By Friendswood ISD Communication Department
The Friendswood Education Foundation (FEF) proudly honored the legacy of Kimberly Montz during a special surprise on December 19 by awarding a $2,000 grant to benefit social studies instruction at the elementary level. The Kimberly Montz Memorial Grant was presented to Leslie Schmanske and will help all 5th-grade English Language Arts and Social Studies teachers at Cline Elementary.
The grant will directly support the integration of Social Studies Weekly magazines into the 5th-grade curriculum, positively impacting 180 students. This innovative resource aligns with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards, providing engaging and relevant content that complements existing materials.
“With Social Studies Weekly, students will have access to fresh, up-to-date materials that not only enhance their learning experience but also foster critical thinking, improve literacy skills, and ignite a passion for history and government,” said Leslie Schmanske, grant recipient.
Currently, social studies instruction at the elementary level relies heavily on outdated resources, such as History Alive textbooks. The addition of Social Studies Weekly will bring a much-needed update to the curriculum, helping students explore topics such as geography, colonizing America, the American Revolution, and the foundations of government more dynamically and engagingly.
“My family and I are honored to be part of this initiative, as it allows us to reflect on Kimberly’s memory and her unwavering love and generosity toward the schools in Friendswood that she cherished for so many years,” said David Montz.
The Friendswood Education Foundation thanks the Montz family and the Friendswood ISD (FISD) community for supporting this meaningful initiative. Together, we celebrate the lasting impact of Kimberly Montz and her dedication to FISD students and teachers.
For more information about the Kimberly Montz Memorial Grant or to support the Friendswood Education Foundation, visit https://fef.myfisd.com/ways-to-give/kimmontz.
