Overview

Innovation in education is taking a risk to spark the curiosity of students, solve real problems and create significant, positive change. Educators with innovative ideas can generate enriching experiences that go beyond the classroom curriculum.  A dynamic idea, a new method, or an invention can foster creativity, transform thinking and encourage a growth mindset.

Do you have an innovative idea that can inspire new learning opportunities or lead to change?

The Innovation Grant sponsored by Columbia Credit Union is a program launched by the RPSF in 2018. It was created to honor our first board president and long serving member, Paul Lewis. Grants will be presented to a staff member, high school student, or school program in the Ridgefield School District. The purpose of the Innovation Grant is to fuel innovation in the classroom by incorporating new, creative, original, or out-of-the-box programs in schools and classrooms, which the school district is not able to support. Read the full press release here.

We will be accepting applications for the 2022-2023 school year starting September 5, 2022 and will review applications at our monthly board meetings.

Eligibility

  • Each applicant must be a certificated employee, a classified employee, or a high school student enrolled in Ridgefield School District.

  • Staff members may apply individually or collaboratively.

  • High school students must be sponsored by a certificated staff member.

  • Applicants must have the support of their principal and assistant superintendent for the proposed project. 

  • Applicants may submit only one proposal for the Innovation Grant during the current school year. 

  • Applicants must provide an update on overall student progress and use of funding by January 2023. 

  • Applicants must attend the June 2023 RPSF meeting to share the results of the project. 

Innovation Grant Process: 

  • Grant applications will be accepted and approved on a rolling basis. Please send all applications to: innovation@ridgefieldpsf.org

  • Grant applications will be reviewed by the Grants Committee, scored and put forth for approval at the RPSF Monthly Meetings (second Wednesday of the month)

  • Grants will be awarded and recipients as soon as a decision is made.  

  • The grant will be paid directly to the Ridgefield School District.  Distribution of grant proceeds will be on a reimbursement basis only following the District’s procurement process. 

  • Periodic updates as defined in the grant recipient’s schedule/timeline. 

  • Grant recipient’s completion of the mid-project report card using a provided template. 

  • A final report, including results and impact of the innovation project, presented in person to the RPSF and Columbia Credit Union. 

Questions? 

Email: innovation@ridgefieldpsf.org 

Congratulations to our 2019 Grant Recipients

Katie James & Linda Wear: Pond Trail and Outdoor Classroom - Sunset Ridge and View Ridge teachers requested supplemental funds for materials to build a bark chip trail encircling the pond and wetland on the southeast side of the campus. The application also included a request for learning materials to support activities in the outdoor classroom, such as binoculars, insect nets, clipboards, and field guides. This project is being completed in partnership with other Ridgefield entities.

Tamara Hoodenpyl: 21st Century Art Room iPads – This grant will be used to purchase iPads and digital art programs for use in art classes at Ridgefield High School to create an art program that integrates traditional and innovative fine arts techniques. Students will be able to build digital portfolios, and take advantage of digital art curriculum such as animation, film making, coding-based art, digital painting and comics.

Brittany Rodin: Playaways for Inclusion - Playaways are self-contained, user friendly audiobooks. They are durable, all-in-one devices that allow students the freedom and portability to listen to audiobooks anytime, anywhere. Ridgefield High School teachers plan to implement this technology with the special education population so they can learn alongside other students in the classroom without the help of a para or co-teacher. The devices can also be used at home allowing the students to function more independently.

Read our full press release here.