PAST ACHIEVEMENTS

*Classrooms of the FUTURE: In 2022, the administration, teachers, PTA, and Foundation met on-site with technology consultants for months to devise the perfect comprehensive plan to transform our classrooms into literal *classrooms of the future*! We also worked closely with the district to ensure maximum integration of our new tech to support our teachers and enhance the education of every student at Gorrie. This was implemented in two phases:

*Classroom of the Future FURNITURE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: The 2023 Gala and MAGIC proceeds are funding a $180K furniture improvement for our students, including new desks & chairs for grades 2-5. The Foundation hopes to improve other grades and classrooms through funding in the 2023-2024 school year. The furniture was requested by administration and staff and will enhance collaborative learning and replace old furniture which was in disrepair. Our useable furniture will be donated back into the school system to be repurposed and used by other schools.

*Classroom of the Future TECHNOLOGY UPDATE: The 2022 Gala, in conjunction with the PTA, funded a $170K technology improvement for our school. This included 25" Newline 75" Ultra-HD LED Multi-touch Displays (one for every classroom), one-to-one devices (chromebooks) for all students grades 3-5, and repurposing other laptops for one-to-one devices for grades K-2.

*GORRIE GROWS: The Foundation funded the initial investment to establish the Gorrie Garden in January 2019. In 2022, the Foundation approved an additional $10K+ capital investment into the Garden, approving its expansion with an outdoor classroom, weather investigation tools to help support science curriculum, new benches, a succulent display, bird feeders & cedar bird houses, solar water fountain, pollinator plants, and art beautification through child sculptures. The Garden hopes to become accredited by the National Wildlife Foundation as a Certified Wildlife Habitat, replenishing resources for wildlife such as bees, butterflies, birds, and amphibians. Year-to-year garden endeavors are run through the PTA, and you can follow the Garden's progress on Instagram at @gorriegrows.

*ARTIFICIAL TURF: Beginning in the summer of 2020, the Foundation has installed artificial turf on the main field, in the outdoor lunch areas, by the Coliseum, and by the basketball courts. The artificial turf has enhanced the children's days and has allowed all grade levels to enjoy outdoor learning areas. In addition, in conjunction with the McLamore Family Foundation, the primary playground received artificial turf in 2022.

*MEDIA CENTER RENOVATION: In 2020, the Foundation completed a renovation of our Media Center which transformed it into a state-of-the-art learning center, complete with a MakerSpace, Collaboration Hub, Reading Lounge, "Trees of Knowledge" with permanent student art, and a flexible classroom hub.

*TECHNOLOGY UPDATE PART 1: The 2019 Gala funded a major technology improvement, culminating in the purchase of 150 student laptops, 45 teacher laptops, and 31 document cameras.

*COLISEUM: The inaugural purchase of the Foundation was a multi-year funding endeavor which culminated in the purchase of additional land and building of the Coliseum, Gorrie's magnificent indoor gym.

*OTHER IMPROVEMENTS: Other improvements and investments in the school include sound-absorbing ceiling tiles in the cafeteria; resurfacing of the basketball court; expansion of our Gorrie Garden to include a blueberry garden, seedling table, composting bin, and a worm farm; educational tools including Inner Explorer Program, BrainPop, Committee for Children Program, Worldly Wise; Classroom Projectors; Student Hearing Aids; Large Format Projection Screen & Projector for Coliseum & Movie Night Events; Kindness Bathroom Beautification Project; First Grade Flower Tables.