The Goochland Education Foundation (GEF) Board of Directors is proud to announce grant funding totaling $15,003.52 for ten innovative projects that will directly benefit students across Goochland County Public Schools. The Strategic Innovation Grants program supports the research and implementation of forward-thinking instructional practices, empowering students with the critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability essential for success in today’s dynamic world.
“Innovation in education means meeting students exactly where they are and giving educators the tools to unlock each child’s potential,” said Cyndy Brown, Chief Executive Officer of GEF. “These ten projects represent the kind of creative, student-centered approaches that don’t just enhance learning—they transform it. We’re proud to invest in ideas that will resonate in our classrooms and our community for years to come.”
Dr. Armstrong, Superintendent of Goochland County Public Schools, attended the awards ceremony to celebrate the recipients and their commitment to educational excellence.
“Goochland Education Foundation Strategic Innovation grants continue to expand and enrich the engaging educational experiences our students and families deserve and expect,” said Dr. Armstrong. “From kindergarteners discovering the joy of reading to high schoolers exploring professional theatre careers, these projects demonstrate our commitment to nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and real-world skills. I’m grateful to the Goochland Education Foundation for their continued investment in our students’ success.”
2025 Strategic Innovation Grant Recipients
- Time Travel in Goochland and Beyond 4.0 – Byrd, Goochland and Randolph Elementary Schools
Fourth graders explore Goochland’s historic sites as part of their Virginia history curriculum, creating multimedia projects including podcasts, 3D models, and photojournalism to showcase the county’s role in state history. - Enhancing Supports for Literacy Development – Goochland Elementary
Expands access to decodable books for struggling readers, providing families and volunteers with targeted materials to build reading confidence and fluency. - Otterly Excited to Read: Kindergarteners Dive into Reading! – Goochland Elementary
Partners with Goochland Library to connect kindergarteners with reading resources and foster a love of literacy through structured library visits and community engagement.
- “Keys” to Success – Goochland Elementary
Provides wireless keyboards for fifth graders to improve typing fluency, writing stamina, and digital literacy skills essential for future academic and career success. - A Sensory Room for All Learners – Randolph Elementary
Creates a dedicated sensory room and classroom calm-down spaces where students can self-regulate, manage emotions, and develop coping strategies to support learning and well-being. - Just make a mark…(and see where it takes you…) – Randolph Elementary
Students refresh and enhance the school’s outdoor courtyard learning space through artistic collaborations with local artists, creating lasting environmental and creative contributions. - Good Morning Goochland: Student Broadcast Enhancement – Goochland Middle
Eighth-grade media students gain real-world journalism experience through upgraded broadcast equipment for their student news program. - Math through Music – Goochland Middle
Students explore mathematical concepts including fractions, ratios, and patterns through guitar instruction, analyzing frequency relationships, time signatures, and chord progressions while developing musical skills. - Real World Experiences for the Performing Artist – Goochland High
Theatre and choir students attend professional workshops while traveling to New York City to explore career pathways in musical theatre through performances and backstage tours. - Bulldogs Read to Succeed: Enhancing Student Literacy Through Beanstack – Goochland High
Implements Beanstack reading platform and expands the library collection to gamify reading, track progress, and build a sustainable culture of literacy across all subject areas.