Materials

Geometry is math with shapes. When learning about 3-dimensional objects, or solids, I find that students can “see” the prism, cylinder, etc. better if they can actually touch it, hold it, and move it around to better understand the relationship between math and the real world. It is extremely difficult to draw a pentagonal prism on a white board, and even more difficult to understand the principals and characteristics of a 3-dimensional object in just a 2-diminsional drawing.

Thanks to the generosity of the Lawton Public School Foundation, our Broadcasting and Digital Media Program at Eisenhower High School received a $3,500 grant that allowed us to completely transform both our learning environment and the way our students create content.

We used the funds to purchase a wide range of tools, from professional audio-visual equipment like microphones, cameras, and a livestream switcher, to essential studio elements such as lighting, monitors, and set décor. We even built a control room in our auditorium, giving students hands-on experience with livestream production for school events. Items like custom neon signs, faux plants, pillows, and cozy chairs helped us create an inviting and professional studio space where students feel proud to work.

This grant didn’t just provide equipment—it created opportunities. With these resources, students are now producing high-quality video content, learning real-world broadcasting skills, and collaborating in a space that mirrors the industry they hope to enter. They’ve gained confidence, taken creative risks, and found a sense of ownership in their work.

Because of this support, our students feel seen, empowered, and excited to learn. Thank you for making that possible.

The resources we purchased for the EHS Library were two circulation desks for the librarian and library assistant. The ability to expand our outreach to the students positively impacts the library by providing more availability of library staff. The library staff is more accessible to help students access library resources such as books, technology, collaborative options, and printing needs. The visibility and safety of all patrons entering the library has been positively impacted due to the flexibility of a mobile desk in the library media center at EHS.

The resources I purchased for my project was a light sensory table with accessories for my Pre-K students. My students were so excited to get this addition in our room and they were amazed as soon as the different colored lights came on. It has been a favorite spot in our classroom since!
We have used the light sensory in a variety of different ways such as fine motor skills through tactile play, eye-hand coordination, measuring, math and literacy skills. Light is also a fantastic source of visual sensory input, students are drawn to the light and often find it calming. Students love using the variety of shapes to build with and love the see through colors. They love putting the colorful numbers in order and love patterning with the different colored beads. Another favorite activity has been building their names in bright colors! We absolutely Love our light sensory table. It makes me happy to see my students excited and engaged with learning in a fun way.
A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who supports the Lawton Public School Foundation and LPS educators. We are so grateful for the opportunity and it would not be possible without the help of all the generous donors.

It’s a regular Tuesday morning at EHS, my students and I are headed to class when we see LPSD Officer Wilkerson running down the hallway. “Move out of the way! Out of the way!” As we are settling into class, my phone rings and it is Officer Wilkerson requesting my ECSI (Eagle Crime Scene Investigators) team to come to the scene as soon as possible. “It’s bad, please hurry!” Officer Wilkerson sounded very upset.

I gathered my ECSI teams and we gathered our CSI kits and headed to the scene. I give them a short talk, reminding them to follow the procedures we had learned so far in class. They are prepared! We have been studying how to handle a crime scene all semester and now they are putting those skills into action

We were hoping to get there before Mr. Overby and the Eagle Network reporters arrived. there! They hurry to the scene and get a handle on the situation.

We get to the crime scene and it is really bad! The ECSI’s are well trained and so they get to work. Within 10 minutes the Eagle News Station reporters arrive. We set up a news conference for later in the day, once the ECSI gets a handle on what we have going on. They are appreciative, but they leave a reporter and a cameraman, just in case they might get something before the new conference. It’s a waiting game!

You can feel the buzz around the school. Students try desperately to get a glimpse of the crime scene, but the police officers have it under control. The ECSI gets to work immediately collecting evidence. Fingerprints, shoe prints, blood, and various other types of evidence are photographed and cataloged. This is going to be a long investigation that will last for about 2 months

This is only the beginning of the vision for our Forensic Science students, Broadcast students, Teen Court Students, and Debate students. As the Investigation goes forward, the ECSI will be testing the various pieces of evidence they’ve collected using the skills they have learned since the first day of class. The broadcast students will be reporting on the Eagle News as the case progresses. Once the ECSI thinks they have their perpetrator, the Teen Court and debate classes will have a (mock) trial to bring the suspect to justice.

I would like to thank the LPS Foundation for supporting me in my efforts to bring the Forensic Science Students the most authentic experience possible while learning all about the forensics of crime scene investigation. The Forensic Science Students have been learning all about the procedures of CSI Officers, but until now, they have had nowhere to practice the skills they are learning and they do not have the supplies they’ve needed to practice with.

With this grant, I have been able to purchase some of the equipment they will learn how to use in a real crime scene setting. I have no words to express how much this means to me and to the Forensic Science Students. The curriculum walks them through what to do and how to do it, but it does not allow for the direct hands-on experience of an actual crime scene with a crime to solve. The additional classes that will be involved with regards to their curriculum will only enhance their experiences.

This grant will be impacting more than just the Forensic Science Students, but many more students that are studying different disciplines that are an integral aspect of crime scene investigation.

Thank you so much. We appreciate your support of our program and students at Eisenhower High School. Please feel free to stop by to watch the ECSI teams work ro solve the crime!

With this grant, I purchased a 3D printer and all of its accessories to benefit the students at Ridgecrest Elementary School. As the librarian at Ridgecrest, I believe that it is my job to assist the classroom teachers as much as possible with teaching and reviewing all Reading skills that are taught such as, figurative language, grammar, reading comprehension skills, and writing skills along with the library skills needed such as knowledge over book genres, sequence, plot, research skills, and knowledge about plagiarism and copyright, etc. With this 3D printer, I have planned a writing lesson (this could be about any type of story such as, informative, opinion, etc.) to go with our Fairy tale, Folk tale, and Fables unit. The upper grade students at RCE, learned the story elements of a fable, and then they learned about how to brainstorm a fable, write it, and proofread it to practice for the state test. Then with the use of their chromebooks, they designed their main character, and we printed them using the 3D printer! With the help of this grant donation, I was not only able to teach the students about the writing process, but I was able to engage them in a lesson they will remember for years to come!