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  • Jana Oakman talks to Cheryl Johnson about the Duncan Public Schools Foundation grant which EDGE Academy received for a knitting program. Derrick Miler/The Duncan Banner

    DPSF grants spur arts, science interest
February 6, 2012

DPSF grants spur arts, science interest

Derrick Miller The Duncan Banner

DUNCAN — While much of the focus at the Duncan Public School Foundation’s Hall of Fame Banquet centers around those being inducted into the hall, the annual gathering is also an opportunity for the DPSF to display one of its key functions.

During the 2012 banquet at the Simmons Center, the results of seven grants were on display; grants the DPSF has provided teachers and staff in Duncan Public Schools during the past school year.

The grants ranged from drum kits for the music program at Mark Twain Elementary to a robotics grant for the Duncan Middle School to knitting supplies for the EDGE Academy.

During the 2010-11 school session, the foundation awarded grants to 27 teachers. This was equivalent of nearly $16,000.

Bill Gossett, master of ceremonies for the banquet, talked about the process teachers must complete to receive DPSF grants.

He said instructors who are needing access to resources that go beyond the school district’s budget can apply for a grant. The grants are awarded to teachers selected during the fall and spring semesters each school year.

Some of the teachers present who were recognized for the grants they received included Maria Martinez, Woodrow Wilson; Jana Oakman, EDGE Academy; Bekah Nice, Woodrow Wilson; DeLydia Gay, Mark Twain; Patty Jennings, Mark Twain; Sherry McGhghy, Duncan Middle School; and Cheryl Johnson, Horace Mann.

Patty Jennings, Mark Twain Elementary music teacher, received multiple grants from the foundation during the 2010-11 school year. She received three grants, two of which she applies for every school year.

“I’m excited,” Jennings said. “They have funded the opera about four years. They have funded the recorders about four years, too.

“The drumming is new.”

Jennings said the DPSF grants allow teachers to find innovative ways to instruct students, whether its bringing the Tulsa Opera to the school or introducing students to musical instruments.

Jana Oakman, EDGE Academy program director, was able to bring knitting to her learning center. In the program, students are able to knit various items, including hats and scarves. Students can use either hand-held looms or knitting needles.

She said the male students prefer using the knitting needles, and have taken to the activity so well, some can be seen knitting at sports events.

The EDGE program started during the 2010-11 school year, prior to having grant support. Oakman said the school was given a lot of lower-quality yarn and she purchased some yarn out of pocket.

The grant gave her the funds to cover the cost of yarn to continue the lesson, which students have found to be enjoyable.

“They have fun,” Oakman said.

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