Innovative Learning Grants 2020-21

The Mountain View Los Altos High School Foundation awarded over $100,000 toward Innovative Learning Grants for the 2019-20 school year.

The Innovative Learning Grants are a competitive application process, and grant recipients are required to submit a written evaluation of their project’s outcome within two weeks of completion of the project. “These grants are intended to foster innovation while cultivating exciting new collaborations among students. The projects may also serve as pilot programs which, if successful, could become part of the curriculum in the future,” said Brigitte Sarraf, retired Assistant Superintendent of Education Services and current Director of Assessment & Accountability, who oversees the grant selection and evaluation process. Congratulations to the following grant recipients and projects approved in Round 1 and 2 for the 2020-21 school year.

• scaling potential, such as incorporation into the curriculum, shared future use by others in the course team, and potential for replication across the district,
• impact on student learning, such as enhancing depth of knowledge, applicability to addressing real-world problems, and interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving, and
• effectiveness in challenging students to make connections and discover alternative problem-solving.

Los Altos High Grant Recipients and Projects

Round 1 approved 7/1/20

• Tory Johnson: AP/Honors Biology, thermal cyclers to perform PCR reactions
• Stephen Hine & Jeanne Yu: Engineering, take-home engineering kits
• James Mok: Chemistry, testing for lead/chemicals in the drinking water
• Heather Laederich: Biology, cells to organisms- reproduction, growth and development
• Rick Esparza, John Payne & Kirk Jennings: PE, PLAT4M app for PE classes

Round 2 approved 10/14/20

• Tory Johnson: Ap/Honor Biology, thermal cyclers to perform PCR reactions
• Stephen Hine & Jeanne Yu: Engineering, take-home engineering kits
• James Mok: Chemistry, testing for lead/chemicals in the drinking water
• Heather Laederich: Biology, cells to organisms- reproduction, growth, and development

Mountain View High Grant Recipients and Projects

Round 1 approved 7/1/20

• Lauren Camarillo & Kate Strasser: Spanish, Google cardboard and expeditions program
• David Cmaylo: Biology, Gel Electrophoresis Equipment and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) equipment
• Jill Denny: Madrigals & Choir, microphones and recording applications
• Lori Nock & Jim Levett: Art, career exploration and artist guest speakers
• Tami Kittle, Julie Williams & Shelley Smith: PE, PLAT4M app for PE classes

Round 2 approved 10/9/20

• Gina Dunsmore: Science, online lab simulations for distance learning
• Ann Nguyen: Science, foldscope for experimental inquiry at home
• David Cmaylo: Biology, hands-on DNA/RNA models for in-person and distance learning
• Kristen Drolshagen, C Gomez & Jose Rosario: English, No Red Ink individualized instruction for English Language Learners and critical learners. 
• Mickey Lai: Math, digital lessons and videos for students with IEPs, college prep, and underserved students
• Lydia Conoway: Engineering, take home engineering kits for distance learning

Freestyle Academy Grant Recipient and Project

Round 1 approved 7/1/20

• Leo Florendo: Immersive Projected Augmented Reality Experience
• Tommy Cho: 3-d modeling for interactive 3-D Zoetrope