The Assistance League of Huntington Beach (ALHB) continues strengthening its partnership with the Huntington Beach City School District (HBCSD), expressing deep appreciation and unwavering support for our remarkable teachers and staff through the Links to Learning Program.
This year, 48 teachers and staff members were awarded over $25,000 in grants to enrich student learning. Since the program’s inception, ALHB has donated more than $200,000 to our schools, creating a culture of innovation and academic excellence.
Congratulations to this year’s grant recipients for their approved proposals:
Dwyer Middle School
Adam Segal - Expanding Horizons: Enriching Our Library Collection for Student Success
Courtney Ries - Printmaking Our Way to Entrepreneurship
Sara Lieberman - Special Education Headphones (Guided Support)
Jill Hart - Tools for Ceramics
Tony Zini - Rocketry: Learning about Space Travel
Amy Rasmussen, Sara Lieberman - Scholastic Action, Smile Book, and Who's Who books
Eader Elementary
Kelly Kobzeff, Courtney Neil, Michelle Africano - Differentiation in the 21st Century Classroom
Sara Rapp, Jourdan Crowell, Natasha Paez, Pete Dawson - Literacy Enhancement: Preschool
Hawes Elementary
Jennifer De Stefano - Read, Discuss, Connect: The Genius of Literature Circles
Amy Volk - The Symbiotic Relationship of Bees, Butterflies, and Plants: A Hands On STEAM Unit
McKenna Etchart - Enhancing Learning Through Tactile Engagement
Kara Ortiz - IMSE Orton Gillingham K-2 Phonics Readers
Sara Adams, Jenny Cook - Insects and Their Relationships With Plants
Amy Arsenault, Christine Wilfert - Hands on Science for First Graders
Susan Oakes, Christine Zeutzius - Engaging Second Graders in Hands On Science Exploration
Tonya Borns, Michelle Tucker, Tracy Garton - Mystery Packs to Enhance Mystery Science Curriculum
Moffett Elementary
Amanda Hart - Learn Through Play
Sarah Fantel, Nancy Taylor, Julie Felix - Second Graders Excel with IXL
Peterson Elementary
Julie Newton - Blood on the River American Revolution Novel Study
Clare Shweyk - California Young Reader Medal voting and election year tie in
Kayley Krong - STEAM Bins & Songs and Movement for Kinders
Joy Black - Reading takes you places!
Preschool Academy
Jocelyn Carbajal, Anna Chen, Kori Stephenson, Tammy Tang - Preschool garden
Seacliff Elementary
Connie Clem - Art Therapy: Expressing yourself in a positive way
Katie Powell - Who Was...? Library Expansion
Smith Elementary
Angelique Martinez - Learning and Growing Through Art and Play
Jen Yamabe - Back to the Basics!
Jennifer Dalton - Little Hands, Big Skills, Supporting Fine Motor Growth in Kindergarten
Sowers Middle School
Dana Palmer - Empowering STEM Success: Printing Elevates Learning
Shaianne Homann - Curriculum Expansion for Guitar/Band
Ylan Chung, Kelly Steinfeld, Brooke Devitt - Sowers Coffee Cart
During the award reception, Cathy Johnson, Chair of the ALHB Links to Learning Program, praised the dedication of educators who strive to enhance student experiences. “These grants will continue to support essential Social Emotional Learning in classrooms,” Johnson remarked. “Students will dive into subjects like plant and animal studies, STEAM investigations, rocketry, robotics, fine arts, and even manage a student-operated coffee cart.”
Individual grants of up to $600 and group grants of up to $2,400 are awarded based on how each project fosters creativity and innovatively addresses students' needs.
At the special reception, recipients were honored by ALHB’s Links to Learning Program committee members, school board member Dr. Paul Morrow, and district staff. It was a heartfelt celebration for the educators who were dedicated so much to shaping the future of our students.
“This partnership highlights the power of collaboration within our district,” said Dr. Cynthia Guerrero, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services. “With 32 grants awarded this year, the program exemplifies our shared commitment to providing every student with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. The overwhelming generosity of our community partners is truly paving the way for a brighter future.”
The ALHB Links to Learning Program committee, composed of devoted volunteers, carefully reviews each grant application. Key criteria in the selection process include project quality, objectives, student impact, and budget accuracy.
Since its founding in 1950, ALHB has been a transformative force within the Huntington Beach community. The league supports various philanthropic programs funded through proceeds from its thrift shop, fundraising initiatives, and member donations, all of which positively impact the lives of children and adults.
Visit the Assistance League of Huntington Beach website to learn more about how you can support our students, teachers, and community.