West Irondequoit Foundation Grants

June 19, 2009

The West Irondequoit Foundation (WIF) is a not-for-profit organization established in 1987 to receive gifts, bequests and donations in order to provide funding to enhance the educational programs of the West Irondequoit Central School District (WICSD). It raises funds to underwrite teacher-initiated grants for projects, equipment and programs that cannot be supported by the district’s annual operating budget. The West Irondequoit Foundation is pleased to announce funding for the following grant proposals:

$11,700 for a Digital Video Mixer - requested by Dave Marshall, technology teacher and Dan Reardon, Media Services Coordinator; Irondequoit High School. The digital video mixer will allow users to switch between multiple input formats as video productions are created and aired.

Students will be able to create professional videos using state of the art technology as we move from analog to digital equipment. The mixer will be used by daily by students to create the IHS Morning Show, by students producing shows of sporting events for the Irondequoit Sports Broadcasting Network, by technology classes to create portfolio projects and by a variety of students in other disciplines as they create visual presentations for their classes.

$4,470 for the Use of Flip Video Cameras to Enhance the Use of Technology and Writing – requested by Jennifer Joyce, Library Media Specialist; Carol Kress, teacher Briarwood School; and Barbara Florack, teacher Colebrook School. The grant would fund a set of 30 Flip video cameras to be used by all members of a class to record videos, edit and present them. The cameras are simple to use, they record sound as well as video and come with editing software. There is a USB arm on the camera, allowing the user to easily download media to a computer. The cameras can be used with the laptop computer carts currently in the schools. The set of cameras will be shared by the six elementary schools. The grant supports initiatives allowing our youngest students to explore technology to enhance classroom learning. The cameras will be used on field trips, to capture science experiments, and to film presentations and discussions. 

$2,200 for the Installation of Two Video Data Projectors – requested by Kathy McKee and Christine Shuttleworth, social studies teachers, Irondequoit High School. The projectors allow students to experience history through a variety of multi media presentations including PowerPoint, video streaming, historical videos and Web guests.  

$12,000 for Technology Updates for High School Performance Facilities – requested by Jason Rugg, Director of Performing Arts. The grant will fund upgrades to lighting and sound equipment that has become obsolete and/or no longer functions properly. The auditorium is used by student theater and music groups as well as by community organizations. Improved sound and lighting will enhance the theater/music experience for both performers and the audience.

West Irondequoit Foundation presented a check for $30,370 to the Board of Education on

June 18^th.

Student representatives present a check for $30,370 to Board of Education President Chuck Perreaud and board member and foundation liaison Stacey Crowder.