A new grant program has been developed between CybHER at Dakota State University and the Madison Central School Educational Foundation, with support from SBS Cybersecurity. The CybHER grant will be a competitive mini-grant program that will support educators in the Madison Elementary School and Madison Middle School. This year three grants were awarded to purchase technology, software or equipment for teachers’ classrooms.

“Educators create and influence every future leader. For the success of everyone, teachers need to have access to technology to support their curriculum.” says Dr. Ashley Podhradsky, Associate Dean and Associate Professor at DSU and Co-Founder of CybHER. “CybHER at DSU wanted to partner with the Madison Educational Foundation to play a small part in helping teachers get the technology they need. Dr. Pam Rowland and I hope to see unique and new ideas to fund from the elementary and middle school faculty,”

Monica Pickard, elementary music teacher, purchased music software that layers and sequences music and would allow for instant feedback on what the students music will sound like. Everything you need in one package to compose, arrange, record, edit, mix and master professional quality music.

Dr. Pam Rowland, Chris Waba, Kindra Wiese, Dr. Ashley Podhradsky

Robin Schwebach, elementary computer teacher, purchased Connected Toys for students to learn and develop their programing skills. The devices will enrich the curriculum by integrating computer science skills. Not only does programming develop computer skills, it also develops soft skills like problem solving, perseverance, collaboration, communication skills, and the ability to accept and process constructive criticism to identify the issues and fix them.

Kindra Wiese and Chris Waba, Middle School Math teachers, purchased a Hovercam SOLO8 document camera. They will use the document cameras in their sixth and seventh grade math classrooms. The document cameras will improve classroom instruction by allowing teachers to project manipulatives, so students can visually understand math concepts.

“We are so grateful for DSU, Dr. Podhradsky, and Dr. Rowland for their support not only for the MCSEF, but also for the support of our schools and students. Thank you for helping us make a difference for our little Bulldogs!” Renae Prostrollo, director of Foundation.