In Spring 2025, Becky Dorman, Instructional Coach at Forbush Middle School, received a $1,000 Creative Classroom Grant from the Yadkin County Education Foundation fund of the Shallow Ford Foundation. Her goal? To purchase Breakout EDU boxes—innovative tools that turn lessons into interactive, problem-solving adventures. Months later, the impact is already clear. Becky Dorman shared how these resources have transformed learning at the school:

“These resources have already had a powerful impact on both teaching and learning at our school. Throughout the year, our teachers have spent time in their PLTs (Professional Learning Teams) exploring how to best integrate these boxes into instruction. Several teachers have begun using them to bring critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving to life in their classrooms.”

One standout example comes from 7th grade ELA teacher Mrs. Albertelli, who in October designed a Halloween-themed Breakout activity titled The Mayor of Monsterville: Who Killed the Boogeyman? Students worked together to analyze clues, make inferences, and use textual evidence to solve the mystery before time ran out.

Mrs. Albertelli shared:
“The students loved it and have already asked if we can do another one! They were all engaged and excited about doing work!”

This is exactly the kind of authentic, inquiry-based learning the Yadkin County Education Foundation is proud to support. By funding creative tools like Breakout EDU boxes, we help teachers design experiences that spark curiosity and deepen understanding.

Becky summed it up beautifully:
“Your support has directly fueled this type of authentic, hands-on learning. We are so grateful for your partnership in helping us create engaging, inquiry-based experiences that inspire curiosity and deepen understanding.”

Thank you to our donors and partners for making this possible! Together, we’re investing in the future of Yadkin County students.

Want to help bring more creative, hands-on learning to Yadkin County classrooms?  Make a gift today and join us in empowering teachers and inspiring students across the county. Every contribution makes a lasting difference! www.yadkineducation.org

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