Cruz Awarded $10,000 Grant for Innovative Resilience

NEWBURGH – Ms. Alyssa Cruz, social studies teacher at South Middle School, has been awarded an inaugural Resilient Districts Prizes (RDP) for $10,000. This award is designed to reward innovative practices in blended and online learning that have made a positive impact during COVID-19. The award is provided by Future of School (FoS), a K-12 public charity organization. FoS has partnered with AASA – The School Superintendents Association for this initiative.

The RDP program is awarded to up to 20 total grants across three categories, worth $10,000 – $25,000 a piece, and the funds can be used for technology, professional development, training or other expenses related to online and blended learning.

Ms. Cruz applied her award to provide a more welcoming and engaging experience for English Language Learners (ELLs) in her classroom. The prize was used to enhance technology in Ms. Cruz’s classroom to support students who are learning the English language, specifically Spanish and Arabic in her classroom, so they can feel welcomed and are able to actively participate in learning without the use of an interpreter. This is done by using a device where both speakers wear headphones connected to an app that will translate the conversation in real time. This tool allows students who are learning English to be able to more fully engage in their academic lessons and to engage in conversation immediately to develop a rapport and feel welcomed into their classroom.

Additionally, supplies and furniture were purchased to promote various instructional models to meet the needs of all English Language Learners (ELLs). The moveable furniture promotes project-based learning, stations, and comfortable learning spaces for all students.

Additionally, headphones were purchased, so Ms. Cruz can record short lessons for students to listen to and complete the work independently in a rotation as they wait their turn to work with her personally. This approach attempts to duplicates the ability of Ms. Cruz to interact with her students throughout her classroom as they rotate station to station throughout the class.

On Tuesday, March 22, 2022, representatives from Future of School presented Ms. Cruz with a check during a brief ceremony.

“Alyssa Cruz, 2021 Resilient District Prize (RDP) winner, represents exactly what this national grant-program is all about– rewarding the entrepreneurial spirit of educators who are making a big difference in the lives of children every day. Alyssa’s commitment to reaching every single student in her class is nothing short of inspirational. Visiting her class for the RDP celebration on March 22 was one of the highlights of our team’s field work this year. Kudos to Alyssa and her students for demonstrating the power and potential of a truly symbiotic, transformative relationship between teachers and students.” Amy Valentine, Executive Director, Future of School

“South students show perseverance in the midst of hard times, which impact their teacher to reimagine and recreate learning experiences to ensure their success,” said Ms. Alyssa Cruz.

“It is a pleasure to have a teacher, such as Mrs. Cruz, here at South Middle School that is innovative and engages all of our diverse students,” said Ms. Chante Brooks, South Middle School Principal.