Benfer Elementary Awarded $4,887 “C.O.O.L.” Stool Grant
Benfer Elementary received a generous $4,887 grant which will provide an opportunity to support students’ needs. This grant was generously sponsored by Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital.
During a surprise visit by the Klein ISD Education Foundation Celebration Express, the school was awarded the grant by foundation directors, community members, and Klein ISD Superintendent Dr. Jenny McGown. School staff were overjoyed as dozens of foundation supporters climbed out of their school bus and delivered large checks to grant recipients.
This grant allows each classroom at Benfer Elementary to have a stool filled with items found in a counselor’s office or “cool-down” room. Instead of leaving the classroom when students start to feel frustration, anger, sadness, or other negative emotions, they’ll use these items to self-regulate and stay focused on learning.
Students will be empowered to advocate for themselves when they need a break or access to a COOL stool and will build traits like self-control, self-advocacy, and self-awareness. Part of the COOL stool introduction process will include time for students to reflect on how they’ll know if they’re calm, and how to choose the right tool for a particular emotion or situation. This project is estimated to impact 815 students.
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“The ‘COOL Stool’ grant is a perfect opportunity for students to self-regulate and be “centered” in the classroom in order to resume their learning,” Klein ISD Education Foundation President Bill Lakin said. “ The time spent with students remaining on-task is one of the most effective pathways to success. The Cool Stool idea keeps students alert and thriving in their academic environment.”
This spring, the Celebration Express delivered grants totaling $52,536 to bring education to life for our learners. From a collaborative student-run art gallery to a virtual bilingual library, our Spring 2022 grant recipients are innovative, engaging, and inspirational.
Thank you so much to all our grant sponsors who made all this possible. Your giving contribution will help further the educational experience of every Klein ISD student.
The Klein ISD Education Foundation accepts grant applications twice a year to encourage, facilitate, and recognize creative projects that lead to academic achievement for our Klein ISD students.
For a full recap of the day, please read our overview article here.
Best Public Schools in Texas
Klein ISD has an established 84-year history of excellence and innovation in education with unique pathways for EVERY student in our care to ensure learners are college, career, military, and life ready. With recognition for STEM, athletics, fine arts, and academics from highly-esteemed organizations, it is clear that Our Shared Vision of every student entering with a promise and exiting with a purpose is a reality for EVERY student who walks through our doors.
About Klein ISD
Klein ISD is a school district in Klein, Texas, located in northwestern Harris County. The district spans approximately 88 square miles and serves more than 53,000 students in 33 elementary schools, 10 intermediate campuses, one high school program of choice, and 5 high schools.
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