The Bellevue school is using a $2,500 grant to get out of the classroom

The Cash in for Schools grant is designed to help teachers in the Omaha Metro improve their students’ classroom experience. But sometimes that money is best used to get students out of the classroom. “We have to remember that not all students have had the opportunity to leave their homes,” said Courtney Smeby, an instructional coach at Fairview Elementary School in Bellevue. “We want to give our students as many opportunities as possible to immerse themselves in the real world and see what they can be involved in as they get older.” Smeby applied for the “Cash in for Schools” sponsored by Thrasher Foundation Repair on September 17, 2019 ” scholarship the advice of one of her kindergarten teachers. A few weeks later, KETV and Thrasher Foundation Repair were in one of those kindergarten classrooms and presented a check for $2,500. “I was very excited,” Smeby said. “I know that not only for me, but I’m happy for our teachers because I know how much work they put into teaching every day.” The $2,500 will be used to send about 75 kindergarten students on a field trip to take with you to Gifford Farms. Participation and transportation are paid for. You can interact with animals, learn about crops and the impact of seasonal changes on agriculture, and help the farm’s volunteers. It fits the agriculture curriculum that students study. “It will make a difference for these kids,” Smeby said. “Since Covid, we haven’t had many field trip experiences for our students. As a former classroom teacher, I know how important it is for our students to have these experiences, so this will be hugely meaningful for the children.” “We are still looking for more applications as we announce our second semester winners in the “Cash in for Schools” scholarship program. The application process is simple. Click here and scroll down to apply. Click here for the latest headlines from KETV NewsWatch 7