Did George Washington really chop down that cherry tree? Morgan
Hill students will have a better idea soon thanks to a three-year,
$1 million grant the school district received from the U.S.
Department of Education.
Did George Washington really chop down that cherry tree? Morgan Hill students will have a better idea soon thanks to a three-year, $1 million grant the school district received from the U.S. Department of Education.
The Teaching American History Grant program is designed to raise student achievement by improving teachers’ knowledge of and appreciation of traditional U.S. history.
“Because of these funds, teachers from our area will be able to participate in informative training programs and develop improved curriculum on the history of the United States,” Congressman Jerry McNerney said.
“I am extremely pleased that Morgan Hill Unified will receive this grant,” said Dr. Alan Nishino, Superintendent of Morgan Hill Unified School District. “It will be put to good use creating new opportunities for our students to learn about our country’s history.”
The grant brings back former district spokesman and grant writer Dan Ehrler, who was laid off June 30 due to budget cuts. As grant writer, Ehrler applied for the grant on behalf of the Central Coast American History Consortium, which is made up of Morgan Hill, Gilroy, San Benito and Hollister school districts.
The Consortium will use the funds to provide teachers with information, training and support to develop curriculum on American history. Ehrler will serve as coordinator of the grant.
The district was one of 470 eligible applicants who applied to the Department of Education. Morgan Hill was one of 123 who won grants, including 19 California districts.
