SAN DIMAS/LA VERNE – Eight Bonita Unified educators will bring hands-on, play-based classroom projects to life after receiving more than $3,300 in mini-grants from the Rotary Club of La Verne, which continued its tradition of supporting innovation across the District during the Dec. 3 Board of Education meeting.

The service organization awarded individual grants ranging from $150 to $500, providing teachers with resources that strengthen academic engagement, build developmental skills, and enrich the learning environment for students across grade levels.

“We are grateful to the Rotary Club of La Verne for investing in our educators and students,” Bonita Unified Superintendent Matt Wien said. “These grants empower teachers to bring creativity and innovation into their classrooms, creating meaningful learning experiences that inspire students and help them reach their full potential.”

Grace Miller Elementary TK/kindergarten teachers Jen Svoboda and Gayle Cervantes each received $500 to support projects tailored to early learners. Svoboda will purchase Tuff Trays with stands and learning manipulatives, giving students a versatile platform for STEAM and sensory activities. The tray will support fine motor skill development, foster creativity, and provide a contained space for hands-on, exploratory learning.

“Young children learn best through play, and tools like the Tuff Tray help create an enjoyable and effective learning environment,” Svoboda said. “It keeps students curious, active, and eager to explore.”

Cervantes plans to use her funds to create an outdoor dramatic play area equipped with child-size excavators, stepping stones, a balance beam, gardening tools, and a sand table. The project will expand opportunities for play-based exploration and help students build gross motor skills in a dynamic, outdoor setting.

“As teachers we regularly invest in classroom materials, and this grant gives us the support to continue to do what is best for our students,” Cervantes said. “There are resources we know would make a meaningful impact for our students, and this grant makes those ideas possible by helping us build experiences that strengthen early learning.” 

PHOTO: 

BUSD_LVROTARY_MINIGRANTS: Bonita Unified educators receive mini-grants from the Rotary Club of La Verne during the Dec. 3 Board of Education meeting.