Category: Teachers

Thank you for all that you do to support us!  I am really enjoying teaching the class!

Mr. Peter Silipino

Fisher Middle School Band
http://www.ewing.k12.nj.us/Page/1233

Fisher Middle School Stage Band
http://www.ewing.k12.nj.us/Page/475

Thank you to the EPEF and the Curt Patterson Memorial Fund for helping to provide an amazing opportunity for the 8th grade orchestra at FMS. The orchestra commissioned and gave the world premiere new piece of music composed by Dr. Steven L. Rosenhaus. Dr. Rosenhaus serves as Adjunct Assistant Professor of Composition at NYU Steinhardt’s Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions. The title of the piece is “Con el Viento” (“With the Wind”) and was premiered by the 8th grade orchestra at the Winter Concert on January 17, 2019. The title was created by 8th grade student and violist in the orchestra Jayden White. Before the premiere, Dr. Rosenhaus visited the students to rehearse the piece and provide valuable feedback. After the successful premiere, conducted by the composer, Dr. Rosenhaus visited the orchestra again to listen to original student compositions and give them insight into the work of a composer.

The commissioned piece “Con el Viento” was made possible through the Curt Patterson Memorial Fund and the Ewing Public Education Foundation. Heather Raub, who organizes the Curt Patterson Memorial Fund, described the mission of the fund:

“Curt Patterson is the late grandfather of Fisher Middle School’s 8th grade student Sierra Mitchell, and Antheil Elementary School’s 3rd grader AJ Raub. Curt, who grew up in Hopewell, NJ, loved music and theater. He played guitar and bass, and was at one point a disc jockey. Music was always a part of his life and he would have wanted to encourage the love and playing of music for anyone interested. It is through music that we keep his memory alive and that we donate the funds to help support the musical endeavors of the Fisher Middle School and the Ewing school district. It is an honor to contribute to such a unique experience.”

Thank you again to Heather Raub, and the EPEF for providing this unforgettable experience to our students.

Colleen M. Ferry
Orchestra Director
Fisher Middle School

‘I’m am so thrilled that we all made this happen! The kids had such a great experience and exposure to something they might not have had otherwise. It is so important to bring opportunity and possibility to the students.

Can’t wait for the next project Ms. Ferry!’

Heather Raub
FrontRoom Images

Heather,

Everything is going wonderfully with the grant. When I received the Ipad I immedately loaded the main “speedy speech” apps and a few other apps onto the device and have been using them daily! I have found that I have been able to use the device not only for Speedy Speech but I have also been able to use it for a large number of students with language based issues as well. I will be adding more apps based on the needs of my students in the next month or so.

I can’t thank you and EPEF enough for this grant!

Kind regards,

Joan

Joan Koslowske, M.S. CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

Good morning, most beautiful EPEF souls!

I wanted to reach out and again thank you for a most inspirational, educational evening of laughter, and good cheer! How nice to be among so many people dedicated to raising up our children. It is interesting how much you realize you need to be around positivity once you are around positivity! It was beautiful seeing you all together enjoying each other and sharing such joy and pride with all that you do! You should be so proud and so full of joy1 You are helping miracles happen in some of these children! I see it with my own eyes!

I am truly humbled to have received this grant, and I do not take this support for granted! YOU make all things possible in the world of these students! YOU show the students that people care! YOU are a reason they believe in the world around them! YOU make ALL the difference! Bless you! Thank you, thank you, all of you!!

Sincerely,
Tracy Radler
Lore School
Physical Education Teacher