SANDPOINT — In a recent newsletter from Panhandle Alliance for Education, executive director Amy Longanecker told supporters that the alliance has funded around  $101,187 in teacher grants this year.

She also mentioned the success of PAFE’s Early Childhood Literacy Program. “READY!,” the  Kindergarten program served 71 families, grandparents, and caregivers this year, “complete with valuable toys and tools to take home.”

Stuffed puppies were given to 275 first graders in the Lake Pend Oreille School District at the beginning of the school year as reading buddies. In a similar vein, Kaniksu Community Health agreed to partner with PAFE to distribute “Born to Read'' kits in pediatrician offices in the community.

A residential carpentry program that began last year in efforts to enhance the career technical education opportunities at Sandpoint High School has also demonstrated great success under the instruction of Josh Ratigan, Longanecker said. 

“This semester, 132 students are actively engaged in various projects, from constructing folding tables and cornhole boards to building an impressive eight by 10-foot shed,” she said. “Meanwhile, second-year students are gearing up to build a tiny home by year-end, having already mastered electrical, plumbing, and saw stations. Mr. Ratigan reports being deeply impressed by the students' enthusiasm for carpentry.”

The newsletter also featured the district’s new math curriculum for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. For this curriculum, PAFE funded hands-on learning kits for each classroom to “supplement curriculum and give students the opportunity to experience math with tangible representations that build conceptual understanding.” 

Longanecker also showcased Litehouse’s contributions to PAFE this year and Sagle Elementary’s new that was purchased this fall with funds from PAFE. 

“As we approach the end of the year, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for your continued support,” she said in ending the letter. “Your generosity propels the success stories we celebrate today.”

    Sagle Elementary teacher Ashley Delucchi is pictured at a Panhandle Alliance for Education event by a display showcasing the new planetarium funded through a grant received from the organization.