CHARLOTTE — More than 60 teachers took a break from preparing for the start of school to come together for a luncheon Aug. 18 to be recognized for their innovative MACS Education Foundation grants. Each teacher was presented with a MACS Education Foundation plaque to hang outside their classroom, a certificate of recognition and a special gift.
“These teachers thought outside the box and applied for and received a Grant for Educational Excellence so that they could bring innovative ideas and new technologies to their classrooms,” said MACS Education Foundation Director Heather Moeller. “We want to thank them for making our Catholic school system the best school system in our area.”
Not only were teachers present, but also principals, donors and MACS Education Foundation volunteer board members.
“We volunteer our time to set up this luncheon every year because we care about promoting academic excellence in our schools,” said MACS Education Foundation board member Jenny Loden, “and we believe these teachers and their grants are the keys to that excellence.”
Patrick Engel, MACS Education Foundation board chairman, said, “When I first became a parent at St. Patrick Catholic School, the PTO made a very compelling case for financial support and we were happy to assist. However, Principal Debbie Mixer was also a strong advocate for the MACS Education Foundation. The more I learned about the foundation, the more I wanted to get involved.”
“This is a unique opportunity to support the entire MACS system, and the awards luncheon today is a demonstration of how thoughtfully allocated grant dollars and our teachers’ imaginations can lead to innovative approaches to education and make our entire school system stronger.”
Besides recognizing the grant winners, the MACS Education Foundation holds the annual luncheon as an opportunity for teachers to share ideas and best practices across schools. Many grants start in one school, find success there, and then migrate to other schools the next year.
“We have many outstanding, creative teachers in our schools. Applying for a grant through the MACS Education Foundation indicates their desire to continue to grow professionally and implement new ideas to enhance their teaching,” said Dr. Janice Ritter, diocesan schools superintendent.
Every school in the MACS system received grants. The grant topics range from using interactive music technology to building with LEGO robotics.
To see a full list of grants, go to www.macseducationfoundation.org/grants.
— Colleen Karnas-Haines, Special to the Catholic News Herald