Doerre Intermediate School Awarded $7,100 from KEF for ‘Classrooms Without Borders’ Campus Grant

KLEIN, TEXAS – Doerre Intermediate School has been awarded a $7,100 Klein ISD Education Foundation (KEF) grant for their innovative “Classrooms Without Borders” program, which provides eighth-grade students with immersive, cross-curricular learning experiences that bridge cultural gaps and enhance literacy outcomes.

In a heartwarming surprise visit from the KEF Celebration Express, the school was honored with the grant in front of Foundation directors, community members, and Superintendent Dr. Jenny McGown. The Celebration Express bus delivered the exciting news, recognizing Doerre Intermediate as one of the many deserving grant recipients.

The "Classrooms Without Borders" initiative, written by Carrie Theiss and Melissa Reisdorf and sponsored by Brian and Dr. Jenny McGown, will introduce Virtual Reality (VR) to ELA classrooms, allowing students to explore various cultures, art, literature, advancements in science, philosophy, and other concepts that enrich their understanding of the world.

Through the VR technology ClassVR provides, students will engage in meaningful and immersive learning experiences, gaining deeper insights into diverse topics and improving their academic performance. Students will be held accountable for their progress through metacognitive reflection activities and by tracking their learning in a Doerre data tracker.

The project chose ClassVR for its rich educational content and built-in safety features, ensuring students remain focused on academic exploration without accessing unrestricted internet content.

"The 'Classrooms Without Borders' program is a game-changer for our students. By integrating Virtual Reality into our classrooms, we’re breaking down cultural barriers and inspiring a deeper understanding of the world while enhancing academic achievement,” Foundation President Bill Lakin said. “This grant truly opens doors for our students to explore the endless possibilities of learning."

This fall, the KEF Celebration Express distributed grants totaling $61,357 to support various educational programs that inspire innovation and academic success. From interactive technology tools to writing conferences, this year’s recipients exemplify the power of creativity in education.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the sponsors whose generosity makes these initiatives possible, enhancing the educational journey for all Klein ISD students.

The Klein ISD Education Foundation accepts grant applications biannually, providing opportunities for creative and impactful projects that drive student success.