Grants Totaling $182K Support Educational Programs In Morris School District

MORRISTOWN, NJ — The Morris Educational Foundation (MEF) recently announced that it has awarded $181,955 in grants and programs to the Morris School District for the 2021-2022 school year to support students, teachers, schools and the District community.

The MEF, a non-profit organization that has been improving educational programs in the Morris School District for 30 years, worked with the District to provide funding and in-kind donations for a variety of academic, enrichment, and social-emotional wellness initiatives that were not covered by the school budget or tax dollars.

“Each year, I am impressed by the quality and number of grants the MEF awards to the Morris School District,” said Ann Rhines, Morris Educational Foundation grants chair and former member of the Morris School District Board of Education.

The MEF funded projects ranging from literacy-based grants and funds to support various arts programs to STEM materials to enrich the curriculum, promote self-esteem, enhance and expand enrichment opportunities, and help teachers grow professionally.

These grants help to ensure the highest level of educational innovation, supporting students and faculty in a lifelong learning partnership.

“The thoughtful submissions were essential to ensuring equitable academic activity to all District students and teachers – from preschool to high school. As we approach the new year school year, we encourage District staff to apply early so we can continue to meet the needs of our schools with the support of our generous donors and community partners,” Rhines said.

Throughout the 2021-2022 school year, 29 grants were awarded to support all students and teachers at all levels.

The following grants demonstrate how the fields of study and enrichment varied among those grants:

• Reading Readiness: Preschooler-Parent Shared Reading – $4,900
  To establish reading routines for Spanish and English-speaking families, Morris School District preschoolers and their parents enjoyed the in-person monthly Bilingual Book Club.
• Science Day for K-5 Schools – $35,000
  An interactive and exciting day of science that immerses all K-5 students in each of the seven elementary schools in STEM activities and unique hands-on learning opportunities.
• Tutoring for Middle School – $3,000
  FMS after-school volunteer tutoring program for math and language arts will return next school year serving students who are at risk of falling behind.
• TV Studio Teleprompter System – $7,085
  Teleprompter system for the MHS Broadcasting program to professionally deliver scripted content during in-studio and on-location production.
• Teacher SELebraton – Social Emotional Learning Wellness for Staff – $1,050
  Michael C. Selbst, PH.D., BCBA-D provided a two-part virtual workshop presentation on “Teacher SELebration” for the staff of Thomas Jefferson and Woodland schools. The program helped teachers better understand their own self-care and self-compassion which, in turn, enhances their understanding of their students’ family and community needs.

To view the full list of grants awarded in the 2021-2022 school year, please visit www.morrisedfoundation.org/what-we-do/grants/. District staff and administrators interested in applying for a grant can do so by clicking here.