Thanks to a local foundation, Sequim students and their teachers are getting some extra help with their studies this spring.

The Sequim Education Foundation announced last week the spring quarter grants that have been awarded to Sequim teachers for classroom projects, helping enrich student learning experiences.

They include:

• Billy Reamer, physical education teacher at Helen Haller Elementary School, who received a grant for fitness equipment to set up an exercise program for students;

• Sequim High School teachers Don Rice and Chelsea Reichner, each of whom received funds for a camera to provide audiovisual feedback for students developing communications skills for senior projects;

• Michael Gallagher and Sue Park, both of Sequim Middle School, who received grants for age-appropriate programs to enhance subject materials; and

• Jane LaBeaume, of Helen Haller Elementary School, who received funds for book blanks and supplies to help students develop planning and creative writing skills.

Projects selected for funding must inspire students to learn, fulfill specified Washington State learning requirements and benefit as many Sequim public school students as possible, say foundation officials. Sequim Education Foundation grant funds are to be spent locally, if possible, and purchased equipment becomes the property of the Sequim School District.

Successful applicants estimated their projects would help 976 children this school year, and hundreds more in subsequent years, foundation officials said.

The SEF Grant Program is funded by the Business Partner 2008 Project that includes donations from more than two-dozen local businesses.

For information about the foundation, call president Dick Hughes at 460-7465 or see the SEF Web site at sequimeducationfoundation.org.