Unpacking the Impact

October/ November 2023

Knowing we were receiving almost $500 billion in ESSER funds, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was written to create the Joint ESSER Working Group. This committee group was comprised equally of CCS administrators and CEA members. Working collaboratively, the Joint ESSER Working Group was able to create a streamlined process for CEA members to create proposals specific to their school, team and/or classroom. The competitive selection process awarded to CEA members went directly into school buildings and classrooms. The impact of these resources had on student learning cannot be understated.

One of the major funding efforts using ESSER funds was creating true technology spaces in the two computer labs at Eastmoor Academy. Previously, both rooms had broken and hard student seating. A moveable cart held the outdated LCD Projector and Elmo. There was no way for technology teachers to show students what and where they should be inside their classroom portals.

Now, both computer labs have ergonomic student chairs as well as new work spaces. Whiteboards replaced the old green chalkboards, and most importantly, a new Clever Touch in each lab now allows students and teachers to work more collaboratively, clearly see teacher exemplars, and teachers are able to provide higher quality education using updated 21st century tools.

When students were asked what they liked the best, the overwhelming chorus from both classrooms was, "THE CHAIRS!" One young lady even went so far as to say she now looked forward to coming to class because she isn't uncomfortable and can now see the assignments.

Responding to social and emotional needs through PBIS supports

Whetstone High School believes in doing things the right way-- with Integrity, Compassion & Respect. The Whetstone Way includes supporting PBIS and increasing the climate and culture of the thriving high school. Part of the PBIS plan for Whetstone includes allowing students the opportunity to eat lunch and socialize in the library during lunch periods. But, as anyone who has been around teenagers knows, socializing is not always enough to keep young impulsive minds busy. Whetstone received an ESSER Macro Grant to provide and prepare students for success after the pandemic by purchasing new games, activities and rearranging the library from a traditional table and chairs setting to one in which there are several "conversation" circles. Students from all cohorts can use the library during lunch time to eat, decompress, socialize with friends, color, play games or just relax with a great book.

When speaking to students, they said having the opportunity to go somewhere less crowded and much quieter is just what they need in the middle of the day. Freshman Damien Benedetti said, "I like to color. I know the people who come here." Senior Lark Sullivan stated, "It's quieter than the lunchroom, and I'm able to get my internship hours in during this time." Every student interviewed agreed, the library is a great "brain break": during lunch yet still provides structured activities and socializing.