GC School Foundation

Myra Bleill. Executive Director of the Greenfield Central School Foundation spoke to Kiwanis about the foundations programs.  The foundation started as Set a Good Example in 1986 with the name being changed in 2010 and Mrs. Bleill being hired in October 2011. 

The Greenfield Central School Foundation is the gateway for private investment in our schools so that Greenfield Central students and teachers have the tools and resources they need to succeed. The Foundation also is proactive in establishing programs that impact our schools to enhance education and build positive character. 

Project ARROW is a collaborative project of the Greenfield-Central Community School Corporation and the Greenfield Central School Foundation. This highly successful program matches high school students (mentors) with at-risk students in the seventh and eighth grades, under the supervision of Master Mentors (community leaders). Goal-setting, skill building, and group activities are completed in an informal, supportive format. Each semester, a celebration brings all Project ARROW participants together for large group activities and projects.

E² or E squared stands for Educations Enrichment grants. The GCSF Educational Enrichment (E²) Grant program benefits students, teachers and schools within G-CCSC. The E² Grant program has recently expanded its criteria to provide opportunities for enhanced student learning and achievement. Our focus promotes character building plus innovative ways to enhance student learning and achievement.

The Greenfield Central School Foundation offers scholarships to graduating seniors from Greenfield-Central High School, recognizes students for their dedication to being a positive role model, and also honors community and educational leaders for the example they give within the school setting as well as within the community.

The foundation can accept contributions that help specific programs or to honor individuals who worked with the school system.  For more information contact Myra Bleill at 317-477-4103.

IGem from Greenfield Central

 

Pictured from Left: Mr. John Rihm, Bryce Herbert, Ms. Rebecca Schini, Chris Thompson, Tyler Girton, and Mason Keller 

 

The International Genetically Engineered Machine competition team from Greenfield-Central High School addressed Kiwanis about the Project Lead the Way Academies for Biomedicine and Pre-Engineering.  The iGEM team represents talents from both academies across all four grade levels at GCHS.  In addition to the two PLTW academies the high school also has a career academy and a finance academy. 

The four student presenters were:Chris Thompson, a Senior who is the author of Synthetic Biology, Brick by Brick published in the Johns Hopkins journal, Imagine, Jan/Feb 2012 issue; Bryce Herbert, also a senior; Mason Keller a Junior and Tyler Girton Sophomore.   Both Chris and Bryce will be attending Purdue University where they intend to continue their studies.

Chris talked the basics of iGEM, a competition that combines engineering principles with biology.  In 2011 the GC iGEM team won Best Poster, Best Presentation, Best New Part, and Best Overall Project.

Bryce Herbert spoke of the effects on iGEM students of gaining a head start on future studies, networking, learning important skills especially communications, and gaining experience as scientists.   It is hoped that the communities where iGEM include creating more Biotech companies, retention of educated workers and more innovation.

Mason and Tyler spoke about this year’s project for the iGEM competition.  There project is to produce a Blood Galactose and Glucose tester that will help patients and physicians monitor GALT activity.  GALT is an enzyme which does not occur in 1 in 60,000 births resulting in the disease Galactosemia.  The second project is develop a e-coli tester for Mycobacterium Marinum in acquariums.  The bacteria causes Fish Tuberculosis. 

This year’s iGEM high school competition will be held in Greenfield, June 30 at Greenfield Central High School.  For more information contact either Rebecca Schini or John Rihm at G-CHS.