Madison Education Foundation Awards $38,000 in Educational Enrichment Grants

On December 7th, the Madison Education Foundation (MEF) completed its Fall Grant cycle by approving 16 new educational enrichment grants totaling over $38,000. “We are thrilled to support a wide variety of exciting and, in many cases, cutting-edge ideas from teachers throughout the District,” says MEF Co-President Clare Sievers.

Innovative Technology and Teaching Tools at Madison High School (MHS)

MEF awarded a Glowforge -- a groundbreaking 3D printer, engraver and cutter that shapes designs from a variety of materials using a beam of light. This new twist on laser printing technology cuts wood, plastic, leather, cardboard, and more and will benefit multiple classes including Science, Technology, Programming, 3D Animation, 3D Art, Digital Imaging and Home Tech/Shop classes. This revolutionary printer will enhance the Engineering and Design process as well as prototype building. Additional grants for MHS include: an Engineers Teach Algebra program that will bring professional engineers into the classroom to demonstrate real life uses for Algebra, a Poetry Festival building on the success of previous years, and EMC Masterpiece Access Editions for Literature which are annotated versions of classic titles.

STEM Comes to the Madison Junior School (MJS)

MEF awarded a pilot for two types of robotics, Ozobots and Cubelets, to be used in the MJS library. Both include lesson plans relating to the common core for Math and Science and will be utilized widely by teachers to enhance their curriculum, potentially reaching 75–100 students per week. “We’re excited to transform the MJS library into a new “Makerspace” where students can experiment and discover the possibilities of STEM building blocks,” says Sara Reichel, the new MJS Librarian and Media Specialist. A Makerspace refers to an area where individuals can gather to create, invent and learn. In libraries, they often have 3D printers, software, electronics, craft supplies and tools. “The mission of the new MJS Makerspace is to “encourage inquiry, exploration and creativity by using technology problem-solving and creating with a purpose.”

Enhancing Life and Learning at Madison Elementary Schools

Madison elementary school teachers have been awarded a variety of interesting new grants, including a “Buddy Bench,” to help encourage a more empathetic environment for those students who may feel left out during recess. The Buddy Bench is a simple idea to help eliminate loneliness and foster friendship on the playground. A variety of books for both Language Arts and Wellness were also awarded at TJS to supplement current fiction and non-fiction books available to kindergarten and 2nd grade students, providing a broader selection of titles. Headsets for Chromebooks were piloted in a third-grade World Language classroom to augment the digital learning experience.

Start Training for the 13th Annual 5K

The Madison 5K Run/Walk/Kids’ Fun Runs takes place Sunday, May 1st at Madison High School, 170 Ridgedale Ave. This community-wide MEF event offers a certified 5K and races for younger children. All profits from the event benefit MEF. MEF is currently seeking corporate sponsorships for this event. Sponsorships start at $250. Information about the race and sponsorship opportunities can be found at www.mefnj.org.

Madison Education Foundation

The Madison Education Foundation (MEF) awards educational enrichment grants to teachers and staff members in the Madison, NJ public schools. Through teacher grants, MEF funds great ideas that energize the creative and academic lives of students but are above and beyond the school budget. Since its inception in 2003, MEF has awarded $988,000 in grants. MEF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Donations can be mailed to PO Box 1093 Madison NJ 07940 or submitted online. Visitwww.mefnj.org or e-mail info@mefnj.org for more information.

PHOTO CAPTION:

Sara Reichel, new MJS Librarian and Media Specialist, with Cubelets. Cubelets contain a small computer that can be connected in many different ways to move around a table, follow a hand signal, turn on a light, play sounds, or do many other creative tasks.