The Bluejacket Education Foundation exists to increase opportunities and expand educational horizons for Cambridge-Isanti students, from the youngest learners to soon-to-be graduates, by funding supplemental and/or innovative learning experiences through financial grants.
Our annual grants support programs, activities and experiences, both inside and outside the classroom, that support student learning, achievement, growth and well-being.
Grant-funded initiatives can take many forms, such as providing cutting-edge technology for an after-school science or engineering program, supporting new vocational partnerships with local businesses, or purchasing equipment that expands art opportunities in the classroom. Grants can fund academic opportunities that expand upon the school curriculum, extracurricular experiences that let students cultivate new interests, or wellness initiatives that support students’ physical, mental and emotional health.
BJEF Grant Recipients to Date
Spring 2024
Robin Dial – A safe, age-appropriate outdoor learning space at CPS will allow Early Childhood students to practice large and small motor skills, imaginative play, social interaction, and sensory exploration.
Sara Gleason – Flexible seating in the CIS media center will provide more comfortable opportunities for students to collaborate on projects or study independently, increasing focus and productivity.
Paul Maurer – A new 3D printer at IIS & STEAM will engage students with personalized, hand-on learning opportunities across multiple subjects and learning styles.
Jeremiah Semler – CIHS Students will engineer and build a wooden stand-up paddle board to learn collaboration and construction skills throughout the year.
Christi Voce – READ@CMS literature circle books will instill a culture of reading all year, with engaging activities and a Battle of the Books during February’s I Love to Read Month.
Jeni Zortman – Modernizing materials in the CIHS media center will increase student productivity and decision-making by providing reliable, trustworthy and up to date reference materials.
Fall 2023
Jim Godfrey – Drone video cameras will allow Bluejacket Broadcasting students to explore new skills and provide professional level video productions for the school and community at large.
Kelly Hajek – Grow lights will let 3rd graders at CIS to learn about the science of growing plants earlier in the school year and increase successful propagation from seed.
Susie Kaspar – Bows, arrows and block targets will bring archery into CMS and IMS physical education classes, allowing students to learn a popular new sport in a safe environment.
Ryan O’Donovan – Sensory items and flexible seating will help students at CMS practice self-regulation, decreasing time our of the classroom, which will increase their learning opportunity.
Hanna Pagel – Students will use specialized Legos to solve real life problems affecting the world, providing hands-on and engaging learning opportunities, especially in math and science.
James Sullivan – DSLR cameras and lenses will enhance learning opportunities for CIHS photography students by giving them the ability to gain experience with more professional cameras.
Spring 2023
Tracy Hare – Mobile STEM cart fosters critical thinking and perseverance skills while giving students a taste of STEM careers.
Tricia Hennen – Mobile grow carts and lights will bring plant biology concepts to life at CIHS, all year long.
Jessica Miller – New kiln shelves enable new pottery glazing techniques by CIHS artists and provide more opportunities for hands-on learning.
Ryan O’Donovan – Cross-country skis will provide outdoor learning opportunities and support physical health at CMS/IMS.
Derrick Rink – New chemistry materials will expand “Mole Day” outreach by CIHS students to get CIS/IIS 3rd graders excited about science.
Jeremiah Semler – Students will engineer and construct a cedar strip canoe to learn collaboration and building skills at CIHS
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