Dempsey Awarded Grants!

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FLSD is proud to announce that Mrs. Dempsey, FES Gifted Specialist, was the recipient of two grants that will impact all students at Firelands Elementary school. Students in kindergarten through fifth grade will have the opportunity to enjoy targeted programming that highlights the arts into specific grade level standards and or required social emotional learning. Due to grant funding, students will be able to participate in:

·   Kindergarten: Kulture Kids and SEL & Literacy with Yoga

·   First Grade: Sign Stage: Sign language and non-verbal communication programing

·   Second Grade: Gesture Communication programing

·   Third Grade: Sculpture infused with learning goals

·   Fourth Grade: Fold Space featuring arts, math and SEL

·   Fifth Grade: Character, Conflict and Action with a focus on playwriting and performance

Mrs. Dempsey stated, “As an educator, I know that education in the arts is crucial to child development. Engagement in music, art, and drama is known to improve academic performance, strengthen critical thinking and problem solving ability, increase motivation, confidence, teamwork, and more.” Because of her recognition of the importance of this programing, over 800 students and staff members will benefit.

Due to increasing costs nationwide, regular grant funding was awarded but was not sufficient to cover the whole cost of the program. Mrs. Dempsey continued to search for additional grant funding to make the Cleveland’s Center for Arts-Inspired Learning program a reality.  She learned about the Martha Holden-Jennings Foundation grants and decided to apply during the month of December.  She was recently notified that the funding needed to provide programs for all elementary students was approved and funding was complete!   

“Providing these visiting artist programs for all students at FES is an important tradition to continue and I am happy that our youngest Falcons will benefit again this year,” stated Mrs. Dempsey.

Mrs. Dempsey was awarded a Firelands Endowment grant in the amount of $4,320, and a Martha Holden-Jennings award in the amount of $4,320, for a combined total of $8,640!