Parkland School District's Education Foundation Board of Directors awarded 57 Celebrate Innovation grants totaling more than $86,000 to the district to benefit students, staff and community members.

Eleven awards were given to the eight elementary schools, 23 went to the two middle schools and 15 were awarded to the high school.

In addition, eight grants will serve the district.

Last year's awards totaled 43 grants and approximately $70,000 in awards.

According to a press release sent to The Press, many of the grants focus on preparation for Common Core curriculum standards.

These present students "with rigorous challenges that call for more project-based learning and inquiry based teaching approaches that allow students to demonstrate their knowledge of concepts via higher order thinking skills and collaboration.

"Software in turn is also getting "smarter" and more prescriptive in nature."

Funding for the grants was made possible by staff contributions and by local businesses and community-wide support for the district.

A Gala in May brought in $87,000 for the foundation.

"I could not be more pleased with the widespread support of our programs, students and teachers," Superintendent Richard T. Sniscak said. "We thank everyone who took the time to apply for a grant and all those that donated to the cause this year.

"Special thanks also go out to the foundation's board of directors, the allocations committee and all of the volunteers who helped make the program possible."

For a list of grants and information about the Celebrate Innovation Grants Program, go to parklandsd.org.