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Grants in Action

Focus on Ewing High School

This academic year, the Ewing Public Education Foundation (EPEF) provided more than $38,000 in grants for the Ewing public school system; with $4,799 going to Ewing High School. The students of Ewing High School will receive a $1,500 grant towards the Media Center thanks to the efforts of Ewing High School Librarian Ellen Davila. Seeking to engage students of all reading levels, Ms. Davila recognizes the value in using graphic novels for educational purposes. These graphic novels teem with visualizations, presenting their information in a comic-like flow to attract and maintain students’ attention. The graphic novels will be consistent with Common Core principles and provide a presentation style students may relate to more easily than traditional textbook formats. Use of these materials is designed to encourage increased reading activity, and enhance comprehension so that they can improve their literacy levels.

Another grant that went to the high school was awarded to physical education teachers and coaches Matt Dalessio, Mike Reynolds, and David Sheffel, providing $2,799 as part of the funding for a Total Body Resistance Exercise Training System. Individuals use the system, which allows them to use their own body weight in a variety of ways and at varying levels of difficulty. Through regular use, students are able to gain strength, stamina and endurance, regardless of their current state of fitness.

Another grant, “Taking It to the Streets: Urban Literature for the Young Adult Reader,” provided an additional $1,000 to the Ewing High School Media Center. Librarian Ellen Davila has identified books in the Urban Literature, a genre which is popular among teenagers. By providing selected books geared to all levels of readers, the program is designed to foster communication among students and teachers to improve their reading skills and foster greater literacy, especially among high school males, further engaging them through the development of creative displays and programs. The books will be carefully selected to conform to academic standards and values. In addition to the purchase of the materials, the grant provides for several library programs to promote the new novels and teach about topics relevant to the genre.

Italian teacher Lou Thomas received a $1,000 grant providing the opportunity for students to participate in the Italian Language and Cultural Competition sponsored by the Joseph and Elda Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience in America at Montclair State University. This friendly competition enabled Italian Honor Students to engage in a linguistic skills presentation and to experience authentic Italian dialogue, music, and culture.

The Ewing Public Education Foundation is celebrating 20 years of giving to the students of the Ewing Public Schools. The Ewing Public Education Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit citizens’ organization whose mission is to build community support and acquire supplementary resources for innovative educational programs, experiences and technology that enhance teaching and learning. Additionally, EPEF awards scholarships to graduating Ewing High seniors.

Support our $20 for 20 Capital Campaign and make your tax-deductible contribution today. For more information, visit the Foundation’s website at: www.EPEF.org.

Categories
Grants in Action

Focus on Fisher Middle School

This academic year the Ewing Public Foundation (EPEF) provided more than $38K grants for our Ewing public schools. The students of Fisher Middle School will benefit from $12,452 awarded to support several initiatives: the Smart Kids Rule Program (funded by Community Partner the Credit Union of NJ), Overheads are Old News, Mobile Cart with Document Camera and Projector, and the Musical Production of Annie Jr.   The ‘Overheads are Old News’ and ‘Mobile Cart with Document Camera and Projector’ grants are geared toward integrating new technology to enhance the learning experience while the Smart Kids Rule Program encourages and rewards students for academic achievement throughout the year.

The Musical Production of Annie Jr. was initiated by Special Education teacher Lauren Tenaglia and designed as an opportunity for all interested Fisher students of all levels and needs to participate in the performing arts. In addition to roles acting and singing, there are opportunities for students to learn about stagecraft and sound production. The show was cast in late December with rehearsals running up to the show dates in April. “This is very exciting on so many levels,” says Tenaglia, “not only is it a cooperative opportunity to include so many students, it will be the first time the Fisher stage has been utilized for this type of production.” The ‘new’ Fisher auditorium was upgraded in 2013 and now boasts a “professional” stage along with 436 auditorium seats.   The show is set to run April 16th, 17th and 18th.

Fisher Principal Barbara Brower recognizes the important role of EPEF grants to Fisher commenting, “The EPEF grants have enabled FMS to accomplish far more than otherwise could be possible, assisting us in delivering the very best instructional opportunities to our students.  Every grant impacts someone or something, somewhere in our school. We are very grateful for the ongoing support of EPEF”.

Celebrating 20 years of giving to the students of the Ewing Public Schools, the Ewing Public Education Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit citizens’ organization whose mission is to build community support and acquire supplementary resources for innovative educational programs, experiences and technology that enhance teaching and learning. Additionally, EPEF awards scholarships to graduating Ewing High seniors.

Help us help our students and consider making your tax-deductible contribution today at www.EPEF.org.

 

Categories
Grants in Action

EPEF provided more than $38K grants for our Ewing public schools.

This academic year the Ewing Public Foundation (EPEF) provided more than $38K grants for our Ewing public schools.  One of the long-standing repeat grants is to Antheil Elementary school via corporate community partner New Jersey Manufacturers, supporting the Hands-on-Science Night with a Dash of Math, which is scheduled to take place this year on February 5th.

Now in its 15th year, the first Hands-On-Science Night took place in 2000 and was inspired by the E=MC2: Inquiry-Based Science Training our district teachers received through Bristol-Myers Squibb.  Second Grade science teacher Jan Fay approached then Principal Joan Zuckerman with the idea and it grew from there incorporating the math element several years later with the involvement of 2nd Grade Math teacher Cathie Meyers.   Zuckerman credits this program as “A positive turning point in parent/family involvement in the education process at Antheil”. She goes on to tout the long-term impact by saying, “At Antheil, girls are just as comfortable with science and math as boys”.   Zuckerman retired in 2012 but remains committed to the Ewing community and serves on the Board of Directors for EPEF.

Hosted at Antheil each year, this activity has evolved into a district-wide community event.  In 2014 it boasted more than 900 attendees, and included all three elementary schools, Fisher Middle School and Ewing High School’s Robotics Team 2016.  Additionally, volunteer groups from The College of New Jersey, Princeton University and Rider University participate in the program.

“By providing our students with an opportunity to explore math and science in a fun way at Antheil’s ‘Science with a Dash of Math Night,’ we are setting the stage for our future engineers, architects and scientists!  Moreover, through events like this, we continue to see an increase in student motivation, self esteem, collaboration and a partnership with parents and community members. All stakeholders truly look forward to this special night, and we are grateful for the Ewing Public Education Foundation grants that continue to make Antheil’s Hands-On-Science Night with A Dash of Math program possible,” said Principal Jennifer Whitner.

Antheil also received two other grants from EPEF this year supporting fundamental learning. Fidgets for Focused Learning was initiated by teacher Susan Bozarth-Smith, and Speech Recognition Software to Improve Literacy Skills for students on the Autism Spectrum was initiated by Cheryl Bomba.

Steve Szmutko, EPEF Board President said, “Providing these innovative EPEF grants to teachers is a great privilege and pleasure, one that fosters innovation, creativity and excellence in unique educational programs.  We want every student in our district to benefit from these programs!  For that reason, we are reaching out to every family in Ewing to invest in EPEF’s $20 for 20 Capital Campaign Appeal.  The more involvement from our community the more resources we can gather to support our teachers to develop programs that enrich the educational experience for our kids here in Ewing.”

Celebrating 20 years of giving to the students of the Ewing Public Schools, the Ewing Public Education Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit citizens’ organization whose mission is to build community support and acquire supplementary resources for innovative educational programs, experiences and technology that enhance teaching and learning. Additionally, EPEF awards scholarships to graduating Ewing High seniors.

Help us help our students and consider making your tax-deductible contribution today at www.EPEF.org.

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Press Releases

Record Number of Grants Benefit Ewing Students

(Ewing, NJ)   This academic year Ewing students will benefit from a record number of grants.  From public invitation to attend the ever popular “Hands-On Science with a Dash of Math” night hosted by Antheil Elementary School to Ewing High School’s “Graphic Novels Supporting Literacy for the Media Center” every student in the Ewing Public Schools stands to benefit from grants awarded by the The Ewing Public Education Foundation.   Each of the five schools in the district was awarded grants submitted by teachers which were presented at last May’s EPEF annual reception totaling a record amount of $38,772. Each year grant awards have been increasing, and for the past thirteen years 251 grants totaling nearly $388,000 have helped teachers in all Ewing Public Schools to engage and inspire students.

The Ewing Public Education Foundation begins its 20th Anniversary Celebration with its $20 for 20 Capital Fundraising Campaign. The goal is to encourage each family in Ewing to make a tax-deducible donation of at least $20 to the campaign this year. Capital raised from the community and corporate partners will help to support ongoing grants programming as well as strengthen long-term sustainability for the Foundation. EPEF will host an information table at each of the upcoming back-to-school nights.

Established in 1994, EPEF is an independent, not-for-profit citizens’ organization whose mission is to build community support and acquire supplementary resources for innovative educational programs, experiences and technology that enhance teaching and learning, and that reward student achievement through scholarships. In his presentation at the May awards reception EPEF President Steve Szmutko summarized, “The goal of EPEF is to provide that additional, yet critical level of support so that students can grow to be good citizens, ethical and inspiring leaders and critical thinkers sorely needed in a rapidly changing society.” These sentiments were echoed by Ewing Public Schools Superintendent, Mike Nitti: “The Board and administration are greatly appreciative of all that the EPEF does to support our students and promote innovative instructional programs. It is also wonderful to have the opportunity to thank our corporate partners in learning who do so much for our students. A special thanks and congratulations to all the teacher grant award winners.”

For additional information about the Foundation and to make your tax-deductible contribution, visit EPEF’s website at www.epef.org.

Contact: Heather Kearns-Latini
EPEF Executive Director
Heather@EPEF.org
cell 609.610.8772

Categories
Press Releases

NJ School Receives 50k Grant For Music Programs

A gift of $50,000 was made today to the Ewing Education Foundation, earmarked for the Ewing High School Music department, made possible by the Carter Rowe Charitable Trust.

Presentation of this donation was made at Ewing High School auditorium by GRAMMY® Nominated Recording Artist Miss Amy, who played a key role in bringing together the donor and the school. “As parents, teachers, administrators and a community, we support this music program. We understand the potential that studying music can bring forth in kids. There is power in music!” Miss Amy explained. “It is our hope that this will inspire all of the other schools who did not place, to not give up, but to encourage organizations in the position to help to step-up and take action.”

School music programs need funding, but the story of how this grant emerged is an interesting one. In November a team of Ewing High School (EHS) students produced a video submission for the Glee Give-A-Note contest that awarded prizes to schools across the country for the best videos geared toward saving music education in schools. Many in the school started posting the contest entry to Facebook for visibility. The video caught the attention of Miss Amy, and she connected with folks who were also moved by it. Then, Miss Amy called Wayne Staub, President, and Heather Kerns Latini, Executive Director of the Ewing Public Education Foundation (EPEF), and organized a time for them all to see the music program in action, to observe the orchestra and choirs.

There were interviews with the student video producers about the music program and some of the other submissions to the contest. The students were asked about their experiences in the Ewing district elementary schools and Fisher Middle School, and asked why music is important. Responses ranged from, “music teaches about different cultures and languages” to “it teaches about history, and helps us understand other subjects like math.” Another replied, “Music is life – it’s everything!” When asked what the music department needed, the students collectively explained there is need for repair, replacement of instruments, newer tools and technology, such as sound equipment. When asked what they would spend the Glee money on if they won, the reply was that, although the need is great in the high school, it would be best spent on the feeder music programs in the elementary and middle schools in the district.

On December 15th the students were disappointed to find out they did not place in the Glee contest. However, a generous organization stepped forward to provide a consolation prize of equal magnitude to first place. The grant is to be allocated to the Ewing Schools Music Program by a committee of high school music students, Mr. Olson, EHS Instrumental Music Director and Mrs. Forness, EHS Vocal Music Director. “We at EPEF are so proud and honored to be part of such a wonderful donation,” said Executive Director Heather Kearns-Latini. “We work very hard every day to raise funds to give out grants which ultimately help our children in the Ewing Public School System. With donors like the Carter Rowe Charitable Trust and people like Miss Amy, it makes our job that much easier.” President Wayne Staub said, “We hope this shows other donors that we can direct donations to meet their giving needs.”

Contact: Anne Leighton 718-881-8183
LeightonMedia@aol.com
http://www.missamykids.com