terra nova grants

 

We award nearly $30,000 annually in Terra Nova grants to MESD staff members for innovative projects that directly benefit students. Considerations for funding include requests for program enhancements, student assistance and student activities.

 

Terra Nova grants provide funding to projects that add value and make a difference in students’ lives. Some of the best grant candidates are simple ideas that have big impacts.

 

Terra Nova applications are accepted twice a year in the Spring and Fall. The maximum grant amount is $1,500. Applicants for the grant must be an MESD staff or teacher. Considerations for funding include requests for program enhancements, student assistance, student activities and other projects that directly benefit students.

 

For more information or to apply for a Terra Nova Grant, contact Lori Luckart at lluckart@mesd.k12.or.us.

 

Click here to see the list of grants award during the Spring 2010 cycle.

 

 

 

 

 

Through a Terra Nova Grant, I was able to start a Yoga Calm program in our school. A few months in, we had a new student, Jay, join our class. Jay’s mother was losing her battle with cancer and was in hospice care.

 

For each class, the students have the option of dedicating their practice for that day to someone or something for which they want to be strong. You could have heard a pin drop when Jay said that he wanted to dedicate this practice to his mom because she was dying of cancer. We were all quiet for a moment then another student suggested that we all dedicate our practice for Jay’s mom. I peeked for a moment and saw all six students, all with ADHD, concentrated with all their might – eyes closed tight, strong breath and arms – for Jay’s mom. She died soon after that class.

 

As a teacher, you learn so much more about the students in a yoga class than sitting in an office. The practice helps them feel safe and they talk more openly, especially for Jay. Yoga Calm gave him both support in dealing with his mother’s illness and a safe place to return after she died.

 

—Tamara Cardoza,
2007-2008 Terra Nova grant recipient