Sarah Torricelli’s LMS and LHS students adventure outside during their Ski Education program for PE enrichment Winter 2022-23.

The Sierra Schools Foundation wrapped up its Winter Educator Grant this past January, with 16 applications for teachers and educators across the schools in Sierra County. With a variety grant requests, ranging from outdoor education field trips to Science walks & Classroom talks, SSF funded a collective $33,960 to enhance the educational experiences of students in rural and remote Sierra County. SSF advances its mission to reduce educational inequities in Sierra County through its Roots & Boots Initiative, encouraging students to explore, appreciate and preserve their rural “roots” and the rural and remote landscapes that shaped them, while also providing them with the “boots”, or skills, training and experiences to walk into their future prepared and inspired for what is ahead. Take a look below at our 2022 - 2023 grants and how we put our funding and your generous donations to work:

District-Wide Grants

1. DHS/ LHS College Application & Essay Writing Grant, Megan Meschery & James Berardi: $4,000.00

Downieville School K-12

2. Downieville School Gold & Green Garden Phase 2, Robin Bolle: $3,500.00

3. DES Sierra Nevada Journeys Outdoor Education, Faith Edwards: $2,400.00

4. DJH/ DHS Nature Bridge Headlands Science Camp, Katrina Bosworth: $2,900.00

5. DJH/ DHS The Quarry Field Trip, Robin Bolle: $1,600.00

6. DJH/ DHS Beginner Sewing Class, Katrina Bosworth: $500.00

7. DJH/ DHS TMI Time Project, Robin Bolle: $300.00

Loyalton Elementary School

8. LES Discovery Museum Field Trip, Stephanie Shelby: $1,500.00

9. LES Gallery on the Go, Erin Folchi: $500.00

10. LES Lava Beds National Monument, Joanna Haug: $3,000.00

11. LES Science Walks & Classroom Talks, Allie Davis: $260.00

12. LES Sierra Nevada Journeys, Juli Lane: $7,000.00

13. LES/ LHS Social Emotional Learning to Strengthen Success for Grades K-8, Annie Ceresola & Megan Meschery: $2,500.00

Loyalton High School

14. 14LHS Field Trip to Black Rock Press UNR, Katherine Genasci: $650

15. LMS/ LHS Ski Education, Sarah Torricelli: $3,350.00

TOTAL: $33,960

In addition, The Sierra Schools Foundation provided $15,000 in funding for Musica Sierra programs in Sierra County schools–LHS Drum Corps & LES after school String Program– and another $5,870 for Senior Projects through the time-honored tradition in Sierra County each year. The Sierra Schools Foundation empowers students by leveling the playing field, in regards to resources and funding, as our high school seniors pursue pathways to their dreams. These $500 (max.) grants can be used for classes, equipment, and other essential items or experiences key to their success. Here are the grant recipients for the 2022-2023 school year:

Downieville Senior, Riley Pearmund, interviewing Director of SCAC, BJ Jordan, for his documentary film project about the Yuba Theatre (Photos by Tim Jordan).

DOWNIEVILLE

1. Eco-Friendly Interior Design, MiaMartinelli $500

2. Reconstructing the Weight Room, Landon Jackson $400

3. The Yuba Theater: A Documentary Film, Riley Pearmund $270

LOYALTON

1. History of Engines, Lucas Durney $500

2. Building a Headache Rack, James Durney $500

3. Motor Rebuild & Swap, Andrew Jordan $500

4. Every 15 Minutes, Kaila Russell $500

5. Learn How to Read Music & Play Piano, Mikayla Hubbs $300

6. The California Cowboy, Sophia Wellise $500

7. Building a 6.5 Creedmoor, Aubree Roen $500

8. Cake Baking & Professional Decorating, Braden Armstrong $400

9. Half Marathon, Alena Johnson $500

10. Re-Upholstering My Boat, Madison Servideo $500

Established in 2011, The Sierra Schools Foundation has raised over $400,000 for our rural and remote school district, and implemented many long-standing programs: the Learning Gardens, ceramics & filmmaking courses, the Spring Musical at the Yuba Theater. SSF has partnered with schools and community organizations, such as Musica Sierra and The Sierra County Arts Council, to leverage funding and programs across the county that benefit our students and broader community for over a decade.

Spring 2023 Roots & Boots Grant Cycle Coming Soon!

We are looking forward to the next grant cycle, Spring 2023 and the quality learning it will continue to inspire in our schools.

Applications are due June 5th at midnight and can be found at https://www.sierraschoolsfoundation.org/grants.

Thank you to all the seniors, school administrators, teachers, and passionate educators for your applications in the Winter 2022 cycle. We celebrate you and appreciate your vision and dedication to excellent public education in Sierra County.