Geary USD 475 will receive a $2.5 million federal grant.

Acting Superintendent Dr. Beth Hudson said it is called Braiding Stem Early for grades K through five. “So the little ones will have the same connection as the grant we have for the secondary level, so it’ll be a nice transition.”

Hudson pointed to the opportunities the grant will fund. “It means putting tablets in the hands of our third through fifth graders to have them doing science and math through that tablet.  All kinds of materials can be purchased, and professional development will be one of the most important aspects of the grant.”

The money is coming from the Department of Defense Educational Activity.

Braiding Stem means weaving science, technology, engineering, and math into the early education for kids.

Hudson confirmed for the Board of Education the District has sought the grant but it was not funded at that time. Later extra money became available, and since the District’s application had high marks it was funded.   Hudson also noted that Pat Anderson, former USD 475 Associate Superintendent of Schools, had led the way in the effort to obtain the grant. Anderson retired last June.