Grant funds new cafeteria dedicated to sustainability and healthy eating

Smart neighborhood schools continue to look for ways to shore up funding for classrooms and teaching. Three local elementary, middle and high schools were awarded grant money to help create a cafeteria dedicated to healthy eating, improve math programs, fund the continuation of a neighborhood center and offer seed money to a business class designed to teach entrepreneurship and bolster school spirit.

Edison Elementary received a $15,000 grant from the Western Dairy Association, Leprino Foods, and Fuel Up to Play 60 to remodel their gym and cafeteria. The green team students, led by Jen Ibanez, were highly involved in the planning of the project including the renaming of the cafeteria, “The Edison Munchroom.”

Over 50 volunteers including teachers, parents, students, and Leprino employees who united to get the job done attended the community cafeteria remodel day.

The remodel also included a recycling and composing station.  In addition, the school received funds to improve nutrition education and opportunities for physical activity.

The unveiling event was held on April 17th in conjunction with the 7th Annual Health Fair and the students were riveted by the appearance of the Bronco’s, David Bruton Jr.  Aside from being a great athlete, and a teacher during off-season, he is a huge proponent of healthy eating and exercise. He urged the rapt children to “Eat healthy to stay healthy.”  Principal Whitelock spoke to the community with enthusiasm, “We are so proud of our new lunchroom and the focus that it places on health for our children. As a school we pride ourselves on the whole child and that includes everything from mind to body, ensuring that our children will be successful in every part of their lives.”

Additionally, Mayor Hancock awarded The Edison Green Team a Good Neighbor Award from the City and County of Denver on April 11, 2015. Sponsored by Denver Environmental Health, and the Healthy Communities Awards it recognizes organizations, projects or individuals engaged in efforts to protect and/or improve the environment in Denver (clean air, land, and water), promote healthy people through improved food or child safety and ensure access to healthy food, and healthy built environments.

Edison was recognized as a leader in school wellness and environmentalism for the past seven years.

Skinner Middle School received a $4,982 grant from the Century Link Foundation for an innovative technology project. Ms. Nenni’s Math class benefited by the program which has been offered since 2008 and awards grants to schools in CenturyLink’s local service areas on behalf of teachers who have developed specific plans to innovatively implement technology in their classrooms. More than 1,000 grant applications were received across the country, and 253 were in Colorado. The grant for Skinner was awarded for “Enriching Teaching with Technology” to purchase Ipads for 6-7-8 grade math instruction. Online programs will allow for student-paced learning and gives teachers time to spend with struggling students allowing additional learning opportunities to students who are excelling. The grant offers students the opportunity to understand the concept of volume by virtually taking apart and reassembling 3D shapes to visualize the process.   Nenni was stunned when representatives of the company came in with a larger than life check that will change her classroom forever.