KidoodlED Million Dollar School Giveaway Winners Unveiled

A Parent Media Co., owner of Kidoodle.TV, has revealed the U.S. and Canadian schools that won $10,000 and $20,000 grants through its KidoodlED Million Dollar School Giveaway.

Nominations for the contest opened in April, with public schools submitting creativity projects ranging from a parody of an episode of The Office to an adaptation of Barenaked Ladies’ “If I Had $1,000,000.” The top five schools with the highest number of votes won $20,000. Canadian schools captured all top five spots.

“The power of collaboration and community spirit displayed throughout the contest was remarkable,” said Neil Gruninger, A Parent Media Co.’s co-founder, president and chief product officer. “The spirited response we saw with these submissions was so heartening for our entire team.”

Maple Ridge Elementary School of Orleans, Ontario was one of the $20,000 grant winners. The school highlighted its need to repair the drainage issues in its outdoor play yard and upgrade the children’s connected spaces with more seating and exploring furniture.

“This was a team effort that blew us away,” said Megan Nowiski, a kindergarten teacher at the school. “We had voters from all over the world join us in our efforts to win. It was truly a global affair.”

She added that they were also very thankful to be supported by another school, Henry Munro Middle School. “They are a school in a very underserved community that voted daily for us. We are proud to have sent a generous sum of our extra winnings to them as a thank you.””

Nowiski said the school plans to use the grant to repair their outdoor play area for kindergarten students, as well as create a new learning space in their front foyer and an outdoor garden for the entire school community to enjoy. “Thank you to KidoodlED for allowing us all to dream big and then turn those dreams into reality.”

Noel A. Smith Elementary of Frisco, Texas won the $10,000 grant. In its nomination video, a spoof of The Office, the administration discussed its need for new equipment for their makers-ace, art services and new gym equipment.

“The KidoodlED giveaway was at the heart of our mission to ensure children and educators are given every opportunity to succeed and feel safe and heard in all schools,” said Gruninger.