7 Oct 2004
Hispanic Salute Grants Promote Creativity in the Classroom
DALLAS–A couple of years ago, while working with his mentor, Dallas Independent School District teacher Wilmer Romero realized the benefits that teachers and students receive from the grants awarded through the Hispanic Salute.
"When I worked with my mentor a couple of years ago, I witnessed how she was able to fund a reading program that she had designed for her students with the money she received through Hispanic Salute," said Wilmer Romero, second grade bilingual teacher at Martha Turner Reilly Elementary School. "I also noticed how the students enjoyed more learning and reading through the interactive program."
Romero decided to submit a proposal for the first time for the 2004 Hispanic Salute awards and was one of the 26 DISD teachers selected to receive a grant this year.
The $1,000 checks and certificates will be presented to the recipients at 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 14, at 3700 Ross Ave. The grant program is sponsored by the North Texas Ford Dealers and the Ford Motor Company.
With his $1,000, Romero plans to buy materials for the "Enriched Literacy Library Center" at Reilly. The library center provides English as a Second Language students from pre-kinder through sixth grade books and CDs to help them learn the English language faster.
"Not only will my students be benefiting," said Romero. "Other teachers have the opportunity of taking their students to the library center to read books or play instructional CDs for them in an interactive and enjoyable atmosphere. Interactive books also will be purchased for students who speak only English, so we can enhance their reading skills."
"Teachers who receive this award assure that the money is used wisely because it really gives us an opportunity to fund a project we could not otherwise afford," said Romero.