WESTMINSTER : 15 Teachers Receive Grants Totaling $6,000

Thanks to an early Christmas present from a group of businesses and parents, teachers in the Westminster School District will be able to buy microscopes, books and other supplies.

The district’s Foundation for Educational Excellence has awarded $6,000 in mini-grants to teachers across the 16-school district.

“The excitement is in knowing that so many students are going to benefit immediately from the innovative programs that these teachers will be bringing to their schools,” said Sylvia Garrett, the foundation’s president.

Foundation officials chose 15 teachers from 10 schools to receive the $400 grants as part of a program that has been supporting the schools for six years.

Among the winners is teacher Polly Dishno, who will buy 25 illuminated, hand-held microscopes for students at Ada E. Clegg Elementary School.

Books, cassettes and other materials will bring cultural celebrations to life for children attending Sequoia Elementary School, and music will play a big role at L.P. Webber, H.B. Anderson and Ray M. Schmitt elementary schools after music teacher Tim Nelson spends his grant on recorders, musical games and a publishing program.

Other grants will enhance programs in reading, physical education and even cooking classes, district spokeswoman Audrey Brown said.