TRAVERSE CITY, MI -- TBA Credit Union announced Blair Elementary as the most recent beneficiary of a grant program introduced early last year. Teachers at Blair will use the $5,000 grant to create a live news broadcasting studio in the school. Students will write, direct and broadcast daily announcements that will air on televisions located in each class. The studio will also be used for taping other projects and events that take place in the school.
Identifying the need for more enriching programs to help students in the areas of vocabulary and reading, Principal Sharon Dionne recognized the value of a student-directed newscast based on her experience with a similar program. “A majority of students at Blair have not been exposed to the number and variety of experiences as those attending other schools,” said Dionne. “In addition to improving vocabulary and reading skills, the program will raise confidence and self esteem while giving students an opportunity to practice these skills in an authentic situation.”
The Education Stimulus Grant was developed last year in response to the economic crisis and its impact on school budgets throughout the five-county region. Past recipients include Kathleen Arvo (Suttons Bay), Tom Cooper (Traverse City) and Sharon Barber (Kalkaska).
For more information on TBA Credit Union’s grant programs and educator services visit tbacu.com/educators.php.
