ABC/25 Foundation

Thomas Middle School Grant Winners for the 2025-2026 School Year

1. Rebecca Fahnoe for Manga Mania (6-8) this grant will fund high interest Manga book series to create a Manga collection as an addition to the already popular Graphic Novel selection in the school library to boost and support student engagement across all grades.

2. Rebecca Fahnoe for Picture Book Palooza (6-8) This grant will fund the establishment of a high-interest picture book library for IRP/ERP students.

3. Rebecca Fahnoe for Beyond Books: Library of Things (6-8) A variety of non print items that will be available for check out (musical instruments, sports equipment, games, puzzles, art supplies)

4. Rebecca Fahnoe for Books Beyond Borders – Part 2 (6-8) books written in various languages to add to the library’s multilingual collection

5. Kaitlin Fajks for Extending Learning in the Commons Extension (6-8) 65″ TV, Apple TV, and extendable TV mount to be added to the Commons Extension. This will resolve a current visibility issue and will enhance student engagement and academic focus.

6. Nina Koufalias for Deep Pressure; Deep Focus (6-8) weighted vests, a non-invasive sensory product for students.

7. Sandy Vliet for The Garden – A Grand Teacher: Learning and Growth through Environmental Education: Thomas Middle School Soil-Mates Garden Club (6-8) climbing plants for the new handicap accessible planting beds, drought tolerant plants and grasses, perennial plants, fragrant herbs, a trellis/arbor, formal signage, tools, various plants and stones for the new Desert Garden, assorted annuals.

8. Wes Skym for Block-Aid: Drama Rehearsal Blocks (6-8) a 10-piece set of industry-standard drama rehearsal blocks. This grant went to both Thomas & South.

9. Piper Boston & Cheryl Demeter for Producing TipTop Tutorial Videos (Grade 7) decks of cards, dice stacking sets, cup stacking sets, speed cube sets, silent sports balls, mini hockey set, origami kit, science magic kits, friendship bracelet kits & extra threads. These materials will enhance the tutorial video project.
This grant went to both Thomas & South.

10. Cheryl Demeter & Piper Boston for Everything is Awesome! Creating Epic LEGO Brickfilms (6-8) assorted LEGO bricks, LEGO baseplates, and LEGO minifigure pieces for LEGO stop motion animation projects.
This grant went to both Thomas & South.