Michigan International Speedway grant helps revamp once dormant school library | MLive.com Michigan International Speedway grant helps revamp once dormant school library

JACKSON, MI A place known for noise Michigan International Speedway is helping improve a place that’s normally known for being quiet an elementary school library.

One year ago, Jackson’s Frost Elementary School library was a space for faculty meetings and storage. After revamping the space in the fall and reopening it to students in the winter, a $5,000 grant from MIS Cares is helping further develop a makerspace in the library, which includes adding Legos, K’Nex, a bead bracelet station,technology and other creative activities.

Principal Joe Zessin started at the school in October. There should be an element of innovation, fun and excitement for them in the school.”

Frost has digitized the books into a computer system, bought new books to appeal to students, created the makerspace which includes some of Zessin’s Legos from his childhood and hired librarian Kathy Steenrod.

Zessin’s mother, who was a librarian at Hope College for 25 years, helped go through the old books with Steenrod and assisted in the application process for the grant.

Frost was one of six schools to receive an MIS Cares grant. Only one school per district could apply for the grant, with 13 schools applying for a grant in the spring. MIS also awarded $50,000 in grants across six schools last fall.

“We found it really great that they want to create this space,” said MIS Manager of Media Relations Brad Kuhbander. Some of the materials include pieces for a Lego wall, six iPads with a charging station, an Apple TV, a 48-inch flat screen TV, two Osmo gaming systems, additional Lego sets and swivel chairs.

Three classes a day come to the library, which is named for former NFL football coach Tony Dungy’s mother, Cleomae Dungy a former Jackson Public Schools teacher.