On Friday, August 5th, the Classroom of the Future Foundation (CFF) and our 2016 Inspire, Innovate, and Achieve awardees were recognized in the San Diego Padres’ pregame ceremony. San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) Community Relations Manager Nhu Tran presented CFF with a generous $15,000 donation to support the organization’s continued efforts to bring greater innovation to education.
Our 2016 classroom awardees honored on the field included:
- Inspire Award: Orange Glen High School, Escondido Union High School District
- Innovate Award: Montgomery Middle School, Cajon Valley Union School District
- Achieve Award: Hilltop Middle School, Sweetwater Union High School District
Orange Glen’s “Maximizing Ability, Minimizing Disability” program for students with intellectual disabilities utilizes technology in ways that go well beyond the typical educational expectations. Students use technology to share interests, experiences, and challenges with others, allowing for greater creative expression, social connection, and a sense of belonging. This program’s goal is to better prepare students for future independence and employability.
Montgomery Middle’s “Engineering Science – Makerspace” program transformed a 20th century wood shop class into a 21st century Makerspace lab where students use the design process in a variety of mediums. Students discover and learn about Adruinos, electronic circuits, mechanical engineering, and additive manufacturing (3D printers) to create products that solve a problem or satisfy a need.
Hilltop Middle’s “FLAGS” program focuses on expanding students’ global awareness through a foreign language curriculum that utilizes modern technology. Students choose various languages to learn, and engage in a hands-on curriculum that includes mock trials, Socratic seminars, blogging, creating multimedia presentations for authentic audiences, showcasing skills to parents and teachers, and curriculum-centered field trips.
As the winners of the 2016 Innovation in Education Awards, teachers Courtney Coffin (EUHSD), Emmy Rodgers (CVUSD), and Athena Manjarrez (SUHSD) joined CFF CEO James Wright on the Petco Park field to accept the honor. San Diego Padres Vice President for Community Relations Sue Botos also joined the pregame ceremony to honor CFF and these award winning teachers.
This exciting opportunity was made possible by the San Diego Padres and SDG&E, as part of their “Going to Bat for San Diego!” partnership. This partnership involves a variety of initiatives and community efforts that will benefit local nonprofit organizations, with a focus on supporting first responders, veterans, STEM education, and health and human services.
Thank you SDG&E and the San Diego Padres for your commitment to innovation in education, and preparing San Diego students to be our future workforce.