IPEI Success Stories of Recent Grant Recipients
Teacher Grants
Build it in K: Kindergarten Tools for Learning With the help of local carpenter Rebecca Richmond, students in Carol Dentes Wilhelm's South Hill Kindergarten class designed, constructed, equipped, and learned how to use a classroom Woodworking Center. The project also included two hands-on projects: ribbon wands for the end-of-the-year dance concert and a project chosen by each child. Students learn the value of discipline, coordination, and artistr while making crafts in this unique facility.
Harlem Renaissance Interdisciplinary Unit At DeWitt Middle School, 180 eighth graders learned about the artistic and political contributions of early 20th-century African Americans by studying the music, dance, literature, and art--as well as the struggle for social justice and equal rights--during the Harlem Renaissance. Teacher Andrea Volckmar invited Ithaca College Professor Steve Brown, the Bernie Upson trio, dancer Jenna Hallas, and choralist Betty Henderson to teach her students about jazz and to perform with them. These lessons were interwoven with Social Studies and English classes.
The Chemistry of Art Kate Gefell's ninth and tenth grade chemistry students at Ithaca High School explored the role chemistry plays in art. Artist Kendall McAdams demonstrated the chemistry involved in metal-working through a hands-on activity that allowed students to experience the changing properties of copper before and after heating. Students also visited the Johnson Art Museum at Cornell University to learn about art conservation and restoration--a real-world connection between the fine arts and science.
Red and Gold Opportunities Grants
Path to Success The Village at Ithaca hosted a day-long workshop for middle and high school students including a motivational speaker who shared a message to inspire the teens to do well in school as a part of their path to success.
Elementary School Art Fair Fall Creek Elementary School held a school-wide fair celebrating faces in art. Guest artist Sarah Ahearn led students to create Face Puzzle Pictures which were presented at a gallery night. IPEI collaborated with several other funders to make this fair a reality.
Wading into Fall Creek Mark Nelson's Ithaca High School environmental science students are able to do intense, hands-on field work through a Red and Gold grant to purchase 15 hip waders, 4 wader storing tubs, and labeling and repairing supplies. Students (180-200 every year) can now conduct biological, chemical, and physical experiments in the creek.