MARSP awards mini-grant to Norway-Vulcan Area Schools
NORWAY TEACHER Cassandra Gustafson works with a small group of Algebra I students — from left are Allie Grable, Carly Stromquist, Amara Humphrey, Deanna Cruz and Cameron Varda.
Algebra 2 students work on marshmallow and toothpicks towers — from left are Eli Roussin, Clark Smith, Dylan Lang and Isaiah Spruce.
NORWAY TEACHER Cassandra Gustafson works with a small group of Algebra I students — from left are Allie Grable, Carly Stromquist, Amara Humphrey, Deanna Cruz and Cameron Varda.
Algebra 2 students work on marshmallow and toothpicks towers — from left are Eli Roussin, Clark Smith, Dylan Lang and Isaiah Spruce.
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NORWAY -- The Dickinson County chapter of the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel awarded a mini-grant of $250 to Cassandra Gustafson, math intervention teacher at Norway-Vulcan Area Schools.
Gustafson's grant requested funding to purchase a horseshoe table for her classroom in order to aid her in providing targeted math intervention and support to her students.
The primary objective of this initiative was to enhance math intervention strategies. With the table now in place, Gustafson said it has become the epicenter for personalized attention, allowing her to work closely with students requiring extra assistance in grasping mathematical concepts.
This focused approach ensures that struggling students receive the support they need to catch up with their peers, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
"This addition to my classroom has already proven its worth, creating an environment conducive to one-on-one and small group math interventions," Gustafson said.
Beyond its role in intervention, the horseshoe table has become a hub for collaborative learning, promoting student engagement and fostering a sense of community within the classroom.
By providing a designated space for group reviews, collaborative homework sessions and targeted assistance, the table has become a catalyst for interactive learning experiences.
"As an additional bonus, the students really enjoy working at the horseshoe table," Gustafson said. "They have communicated positively on the new look and feel of working in this setting."
The success of this initiative would not have been possible without the support received for the grant proposal, she added. Gustafson expressed gratitude for the members of the MARSP, emphasizing that their support has made a profound difference in the lives of NVAS students and their mathematical achievements.
MARSP is an organization made up of retired school personnel and is glad to help area teachers with projects through these mini-grants.