This year saw the launch of Shaler Area School District’s innovative mini-grant program, Portrait in Practice. Thanks to the Grable Foundation and Remake Learning, student enrichment activities empower student growth. These programs provide students an opportunity to strengthen their best Titan qualities: resiliency, curiosity, social responsibility, resourcefulness, flexibility, and compassion.

Assistant Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian Brown was glad to share, “We awarded over 10 grants for various classroom and building projects tied to our Portrait of a Titan.” One awardee details the successful hands-on learning opportunities provided by the funding. Michelle Elias’s “Developing Social Skills Through Play” concept surrounds K-3 students with puzzles, STEM materials, and art supplies to allow indoor recess to inspire creativity and facilitate student collaboration.

Elias is delighted to see students growing more engaged at indoor recess by offering a space that fosters social hands-on activities, artistic expression, and student collaboration on a creation or puzzle. Time with these grant-funded activities is even popular enough to be an incentive awarded to students and classes! “Thank you again for this great funding opportunity,” says an appreciative Elias. The District is proud to share the positive effect of fiscal support of students through the robust network of educational opportunities in the region.