HFAA Foundation gives $4,020 to teachers through new grant program.
Oklahoma City, OK: Harding Fine Arts Academy Foundation is pleased to announce that its board of directors has approved the distribution of 15 grants totaling $4,020 to teachers at Harding Fine Arts Academy, Oklahoma City’s award-winning public charter high school. The awards will be utilized during the 2021 spring semester to purchase new equipment, technology, and supplies for teacher’s distance learning curriculum and lesson plans to meet the challenges of delivering a high-quality education during COVID-19.
“I think this program tells teachers that we are supporting them, we acknowledge and appreciate their hard work and that the Harding community wants to say thank you,” said Shannon Mckenrick, the Foundation’s Director of Development. “The challenges our teachers have faced throughout this pandemic have been immense and, at times, all consuming. This is one easy way the Foundation can show our admiration.”
This grant program encouraged teacher to think of creative ways to engage with students even while they work from their kitchen table. Grants were awarded in a wide range of departments from math, English, drama, dance, modern languages, and instrumental music.
“I am so excited to receive a Distance Learning Student Success Grant from HFAA Foundation!” said Dr. Daniel Schuerch, Chemistry and AP Biology teacher at Harding. “This grant will enable clearer, concise communication between online students and myself by eliminating instruction ambiguity. Such investments in our students’ educational success are an investment in a brighter world for everyone.”
This first round of grant funding was provided by individuals, couples, and organizations as part of the Foundation’s annual Leadership in Arts & Education Awards and Student Sponsorship fundraising campaign. Initial funds were used to purchase new laptops for teachers, ensure all students had reliable access to technology at home, and to create at-home arts-integrated learning packets and supply bags.
Superintendent Barry Schmelzenbach, a former teacher himself, said “Funding from the state for arts education has varied greatly throughout the years, so I’m truly excited to see the HFAA Foundation step into the gap to provide for the very real needs of our teachers, students, and their classrooms through this program.”
To help support the Foundation’s efforts, please visit https://www.hfaafoundation.org/teacher-resource-fund/
