CSISD showcases grant programs implemented in classrooms

Students are reaping the benefits of grants given to them this year from the College Station ISD Education Foundation. The money went towards special projects to make classrooms more interactive and fun.

On Tuesday, the grown-ups were the ones taking a field trip.

First stop: Kristin Lehrmann's class at Cypress Grove Intermediate School. They run 'Cats Coffee Cart' and make and deliver a hot cup of joe to other teachers in the school.

“Many of our special needs students will not be going to college. This gives them vocational skill that when they graduate from our program, they can go out and be employed," said Teresa Benden with the College Station ISD Education Foundation.

Most importantly, students like Bernadette Hawthorn say they’re having fun. Across the hall, music comes to life in Marla Goodwin’s class.

"It teaches the kids teamwork, listening skills, rhythm, beat, coordination," Goodwin said.

Second stop: Wellborn Middle School where the grants helped put virtual reality goggles in Fey Hysmith's class. The virtual reality goggles aren't just a fun gadget; they take students on a virtual field trip exciting them about science and social studies.

"It's so much more exciting than looking at a power point or a textbook,” Benden said.

At South Knoll Elementary in Mrs. Moon's class, students use a ‘QBall’ with a microphone inside to help with public speaking.

The final leg of the trip shows Jeannie Carter's kids using LEGO’s to build a robot, and learning how to solve real world problems.

"We are helping other people and we are learning each day and every day," said second grader Kate Spencer.

The grants used to help fund these programs totaled more than $16,000, but the foundation awarded over $150,000 worth of grants last fall.