Solving a challenge together gives students a reason to communicate, exchange ideas and keep trying.

At Stratford High School, two projects receiving 2026 J. Landon Short Mini Grants for Educators focus on helping students build skills and confidence they can carry beyond the classroom.

Congratulations to the following grant recipients:

Dooley and Vachtsevanou’s Mission Possible uses interactive escape rooms to support language development and confidence among secondary emergent bilingual students.

Working through an escape room creates a shared purpose for communication. Students can practice explaining their thinking, asking questions and considering one another’s ideas as they work toward a solution. The project connects language learning with collaboration, giving students opportunities to use their developing skills in an engaging setting.

Hutcherson’s BREWING Lifelong Skills will fund a coffee cart for teachers, run by students in a special education class. The project will give students opportunities to practice communication, teamwork, organization and customer service through a meaningful role in their school community.

By running the cart, students can build independence and confidence while developing practical skills they can carry into everyday life and future employment.

Together, these projects reflect a commitment to making learning purposeful and helping students recognize their own capabilities. Whether developing language or strengthening skills for everyday life, meaningful practice can help students take their next steps with greater confidence.

Made possible through generous community support, the J. Landon Short Mini Grants for Educators help turn creative ideas into meaningful classroom experiences. It’s #CollectiveGreatness in action.

You can help make great things happen for kids, too. Visit SBISD’s Engage page to learn how to support students, classrooms and schools.

#SBISDPossible