2026 Ellison Education Grant Recipients

Amy Anderson – Belfair Elementary – North Mason School District

Project Title: Leveraging Literacy
Belfair Elementary will purchase the second four "Read Side by Side" units for 3rd graders. The first four units have been implemented, but due to levy failure the school was not able to purchase the remaining units.

George Barlow – Cheney High School – Cheney School District

Project Title: Palouse Prairie Pollinators
An outdoor learning experience will be created for students at three high schools. Learning will include classroom preparation and the installation of beehives and native wildflower gardens on district owned property.

Katelyn Berry – Westgate Elementary – Kennewick School District

Project Title: Literacy in 4D
“Letters Alive” is an interactive literacy program using augmented reality to bring the alphabet to life. It helps early learners build phonemic awareness, letter recognition and vocabulary through multi-sensory experiences.

Carrie Calonzo – Glenridge Elementary – Kent School District

Project Title: Voyagers are Changemakers
Being heard and seen is essential for academic success. Through assemblies and group sessions, speakers will provide students with information and inspiration. Funding will also provide supplies and tools for students to turn ideas into reality.

Amanda Caple – Centralia Middle School – Centralia School District

Project Title: Makerspace Makeover
Students have little contact with high quality STEM equipment and materials. The school library will be transformed into a permanent, high-functioning makerspace so students can go from passive consumption to active creation.

Nancy Clisham – John Muir Elementary – Seattle Public Schools

Project Title: Literacy Tools for Kindergarten
John Muir will purchase high interest resources and materials to decrease student reading disparity and increase literacy knowledge and skills. Three kindergarten classes will have access to multiple new tools and materials to impact their abilities.

Erica Covey – Arthur Jacobsen Elementary – Auburn School District

Project Title: Refreshed Library Collection
The school library has not been updated in 19 years. In addition to being outdated, it doesn't reflect or represent the diversity of the students in the building. A “refresh” will increase student engagement, critical thinking and information literacy.

Lizbeth Davis – Madison Elementary – Mt. Vernon School District

Project Title: Light Table Magic
Madison’s T-K students need more hands-on learning opportunities. Light tables provide sensory rich learning experiences and imaginative play. In addition, they promote multidisciplinary learning by reinforcing early skills in reading, math, and science.

Jana Dean – Nisqually Middle School – North Thurston School District

Project Title: Creating a Math Bridge Elementary to Middle School
Four elementary schools feed into Nisqually Middle School and only 37% of those students meet math standards. Teachers from all schools need opportunities to learn from each other to create a better math “pipeline”. The “pipeline” will be grounded in Universal Design for Learning Mathematics providing a framework for lowering barriers for diverse learners.

Carrie Franco – Whittier Elementary – Everett School District

Project Title: Phonics Boards for First Grade Literacy
Students enter school with widely varying reading abilities, language backgrounds, English proficiency and social-emotional skills. Magnetic phonics boards provide a concrete, multisensory model that supports equitable access to literacy instruction. By physically manipulating letter tiles, abstract phonics concepts become visible.

Joelle Gere – Windsor Elementary – Cheney School District

Project Title: Interactive Kindergarten
Promethean Smart Boards for Kindergarten classrooms will create interactive student-centered learning. The boards allow students to manipulate letters to form words and solve math problems using a variety of strategies.

Marlene Hanson – Terminal Park Elementary – Auburn School District

Project Title: Growing Great Writers
Students need strong, consistent writing support to make writing accessible for multilanguage learners and students with learning gaps. Professional learning through “The Writing Revolution” will address the need for structured writing instruction strengthening comprehension, reasoning, and communication.

Wendy Keomalu-Sarino – Kent Meridian High School – Kent School District

Project Title: Voices en Espanol
Kent-Meridian has a Spanish speaking population of 537 students. The library currently has 38 Spanish titles available. The Ellison grant will increase the number of titles to over 400 making the library more equitable and impactful for students.

Cyndi Larsen – Fort Stevens Elementary – Yelm Community Schools

Project Title: Accelerated Reader
Fourth and fifth grade students will engage in daily independent reading using “Accelerated Reader” texts, followed by comprehension quizzes providing immediate feedback. Accelerated Reader promotes accountability, stamina and the ability to monitor reading goals.

McKinzie Long – Dick Scobee Elementary – Auburn School District

Project Title: Enhancing Literacy Through ELA Centers
Five classrooms of kindergarten students will build stronger foundational literacy skills by using and acquiring magnetic word builders, sensory pads, and Elkonin mats. Teachers hope to bridge the gap between abstract concepts and concrete understanding.

Cory Medina – Ancient Lakes Elementary – Quincy School District

Project Title: Play Based Letter Learning for Kindergarten
In Quincy, high-poverty students enter school with a wide variety of literacy skills and knowledge. The P.E. department, in conjunction with classroom teachers, will incorporate ELA “letter games” into student activities to reinforce what students are learning in the classroom.

Lorlei Medina – Allen School – Burlington-Edison School District

Project Title: Spanish and English Reading Intervention
The Allen School is a dual-language. “Read Naturally Live” will introduce research-based curriculum to 5th grade students to improve the reading levels in both languages. In addition, this unique curriculum will address students’ needs in listening, speaking, and writing.

Kristi Mullen – Hockinson Heights Elementary – Hockinson School District

Project Title: Empowering Readers via Decodable Books
Empowering Readers will align all 7 kindergarten classroom libraries with decodable “Science of Reading” texts. Books will be used during small-group instruction and independent practice to support all students.

Carrie Newton – Marshall Elementary – Vancouver School District

Project Title: Improving Math Fluency
“Reflex Math” software will be used as needed for all students. Reflex Math impacts problem solving, confidence, fluency, and increased engagement. The program uses game-based mechanics and immediate feedback for students and their teachers.

Carlee Pangerl – Chattaroy Elementary

Project Title: LETRS Training
Due to double levy failure, the Ellison Grant will purchase the last four units of LETRS for five teachers. Completing training will deepen teacher knowledge in decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension for students.

Megan Reynolds-Littles – Four Heroes Elementary – Clover Park School District

Project Title: Creating Confident Learners
Many distinct special education students experience challenges with executive functioning, communication and emotional regulation. This limits traditional classes and the implementation of curriculum. Supplies will be purchased to give students increased chances at hands-on learning, sensory practices and played based instruction.

Lyndi Seidensticker-Miles – Ferris High School – Spokane School District

Project Title: Integrated Technology for AP Statistics
NumWorks Graphing Calculators will be purchased to enhance conceptual understanding and statistical reasoning for AP Statistics students. Current classroom interaction is limited due to outdated equipment. New calculators will help maximize student class time and provide greater productivity.

Lyndee York – Valley View Elementary – Toppenish School District

Project Title: Unlocking Reading Success
Students needing reading intervention will be impacted by the purchase of grade level decodable books. Teachers will have access to a new curated collection that aligns with the needs of their classrooms and students.