The grants awarded totalled $10,111.72.
By Melissa Riker
The Sun
The Medford Education Foundation was recognized at this week’s board of education meeting for its efforts displayed year round.
Superintendent Joseph Del Rossi acknowledged the foundation for its support of the Medford Township School District, specifically thanking MEF president Pamela Scheller.
“I’d like to recognize you, Pam, as the president of the organization, for the time and effort you’ve put in this year thus far with some of the most successful events, tonight is a clear example,” Del Rossi said. “I’m sure I speak for the board of education, but I want to thank you as a superintendent. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your efforts.”
Scheller followed by awarding seven staff grants totalling $10,111.72, with five impacting individual school buildings and two impacting the entire district.
At Memorial Middle School, Alexandra Hampton put in a grant for a Nearpod 5 teacher subscription totalling $600.
This subscription allows teachers access to a PowerPoint-type program that will give multiple teachers the ability to control the students’ screen and ensure they are on the same screen as the teacher. This program will also provide interactive activities, such as drawing, fill in the blank and matching questions.
Also at Memorial, Michele Loughlin put in a grant for “Immersive Learning in Middle School: Breakout of the Box,” totalling $950.
This activity imitates the process of an escape room and encourages teamwork and collaboration within the classroom. The kits come with multiple locks and boxes for students to work their way through puzzles.
These kits are applicable for all ages and can be applied to any level of learning/any content area. With the grant money, there will be seven full kits purchased, equipped with 800 different pre-made puzzles.
At Allen Elementary School, Amy LePage put in a grant for alternative seating options and work stations, totalling $914.38. These funds will be used to purchase additional equipment, such as standing desks, chairs and a rocker chair to help with movement in the classroom to build concentration and attention.
At Haines Sixth Grade Center, Kara McGough put in a grant for physical education scooters, totalling $799.20. This fosters creative play and will enhance students’ psychical fitness.
At Chairville Elementary School, Adam Keagy put in a grant for “Recess is Education Too!” totalling $2,290. Those funds will go toward recess carts and a gaga pit to enhance the social and emotional education of kids during recess and give them more options for play.
Benefitting the entire district, Thomas Olson put in a grant for assemblies to be held in each of the elementary schools, totalling $2,500.
Anthony Hurst put in a grant for audio-visual equipment, totalling $2,058.14. These funds will be used to purchase video cameras, tripods and memory cards for each of the schools in the district. Hurst said this will help when he is unable to make an event, and the equipment can also be used by teachers to record lessons or for students to practice presentation skills.
“I want to congratulate all of you and thank you for participating in the grant process. This is a very fun night because this is the distribution of the funds we’ve raised throughout the year, and seeing all of your faces and excitement in terms of what you’re going to do moving forward is exciting for us,” Scheller said.
