More than 70 grants funded across the district in classroom innovation, social-emotional learning and professional development
The Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence has awarded more than 70 grants, totaling approximately $60,000, to educators across the Montclair Public Schools for the 2024 - 2025 school year.
MFEE has been funding teachers’ big ideas for more than 30 years. The grants are in three areas: Classroom innovation, social-emotional learning and professional development. MFEE received 113 applications, and awards were selected by a team of MFEE staff, board members, and volunteer grant liaisons at each school. District principals, central office administrators, and PTA leaders also participated in discussions.
“I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to MFEE for their continued support through the awarding of grants to our educators. These grants provide our schools with much-needed resources, innovative classroom tools, and enriching programs that directly enhance the learning experience for our students,” said Interim Superintendent of Montclair Public Schools Damen Cooper. “From Educational Excellence Grants that fuel sustainable, collaborative projects to Social and Emotional Learning Grants that help nurture the emotional well-being of our students, MFEE’s support is invaluable. Additionally, the Greenwald Professional Development Grants provide unique professional development opportunities that help our faculty refine their skills and improve student achievement. MFEE is truly a tremendous asset to our district, and we are incredibly thankful for their commitment to fostering educational excellence in Montclair."
“This year, we saw enthusiasm for projects that support the new technology curriculum, as well as larger collaborative projects,” said Masiel Rodriquez-Vars, MFEE’s executive director. “It’s inspiring to see teachers working together to enhance the learning experiences of students.”
For example, MFEE is awarding a grant to a team of teachers to create a Technology Lending Library, with materials to teach coding skills that can be shared across Montclair’s seven elementary schools. In addition, MFEE is providing funding to support robotics teams at all three middle schools.
At Montclair High School, PTA co-president John Sullivan is collaborating with carpentry teacher Robert Haas to create a mobility hub with 20 bike racks under a beautifully-designed wooden pergola, equipped with solar panels for e-bike charging, a local water filling station, and comfortable seating for student socializing. This space will serve as a convenient spot to store bikes, e-bikes and scooters, and it will also foster environmental awareness around sustainable transportation options, and be a source of pride and a gathering spot on campus.
Among other grant highlights:
At Northeast Elementary School, technology teacher Anthony Buttitta received a grant to integrate virtual reality headsets into the curriculum for 3rd - 5th graders. The headsets will provide students with immersive learning experiences, enhancing lessons in STEM, history, and global studies. The goal is to engage 250 students with cutting-edge technology that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and digital skills.
Virtual Reality headsets granted to Northeast Elementary School (MFEE photo) MHS English teacher Nicholas Stambuli received a grant that ties to "The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” a novel in epistolary form. Through a guided process, students write letters to their future self. The letters are kept secret, graded on completion, sealed, self–addressed, stamped and mailed to the students two years later!
MHS school librarian Harriet Parker plans to create an inclusive tea time for students, introducing them to teas, customs, and practices from around the world. Her goal is to broaden cultural perspectives, create a peaceful environment for students to decompress from academic pressure, and encourage peer interaction and belonging.
At Hillside, science teacher Susan Bartol will develop a course about the intersections of art and science. Students will demonstrate understanding of science ideas through creative artistic expression. She’ll utilize indoor and outdoor spaces, the garden, art room and science lab, as well as trade books, to create a rich learning environment.
At Glenfield Middle School, physical education/health teacher Samantha Buttitta was awarded a grant for juggling balls and scarves. “Teaching students to juggle is like riding a bike,” she said. “It is a skill that students can hold on to for life. It incorporates team building and leadership skills, along with focus and coordination. Learning to juggle can give students the opportunity to improve their fine motor skills and patience.”
MFEE is also funding: Portable ballet bars at Hillside; Added resources for the science center at the Montclair Community Pre-K Developmental Learning Center; A Little Free Library at Charles H. Bullock School; A native plant pollinator garden at Buzz Aldrin Middle School; A student newspaper reboot at Glenfield; Grief kits for Bradford students who experience a sudden loss; Diverse books for classrooms at Edgemont Montessori and Northeast; Boomwhacker rhythm instruments for Northeast’s music program; Flexible seating at Nishuane and Watchung schools, and much more.
“MFEE’s continual commitment to driving innovation and fostering equitable access to high-quality education for all students is evident in the incredible support [they've] provided to our school,” said Edwyn Acevedo, principal of Hillside school.
These grants would not be possible without our dedicated team of volunteer grant liaisons at each school.
Vera Sheps Scholl, a liaison at Northeast Elementary School said: "MFEE does so much for the community, but as a parent, I especially appreciate the resources they provide our teachers, allowing them to elevate the teaching experience they bring into their classrooms.”
This year, MFEE also tapped Kimberley Ottaway – who has deep experience in science, venture philanthropy and education – to serve as our first-ever science grant liaison. She helped teachers across the district think bigger and create touch points across the curriculum.
MFEE will be sharing more-detailed stories about these grants as they are implemented throughout the school year. Follow along on our blog, Instagram and Facebook pages, and e-mail info@mfee.org if you'd like to get our weekly email newsletter.
Comments