Asking a thoughtful question and considering the next move both begin with curiosity.
At Thornwood Elementary (TWE), two projects receiving 2026 J. Landon Short Mini Grants for Educators will support opportunities for students to communicate, connect and think strategically.
Congratulations to the following grant recipients:
Grant recipient(s) | Project |
|---|---|
Orela Murgia, with Elsa Garcia Cortes | Journalism Club |
Emily Wiltcher, with Ashley Acosta and Campbell Culver | Mahjong Scholars |
Murgia and Garcia Cortes’ Journalism Club puts student voice at the center of learning. Journalism offers young learners a purpose for asking questions, gathering information and sharing stories that matter to their school community.
Developing a story encourages students to listen carefully, check details and consider how to communicate clearly to an audience. It also helps them recognize that their perspectives and questions can contribute to a better understanding of the world around them.
Wiltcher, Acosta and Culver’s Mahjong Scholars brings a focus on strategic thinking through game-based learning. Mahjong offers opportunities to recognize patterns, weigh options and adjust decisions as play unfolds.
Playing together also creates opportunities to practice patience, follow shared rules and learn from one another. These experiences connect thoughtful decision-making with social interaction.
Together, the projects highlight different ways students can become active participants in learning, whether sharing a story or thinking through their next move.
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.