MTEF Grant Awards target areas in technology, curriculum and personnel to maintain the high quality education our children need for today’s 21st century global economy.
Performing and Fine Arts ($100,384) For the first time ever, MTEF awarded a grant in support of the Performing and Fine Arts curriculum K-12. The grant will replace aging district-owned instruments and equipment and provide technology and equipment for art and music classrooms. The entire school district will benefit from the upgrades to the Barr Auditorium at Homestead High School for new acoustical shells, and audio and lighting equipment for all events.
Interactive Classrooms ($131,067) This grant will develop and strengthen the use of technology in Interactive Classrooms in K-12 and complete the district-wide wireless infrastructure project. Elementary students will develop technology skills, middle school students will design multi-media projects, and high school students can more effectively research for presentations.
Outdoor Learning Environment ($5,000) These monies will redevelop the existing natural space at Wilson Elementary School to create a handicap accessible outdoor learning environment. It will be designed to help children understand and appreciate the natural world while engaged in curriculum-based activities.
Services for Students ($41,155) Several Grants will support the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program and the Sydney Lauren Tabakin Writing Lab at HHS. AVID is a curricular program which provides writing, reading and study skills embedded in the curriculum that enable capable college-bound students to achieve higher levels of mastery than they are experiencing currently. An additional grant continues to support the writing lab opportunities for HHS students before and after school.
Continued Teacher and Board Development and Training ($20,500) MTEF will continue to support the efforts of educators to be innovative and educated in their fields of expertise by granting $17,500 to be used in 2011-12 for staff development opportunities otherwise not possible. An additional $3,000 grant provides the Board of Education funds to study governance issues.
Excellence in Teaching Awards ($3,500) Due to the continued generosity of our donors, we are able to award Excellence in Teaching Awards at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Please refer to the Teacher Awards section to read more about this year’s recipients.
$301,606 Total Grants
We would like to thank the members of the Grants Advisory Committee: Deb Anderson, Nancy Anderson, Brett Bowers, Eric Dimmitt, Tanja Felton, Myra George, Chair Pat Hopfensperger, Susan Malmquist,Tom Price, Bryan Sadoff, Marcia Schwager and Jocelyn Sulsberger.