2021-2022 Grant Recipients

Alcoa High School purchased a TV and Chromecast technology to display important announcements to visitors and students. They also implemented a daily advisory period for staff to meet with grade-specific groups to deepen teacher-student relationships and better support student socio-emotional development. Through digital media and the new TV and Chromecast, Alcoa hopes students will be equipped to better navigate through electronic communications.

Heritage High School's Multi-process Welding Project aims to increase student knowledge and ability to operate welding equipment. With the help of the Simply Smart Grant, Heritage High School purchased an entry-level multi-process machine, which provided nearly 100 students the opportunity to learn new welding skills.

William Blount High School used grant funds to purchase new laptops for students dual-enrolled in the Interior Design Program. The new laptops will help ensure they have the most up-to-date software required for the program.

Students at Miller Boyd Alternative School do not pay fees or have school supplies. Many times, educators pay for supplies out of pocket. Grant funds purchased school supplies for students to help them be successful in the classroom. Items included calculators, protractors, tape, paper, pencils, and wood for a picnic table so students can eat lunch outside.

With Simply Smart grant funds, Morristown West purchased 35 copies of the New York Times Upfront Magazine. Students were required to read an article every Friday and write a summary. Students learned about current events and were able to raise literacy scores for testing. Approximately 180 students benefited from the project.

The Austin East library is a community space where students come together. With the help of the Simply Smart grant, Austin East purchased furniture to give students a more flexible learning environment. Items purchased included adjustable desks and chairs, rolling tables and laptop stands, rolling chairs, and more. 

Farragut High School used Simply Smart grant funds for two projects. The first project allowed students to participate in the hands-on construction of circuits. Students learned about series, parallel, and combination circuits by obtaining measurements for different properties. Funds were used to purchase digital multimeters, hook-up wires, led bulbs, switches, cutters, power supplies, and solderless breadboards. 

The remaining grant funds helped the agricultural science classes purchase supplies for the Flock and Friends project. This project consisted of remodeling the previous playground area into a large chicken coop with nesting boxes and storage boxes for feeding.

Gibbs High School Rehab Careers classes teach students many types of rehabilitation like physical therapy, speech, and occupational therapy. With grant funds, Gibbs purchased therapy tables, paraffin baths, exercise mats, exercise balls, heat and ice packs, resistance bands, splints, and more to help students learn about rehabilitation techniques. The remaining grant funds helped purchase supplies to celebrate students entering pod-secondary education.

Hardin Valley Academy used grant funds to develop a common area for learning within the school library. The library is a school hub for students, and the new commons area helped create a collaborative learning and instruction area. HVA purchased modular tables and seating, allowing for multiple options for students to work. Additional tools and supplies such as a color poster printer, button maker, monitors, Chromebook adapters, mobile storage solutions, and dividers were purchased and available for students. 

L&N used grant funds to develop their very first tech challenge team. Students designed, built, programmed, and operated robots to compete in head-to-head challenges. 

Powell High School used grant funds to purchase a virtual business retail simulation allowing students to concept business practices and market products. Students learned management concepts and how marketing plays a role in business. Other lessons learned included market research, product development, product placement, promos, management, customer service, financing, risk management, and more. 

Tennessee School for the Deaf used grant funds to purchase material to create a life-size human foosball field. The addition of this new activity will allow students in PE classes to learn team-building skills. 

With Simply Smart grant funds, Greenback School purchased CPR masks, resuscitators, mannequins, bag valves, and other supplies for CPR, first aid, and AED certifications. Nearly 80 students were able to receive their certificates.

With grant funds, Loudon High School purchased art supplies for the Visual Arts program. Students gained a deeper appreciation of the arts through painting, clay and glazing, textile creations, and drawing. 

Midway used grant funds to purchase a laser engraver and cutter for STEM classes. Students created turbine blades to be used in turbine prototypes and other 3D modeling and designs.

Roane County High School used grant funds to update science labs. The Science department purchased magnification light microscopes for students to use.

With the help of the Simply Smart grant, Gatlinburg Pittman High School purchased two digital lab measurement devices for the science department. Students collected values for different chemistry experiments.

Parkway Academy used grant funds to purchase art supplies for special needs students. Many students enjoy having a creative outlet because it boosts self-confidence and is therapeutic. Funds helped provide chalk and oil pastels, walnut oil, multimedia paper, paintbrushes, foil sheets, paint, and other various art supplies.

The Simply Smart grant provided funds to cover the expense of the Praxis exam for paraprofessionals. Students in teaching as a profession are eligible to take the Praxis exam and achieve a license to work in Sevier County Schools as paraprofessional assistants after graduation. 

Sullivan East High School students complete several work-based learning projects throughout the school year, such as self-care, food prep, food service, gardening, customer service, and more. These projects teach students life skills and how to function independently even though they may have special needs. Grant funds were used to purchase groceries, plants, supplies for gardening, construction and craft supplies, a small refrigerator, and other classroom supplies for learning. 

Simply Smart grant funds helped West Ridge High School purchase supplies for its CDC program. Students learned to plan a meal, budget, and cook the meal. By learning the skills, students were able to be more independent.