Prince George Alliance for Education Foundation (PGAEF) continued its support for Prince George County Public Schools' faculty and staff by awarding mini-grants to three PGCPS teachers in its latest round of funding.

On Thursday, April 9, 2026, PGAEF representatives Jill A. Andrews and Sherry D. Taylor visited two campuses, North Elementary School and L.L. Beazley Elementary School, to make three check presentations to teachers Ms. Bonnie Pearson, Ms. Brooke Fitzwater, and Ms. Kristen Schwalm as part of the Foundation’s mini-grant program. PGAEF's mini-grant initiative helps provide PGCPS faculty and staff with funding for projects that may be outside of the school division's annual budget. The awards support the nonprofit's goals of helping the school division's educators deliver engaging lessons and learning experiences for the children of Prince George County.

The recipients and their projects are as follows:

Ms. Bonnie Pearson - North Elementary School
Received: $3,610.52
Purpose: The grant funds will allow two second-grade teachers from North Elementary School to attend the 2026 Get Your Teach On (GYTO) National Conference in Orlando, Florida, a nationally recognized professional development experience focused on research-based K–8 instructional practices. The conference offers hands-on learning through model lessons, grade-level workshops, and expert-led sessions designed to strengthen student engagement, instructional rigor, and classroom effectiveness.

Following the conference, participating teachers will share strategies and resources with colleagues, thereby enhancing instruction and supporting student success across the school.

Ms. Brooke Fitzwater - North Elementary School
Received: $750
Purpose: The grant funds will allow for the purchase of a BirdBrain Technologies Finch Robot Starter Flock with micro:bits, a set of five programmable robots designed to introduce students to coding and robotics. The kit includes micro:bit processors, a USB charging hub, markers, and a carrying case, providing everything needed for small-group, hands-on learning.

Designed for students from kindergarten through high school, the Finch robots are particularly well-suited for elementary classrooms due to their durability and accessible programming options. Their use supports hands-on learning, encourages creativity and problem-solving, and allows students to build foundational coding skills through visual programming while progressing to more advanced concepts over time.

Ms. Kristen Schwalm - L.L. Beazley Elementary School
Received: $810.97
Purpose: The grant funds will allow for the purchase of a classroom 3D printer and starter filament supplies to expand hands-on STEM learning opportunities across all grade levels. Housed in the school’s Innovation Lab, the printer will be integrated into collaborative, curriculum-aligned lessons led by the Instructional Technology Resource Teacher (ITRT), providing students with opportunities to design, create, and prototype solutions.

Through the use of age-appropriate design software and engineering-based activities, students will strengthen foundational skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, mathematics, and creativity. By incorporating 3D printing into instruction, students will engage in real-world learning experiences that promote perseverance, innovation, and a deeper understanding of STEM concepts. The printer will serve as a long-term instructional resource, supporting continued student learning for years to come.