Bloomfield Schools Get Donations For ‘Innovative Learning’

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — “Innovative learning and teaching in the school system.” That’s how Bloomfield’s public schools will end up better equipped as a result of a recent donations from the Bloomfield Educational Foundation (BEF).

Included in Nov. 14 gift are payments for four “Joseph Kliminski Teacher Grants,” four “Extraordinary Grants” and the third of five $50,000 pledges to Bloomfield High school to support the “Bengal Pride in Educational Excellence Campaign.”

The donations total $83,150, the BEF stated.

“We are so pleased to support the Bloomfield School System and to be able to enhance the educational experience for all students,” BEF Chairman Terry Mullane said on behalf of the board.

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The BEF gave some background on each donation:

• “Joseph Kliminski Teacher Grants fund projects costing $500 or less and support innovative learning in the classroom. As examples, these projects funded Smart VE Response units in the Middle School math classrooms; Montclair Art Museum Outreach visits to ELL classes; pocket microscopes for the high school biology classes; and Ceramic Raku workshops for the advanced sculpture classes at the high school.”
• “Extraordinary Grants are awarded for inventive and resourceful learning projects that cost $500 or more. Some of the programs funded in this round included: The BHS Football Tutoring Program, , a V.E.S.T. Summer CBI Experience; Mobile Hot Spot units for qualified students at the middle school to gain internet access at home for educational purposes; and Chromebooks for all V.E.S.T. students.”
• “In September, 2014, the BEF pledged $250,000 to BHS and launched The Bengal Pride in Educational Campaign. Due to this gift, BHS is offering the Kaplan SAT Preparation Course to every student taking the SAT test, paying for all AP students’ tests and has sent BHS teachers to the AP Institute for additional training. BHS Principal, Chris Jennings has reported an appreciable rise in the number of AP tests taken, an average rise in SAT scores of 125 points and better and reports his teachers are excited to attend the AP Institute to learn the about latest techniques and teaching tools to provide an excellent AP class experience for their students. Students who receive a 3 or better on the AP test will qualify for college credit.”

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