See New Programs In Morris School District, Funded By Nearly $50K In Grants

MORRISTOWN & MORRIS TOWNSHIP, NJ — The Morris Educational Foundation has awarded six grants totaling $47,365 to support programs for students across the Morris School District.

The grants were approved at the March 16 Morris School District Board of Education meeting and will fund hands-on learning, arts programming, and student recognition activities in district schools.

The foundation said it supports educational opportunities that are not covered by the school budget and tax dollars. With the latest round of awards, the Morris Educational Foundation has granted more than $151,000 in classroom grants so far this school year.

Among the approved projects is Cooking Up Language Skills, which will bring hands-on cooking experiences with a visiting chef to kindergarten multilingual learners at Alfred Vail, Hillcrest, and Woodland elementary schools. The foundation said the program is designed to strengthen social and instructional language skills while students apply literacy concepts and create take-home recipe books.

Other grants will reach students across multiple grade levels and schools. Each of the district’s seven elementary schools will receive support for interactive Science Day programming.

A donor is also funding a two-day visit from author and illustrator Mike Ciccotello, also known as “Mr. Mike,” for all second graders in their schools. Every student, classroom, and media center will receive a signed copy of his book, “Leonard Grows a Haunted Garden.”

At Morristown High School, the music department will add a marimba and vibraphone to its instrument library through a donation from Caren and David Olander, long-time residents of Morristown and Morris Township, and MHS alumni parents. The high school theatre department will also purchase 20 new microphones for student performances in dramas, musicals, concerts, and other auditorium events.

The grant round also includes commemorative yard signs for all Frelinghuysen Middle School eighth graders and all Morristown High School seniors. Distribution is scheduled for May 16.

“These grants demonstrate the meaningful impact of community support on our students’ educational experiences,” said Ann Rhines, MEF Grants Chair and former teacher and member of the Morris School District Board of Education. “Each grant is designed to engage, inspire, and provide lasting value in and beyond the classroom.”

The foundation said the final grants of the school year will be awarded in May 2026. It also encouraged community members to contribute to its 180 Days of Impact campaign.

To learn more about the Morris Educational Foundation, click here.