On April 24, the North Royalton Educational Foundation recognized the recipients of its 2024-25 school year grants during a celebratory reception held at North Royalton High School. Educators from across the District were honored for their innovative proposals, each designed to enhance learning experiences and student engagement throughout all grade levels.
Nicole Babik from North Royalton Middle School received a grant for Trackpads and Clipboards. The tools will allow for enhanced classroom mobility, enabling students to interact with smartboard content while modeling annotations and navigating digital resources both in the classroom and on team walks to Memorial Park.
Amanda Doak from North Royalton Elementary School was awarded a grant for Kindergarten Learning Manipulatives. These materials foster creativity, imagination, vocabulary, collaboration, and critical thinking, while also supporting differentiated learning for students who may need extra help.
Kathleen Filippelli, also from North Royalton Elementary, received funding for Literacy Versa Tiles, a hands-on, screen-free alternative for literacy practice. These kits offer engaging, self-paced learning opportunities to reinforce reading and comprehension skills.
Sarah Franko from North Royalton Middle School earned a grant for Critical Thinking, Problem Solving & Collaboration. Her Maverick team will benefit from STEM-based games and activities designed to sharpen students' higher-order thinking skills in a fun, interactive environment.
Kate Hindall from North Royalton Elementary received support for Building Thinking Classrooms, a professional development initiative equipping third- and fourth-grade teachers with tools to help students increase their math stamina and problem-solving abilities.
Leigh Johnson, Jennifer Malik, and Nina Pignataro, all from North Royalton Elementary, were awarded funding for Soft Start Bins. These bins offer students engaging, hands-on activities in the morning to kick-start their day and prepare them for effective learning.
Liz Kannel, also at North Royalton Elementary, received a grant for Kindergarten Multi-Sensory Materials, which help students build foundational phonics skills through enriched classroom routines and differentiated instruction.
Sarah Michael and Abbey Studor from North Royalton Elementary were recognized for their grant supporting Egg Shakers & Ukuleles. These instruments will allow music students to personalize their learning and engage in collaborative musical expression.
Brenna Nichol from North Royalton Elementary received a grant for Math Versa Tiles, which offers a screen-free way for students to practice math skills in stations or small groups. The kits promote mastery through self-paced, hands-on learning.
Kriste Smith from North Royalton High School received a grant for NoRo Business Builders. This program allows students in entrepreneurship classes to design, market, and sell their creations while learning key business concepts like cost analysis and profit margins.
Mary Ann Trunzo, also from North Royalton Elementary, earned a grant for Gel Printing Plates. These materials will support creative expression through printmaking projects, encouraging students to make independent artistic decisions using a variety of textures and techniques.
Doug Zimlich from North Royalton Middle School was awarded funding for Team Raptor Kindness Garden. This outdoor project will foster community and mindfulness while supporting the district’s Bear Way initiative. Students will collaborate with the high school’s garden club and local businesses to bring the space to life.
From the Dr. Kasey Spirakus Memorial Fund for Special Education, Tennille Haugh of North Royalton High School received funding for Stepping Stones High School Social Skills Development. This initiative uses games and structured activities to help students strengthen their communication skills, understand nonverbal cues, and navigate social interactions more effectively.
Arynn Leety from North Royalton Elementary was awarded a grant for Hands-On Toys, providing students with tactile resources that reinforce concepts through multisensory play and enhance engagement for diverse learning needs.
Kate West, also from North Royalton Elementary, earned funding for Sensory Materials. These tools support students’ physical regulation and focus by providing safe, movement-based outlets for sensory needs, including swinging, climbing, bouncing, and hugging.
Through the Ellie Rechkemmer Memorial Literacy Fund, Katie Bober received a grant for the NRES Whole School Book Club. This literacy initiative includes book-related activities, trivia, a North Royalton scavenger hunt, and a family literacy night—all aimed at connecting families through a shared reading experience.
Lori Cole from North Royalton Middle School was awarded funding for 5th Grade Literacy Centers. These centers will offer targeted instruction, improve comprehension, and provide differentiated resources to meet each student's unique learning needs.
Finally, with support from the North Royalton Educational Foundation Sponsorship, Monica Boduszek (High School), Jennifer Nemeth (Elementary), and Deanna Paolino (Middle School) earned funding for the Start with Hello initiative. This district-wide program aligns with the Safe Schools Act and aims to reduce social isolation, support absentee students, and build an inclusive environment through strategic signage and school branding that reinforces kindness and connection.
The Foundation’s ongoing support for educational innovation continues to provide impactful opportunities for both students and staff across the District.