Christe Newkirk Awarded Teacher Innovator Grant

Our Community Foundation has announced the recipients of the second-semester Teaching Innovator Grants. Washington Community Schools received a $250 grant to support Next Playground.  Washington Intermediate Social Worker, Christie Newkirk, accepted the award and was named a Teaching Innovator. 

As a school social worker, Newkirk meets nearly 50 students each week in small groups to build self-esteem, develop friendships, and learn healthy coping strategies. Some of her students require additional support and meet with her more frequently due to higher behavioral and emotional needs. She is always looking for new, engaging ways to help these students build social skills and self-regulation in a positive environment. One exciting opportunity is to incorporate a new interactive video game system that connects to our smart board and does not require school Wi-Fi. This system encourages students to move, collaborate, and problem-solve together, skills that are especially important during the colder months when physical activity opportunities are limited. The system is being used both as an incentive and as a structured tool to motivate students, reinforce teamwork, and promote positive behavior across our school community. 

Newkirk states that this project will help Daviess County youth build essential life skills that prepare them for success in an ever-changing world. By integrating interactive, movement-based video games into social-emotional learning, students will strengthen their communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, which are vital both in and beyond the classroom. The program promotes positive peer interactions, emotional regulation, and resilience, helping students learn to handle challenges constructively. Additionally, the technology component encourages digital literacy and adaptability, ensuring our youth are prepared to thrive in a world that increasingly values collaboration, creativity, and innovation. Through this project, students will gain confidence, form stronger connections with others, and develop the social and emotional foundation needed for lifelong success. 

Our Community Foundation is proud to support innovative teaching methods in all our area schools. We appreciate our donors' generosity in making this grant possible.