BEF Awards 16 Spring Innovation-Grants

Congratulations to the following Berkley Schools staff members for receiving a Spring 2026 Berkley Education Foundation (BEF) Innovation-Grant. The BEF funds innovative project requests, special materials to enhance lessons and educational technology. Innovation-Grants are for more than basic classroom supplies. They are an opportunity for staff members to be creative, push the envelope and expand learning for students. The BEF has an annual $15,000 allocation to support Innovation-Grants. If you’d like to donate to the BEF to support the Grant program, you can do so online.

Anderson Middle School

• Marni Millard, Classroom Library
• Heather Torrente, The FCS Food Studio: Lights, Camera, Cook!

Angell Elementary School

• Michelle Hoerner, Magnet Wall Fundamentals
• Kellie Zimcosky, First Graders Go To Outer Space
• Lauren Wexler, Space Systems in First Grade
• Meghan Thomas, Illuminating Patterns in Space

Berkley Building Blocks

• Monica Juntila, Adaptive Bike Pedals 
• Megan Wilhelm, Early Intervention Inclusive Early Childhood Library 
• Jodi Miller & Sam Huyghe, Regulate to Educate

Berkley High School

• Jennifer Plater, World History Learning & Storytelling Initiative
• Madison Horvath, BTV Studio Soundproofing

Burton Elementary School

• Jill Burton, Bal-A-Vis-X (Balance/Auditory/Vision eXercises) Program
• Keely Galdes, Cow Eye Dissection 

Norup International School

• Kaitlin Eickemeyer, Outdoor Recess Equipment 
• Yasmin Ruple, Brain–Body Connection Station: Enhancing Focus, Regulation, and Academic Achievement in First Grade

Pattengill Elementary School

• Courtney Skrinner, Fine Motor Tools

Rogers Elementary School

• Sarah Berry, Building Listening, Literacy and Self-Regulation Through Audio Learning
• Carlynn Powell-Fowler & Cassidy Tuthill, Strengthen Literacy Through Active Engagement