Morse Grants Program
Enhancing the Classroom Experience
The Lucia Burton Morse Grants Program is designed to enhance the classroom experience for both teachers and students. These grants will fund educational activities that go beyond routine professional development — they will create unique opportunities, broaden experiences, and foster enthusiasm among ACS teachers and staff. Grants can be used to invest in new and innovative curricular units, explore creative ways to enhance the students’ learning experience, or pursue extraordinary professional development opportunities for teachers or staff that align with the school’s mission.
2022 Recipients
Katie Baldwin, Group 3 Teacher
Katie is investigating service learning opportunities for various grade levels at ACS, with potential to expand into a school-wide service learning program where student apply knowledge and critical thinking skills to address community needs.
Sarah Batzel, Group 2 Teacher and Curriculum Coordinator
Sarah developed an innovative, inquiry-based social studies unit for Group 2. It explores supply chain and community economics and features exclusive field trips to Flavorchem and O’Hare. Also, Sarah is pursuing coursework in math instructional leadership and coaching.
Chris Makowski, Art Teacher
Chris is pursuing glass fusion courses and acquiring the necessary materials to add the media to the ACS art curriculum, which will allow students to explore how scientific processes and art intersect.
Angel Van Howe, SEL Facilitator & Gifted Coordinator
In partnership with Meghan McCarthy, Angel sought to bring Creative Arts Therapy to ACS to provide an SEL experience to MS students and faculty. This experience directly supports the values aligned with SEL goals: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
Meghan McCarthy, Social Worker
In partnership with Angel Van Howe, Meghan sought to bring Creative Arts Therapy to ACS to provide an SEL experience to MS students and faculty. This experience directly supports the values aligned with SEL goals: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
Nelly Musso, Preschool Teacher
Nelly is participating in the Reggio-Emilia U.S. Study Group for Educators for concentrated, first-hand exploration of this child-centered approach to early childhood education.
Thank You to Our Donors
As a result of your generosity, the Morse Grants program will extend into a multi-year opportunity for faculty and staff. The impact from the opportunities this program funds will be felt for years to come.
Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it.
– Marian Wright Edelman