Burke classrooms to rock and read thanks to grants

If you think classroom innovation stops at smartboards and laptops, think again. Thanks to the Burke County Education Foundation, two local educators will soon bring novel and creative activities to their classrooms. The projects will have students drumming their way to better language skills and earning new books from a vending machine.

The foundation has awarded $3,000 in classroom innovation grants to two Burke County Public Schools teachers. Mary Katherine Taylor of Mountain View Elementary received $1,475 for “Bobcat Beats,” a music-and-movement program that energizes learning through rhythm and exercise. Amber Halliburton, principal of Salem Elementary, received $1,525 for “Books on Demand,” a student-centered literacy initiative using a book vending machine as a reward system.

“These projects reflect exactly the kind of creative, student-focused learning our foundation is proud to support,” said Board Chair Chasity Poteat Rice. “We received 22 thoughtful applications, and while it was a difficult decision, we are excited to see these two inspiring ideas come to life.”

DRUMS ALIVE

Taylor’s Bobcat Beats uses the “Drums Alive” program to combine music education with physical fitness. The initiative especially benefits English language learners by strengthening language acquisition, coordination, and confidence through movement and rhythm.

“I am honored to be the recipient of a grant from the Burke Education Foundation,” stated Taylor. “The Foundation’s generous support will significantly enhance our music program and provide students with engaging opportunities to learn through music and movement.

“I firmly believe in the transformative power of music education to spark creativity, foster connection, and empower students to thrive both academically and personally,” she said. “I am deeply grateful for this investment in the growth and success of the children in our community.”

BOOKS ON DEMAND

At Salem Elementary, Halliburton’s “Books on Demand” will promote literacy and student motivation by allowing children to earn tokens for achievements that they can exchange for new books. The vending machine will help build home libraries and a culture of reading schoolwide.

“There’s something special about a brand-new book — the feel, the weight, and the sense of ownership,” said Halliburton. “That’s what inspired our book vending machine.

“We wanted students to earn something meaningful and lasting. By tying books to positive behavior and academic effort, we’re reinforcing the value of reading in a way that’s tangible and motivating,” she added. “Thanks to this grant, students can choose a book they’re proud to call their own — building both confidence and a love for reading.”

“We are grateful to the Foundation for supporting these innovative ideas,” said Superintendent Dr. Mike Swan. “These teachers are expanding what’s possible in the classroom — and their students will reap the rewards.”

The Burke Education Foundation, established in 2016, exists to support powerful, innovative learning across Burke County Public Schools. Past initiatives include funding a mindfulness classroom, flexible classroom seating, a classroom weather station, a classroom garden project, emergency student support, and backpacks.

During the most recent grant period, the Burke Education Foundation, Inc. received 22 requests from Burke County Public Schools teachers for a total of $54,507.93. If you would like to help fund future grant requests, donations can be mailed to The Burke Education Foundation, Inc. at P.O. Box 972, Morganton, NC 28680-0972.