STE. GENEVIEVE – Ste. Genevieve Elementary third grade teachers Jessica Ramer and Stephanie Evelsizer have each been awarded a $400 CHEER grant through MNEA-Retired. The CHEER program—short for Caring Help for Education Endeavors by Retirees—is designed to support active MNEA members in obtaining classroom materials that enhance learning.
For both grants bestowed, the Ste. Genevieve County R-II School District matched the funding, bringing the total to $800 for each classroom. With this support, the two teachers purchased 11 new student chairs per room.
The funding helps address a challenge that arose when the classrooms received new, dry-erase mobile tables earlier this year. While the tables promote collaboration and flexibility, the existing chairs are difficult for students to move during group activities. Mrs. Ramer explained in her application that lightweight, stackable chairs would make it easier for students to reconfigure their workspaces, allowing for smoother transitions into small groups and hallway learning opportunities.
The chairs selected are already in use in another classroom and have proven to be both durable and easy for students to handle—enhancing the learning environment by increasing mobility and comfort.
With more freedom to move and collaborate, students now have a learning space that adapts to their needs and supports the way they learn best.