Education Stimulus Recipients

Kalkaska Middle School Classroom Grants

Karen Browne, President/CEO, TBA Credit Union; Sharon Barber, teacher and grant recipient; Wendi Archer, teacher and grant recipient; Jen Johnson, MEEMIC Insurance/The Harvitt Agency.

Sharon Barber and Wendi Archer, teachers at Kalkaska Middle School, were recently awarded Classroom Grants to purchase materials that will strengthen the school's math lab program. The funds will also be used to purchase two digital pens that will convert handwriting to editable text for students with physical limitations. Congratulations!

TBA Credit Union Awards Final $5,000 Education Stimulus Grant to Blair Elementary School!

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 educators from Cherry Knoll Elementary, Suttons Bay High School and Kalkaska Middle School.

For more information on TBA Credit Union's grant programs and educator services visit tbacu.com/educators.php.

Kalkaska Middle School Awarded Third Stimulus Grant

Sharon Barber, teacher and grant recipient; Karen Browne, President/CEO, TBA Credit Union; Diane Swoverland, Principal.

TBA Credit Union awarded Kalkaska Middle School teacher Sharon Barber a check for $5,000 to use towards computers for the school's Math Lab to benefit dozens of students requiring intensive intervention. The Math Lab will allow students to have one on one help, individualized computer work, and small group learning on a daily basis.

"Students will gain the confidence they need to move back into a regular math class and continue their progression through the curriculum so they are able to graduate high school," said Barber. "To the best of our knowledge, there has never been a math program this intensive in Kalkaska."

TBA Credit Union's Education Stimulus Grant was introduced earlier this year in response to the continuing economic crises and its impact on school budgets throughout the five-county region. Two more grants will be awarded this year. School employees of any public, private, or charter school in Antrim, Benzie, Leelanau, Grand Traverse, and Kalkaska counties can apply.

To learn more, call Robin Ahart at 231-932-5035 or email robina@tbacu.com

Second Education Stimulus Grant Winner Announced!

Karen Browne, President/CEO, TBA Credit Union; Kathleen Arvo, teacher and grant recipient; Michael Murray, Superintendent, Suttons Bay Schools.

While many students and educators were enjoying the first weeks of summer vacation, math teacher Kathleen Arvo was busy preparing a grant application that would benefit over 100 students at Suttons Bay High School. Arvo’s efforts paid off and on July 21 became TBA Credit Union’s second Education Stimulus Grant recipient.

Arvo is using the funds to purchase a series of DVDs detailing how algebra is used for solving real-world problems while explaining math concepts that may confuse many students as well as 25 graphing calculators that will provide hands-on learning.

“Michigan now requires four years of mathematics at the high school level. Expectations can be daunting for many students,” said Arvo. “As a mathematics teacher, I find that a strong foundation in Algebra One is essential for success in higher level math classes. That foundation is best achieved using a diverse approach that meets all learners’ needs.”

“We are proud to support a program that allows students to learn math at a level not presently available in Suttons Bay High School,” said Karen Browne, President/CEO of TBA Credit Union.

TBA Credit Union’s Education Stimulus Grant was introduced earlier this year in response to the continuing economic crises and its impact on school budgets throughout the five-county region. Two more grants will be awarded this year. School employees of any public, private, or charter school in Antrim, Benzie, Leelanau, Grand Traverse, and Kalkaska counties can apply. To learn more, call Robin Ahart at 231-932-5035.

First Education Stimulus Grant Winner Announced!

Karen Browne, President/CEO, TBA Credit Union; Tom Cooper, teacher and grant recipient

While students were enjoying mild temperatures and sunshine during spring break, teacher Tom Cooper of Cherry Knoll Elementary was busily researching for and writing a grant application that would benefit more than 100 students in his school. TBA Credit Union's Education Stimulus Grant was introduced earlier this year in response to the continuing economic crisis and its impact on school budgets throughout the five-county region.

Cooper's efforts paid off, and on April 21, he was awarded a check for $5,000. The first Education Stimulus Grant winner of the year, Cooper will use the award to provide his class with an ActivBoard, an 87-inch interactive whiteboard designed to increase student motivation while improving academic achievement.

"Extensive research has proven that there is a significant improvement in student performance in classrooms using an ActivBoard over those that go without," said Cooper of the equipment his grant will purchase. "I have personally seen this tool excite and encourage older students. Just think of the impact the ActivBoard will have on younger students who are still developing their expectations of school."

"ActivBoards are a unique and innovative way to teach children and we are excited to help bring this cutting edge technology to Cherry Knoll," said Karen Browne, President/CEO of TBA Credit Union.

TBA Credit Union will be awarding three more Education Stimulus Grants this year. School employees of any public, private, or charter school in Antrim, Benzie, Leelanau, Grand Traverse, and Kalkaska counties can apply. To learn more, visit tbacu.com or call Robin Ahart at 231-932-5035.