmo (Susan Geidner)
Swival Robot (Jessica Hutchison) Coding Cart Expansion (Keli Lane)
360 Video (Janis Michael)
Tchoukball Equipment (AW PE Team)

Spring 2017 Grants Awarded:
Standing Desks (8 for 3rd and 8 for 4th grade)
National Geographic Kids Magazine (1st grade team)
Rigamajig (Maker Space in the AW ITC)
Pugmill (MM Art)
World Music Drumming curriculum and instruments (MM Music)
Digital Art Station (Janis Michael)

Looking for more information on the PTC Innovation Grants Program? Click here for a full presentation.

Innovation Grant 2018-2019 Materials
Staff Applications Due: January 11, 2019 

• Timeline

• Guidelines

• Application Form

• Rubric

• FAQs

• Final Report

2019-2020 Committee Members

Ann Heinz, Innovation Grants Chair

1. Community Member - Melinda Foukal 

2. Member (AW) - Linda Arts

3. Member (AW) - Jim Rohner 

4. Member (MM) - Michele Rowe 

5. Member (MM) - Jenn Schnizlein 

6. Teachers - Janis Michael (AW) & Peter Ogden (MM)

7. Administrative Representation - Kevin Jauch

8. PTC President - Dorothy Elfring

9. PTC Chair of Fundraising - Kristen Barry