Grants for Schools

Connecting physical activity to computer use is one easy way for teachers to add activity to the learning environment.  In days of tight budgets and full schedules, teachers need “plug and play” solutions that manage themselves while preparing students to learn – especially the students most challenged in reading and math.

PopCap sponsored a grant application to schools in the Bend-LaPine and Redmond School Districts.

On June 12, we will set up FootGaming stations at the Liberty Building (next to footZone on Wall St noon-6PM FREE) and anyone can come by and play a few games of the popular, “Bejeweled Twist.”  Every step logged while playing the game can be designated as a vote for the school or teacher of your choice.  You can help your favorite teacher win a fabulous arcade FootPOWR and a laptop as grand prize, compliments of PopCap.

As part of PopCap’s 10^th anniversary celebration of their flagship Bejeweled game, Central Oregon teachers were invited to apply for ExerLearning grants.  Six teacher finalists will each receive at least three FootPOWRs – a computer mouse that requires balance and physical activity to communicate with software -  PopCap games and ExerLearning training valued at over $2500.

PopCap donated the FootPOWR-driven ExerLearning Stations. One teacher finalist, Michelle Zistel of Tom McCall Elementary in Redmond, experienced FootGaming and ExerLearning during this past school year, “All of my students have improved dramatically over our year with ExerLearning.  I fully believe this is due to their excitement on setting a goal and achieving it with daily practice.”

Another Tom McCall finalist, Heather Renz explains further, “I have been using technology to deliver fitness with my fourth graders for the past six years.  Please see my website for more reasons why students are excited to participate.  http://www.mrsrenz.net/exerlearning.html

Michelle Herron, principal of Tumalo School is thrilled that three of her teachers are grant finalists. She believes physical exercise is the key component to a sound mind and body. Tumalo School finalists include Andy Ausfahl, grade 4 , Kelly Callahan, grade 5, and Special Ed teacher Suzy Hayes. Callahan explains why she is looking forward to integrating ExerLearning into the classroom, “Students enjoy technology and by integrating it with physical activity students will be doing something they love – playing video games – but will gain the added benefit that while they are playing they will also be exercising.

Bear Creek Elementary principal, Kathleen Saterdahl, is delighted that her teachers will have some solid Exerlearning training to go along with the new technology software, games and technology.

You can help one of these finalist teachers win a BONUS GRAND PRIZE from PopCap – a laptop loaded with PopCap games and an additional arcade-style FootPOWR “mouse-controller.” Just come to the Liberty Building (next to FootZone and the Tower Theater in Bend).  Play Bejeweled Twist the Footgaming way. Every step you take while playing is a vote for the teacher of your choice. It’s June 12 from noon until 6 PM. It’s free, with refreshments and a drawing for your own FootPOWR.