Cherie Douglas’ proposal received a $400 award to purchase 20 pedometers to check out to students and staff. The purpose is to increase awareness of the need for physical activity and aid in a program of “friendly” competitions. The overall goal is to reduce the number of obese children at OSD. Currently, 27% of OSD students are rated as obese as compared to the 16.4% average nationally and the 20-25% statewide. Another 15% of OSD students are considered overweight and at risk for obesity.

Coleen Thayer’s proposal received a $500 award to enhance the current Parent Resource Group activities by expanding the lending library with some signed, visual storyreading videotapes and books. The videos and corresponding books will encourage bilingual literacy a home. Videos are professionally created by the Kansas School for the Deaf. Books will be purchased either used or new. Materials are rated as appropriate for various age levels. Evaluation will include a parent survey and use of the Kendall benchmarks. (Note: Unfortunately, this project was eliminated due to staffing cuts.)

Bill Cruscial’s proposal received a $100 award which will allow OSD Middle School mathematics students to participate in a Micro Lending project sponsored by KIVA. KIVA is a micro lending nonprofit organization that makes micro loans to people in the third world who are starting or improving their businesses. The money invested is repaid, then reinvested in different micro businesses. In addition studying the mathematics involved with lending, students will learn about cultures, languages and life in other  countries.

Steven Simmon’s proposal received a $500 award which will help defray costs associated with OSD HS students attending Space Camp and Aviation Challenge in Huntsville, Alabama in May, 2010. The Space Camp and Aviation Challenge is a five-day unique, hands-on educational experience in an unparalleled aeronautical environment. Students learn about space exploration and aviation as well as team building, problem solving, and independent decision-making.

This grant was renewed for an additional year in Fall 2010. Karen Brush’s proposal received a $500 award which will help defray costs associated with OSD High School students attending the regional Gallaudet University Academic Bowl in Utah in February, 2010. Academically motivated students from OSD will have the opportunity to compete with academic-oriented peers across the western United States in a lively academic competition.