West Orange Schools Net More Than $1.5M in Grants

The West Orange school district has received three grants with a total of more than $1.5 million that aim to benefit teacher development in American history classrooms, students with special needs and students' health and fitness.

The Teaching American History grant, totaling $1.5 million, is designed as a refresher course for middle school and high school teachers to further develop a more in-depth understanding of the U.S. Constitution, federal government and the Constitutional convention.

For one week, teachers will be sent to Princeton University to study and learn with some of the most noted historians in the field.

The trip is completely financed by the grant. Eric Price, assistant principal at West Orange High School, said the grant is a fantastic chance to refine the teachers' experience.

"It's a great opportunity for our teachers, middle school through high school, to get a refresher course on the fundamentals of American history of no charge to West Orange," he said. "In fact, teachers receive moneys from the professional development via the grant. They receive materials and books each year. They get to collaborate with their colleagues from different districts to hear how they teach U.S. history."

Price said West Orange was approached by Princeton professor Brad Wilson and retired Rutgers professor of education, Adam Krupolski, along with Price's original supervisor from Bridgewater-Raritan High School.

"The three of them were looking for a group of Essex County schools that would be willing to be recipients of a grant. They called wondering if we would do it," said Price. "I think they're looking for a nice mixture of both suburban and urban districts for these types of grants. I think that's why they look at Essex County as a great spot because it has both urban and suburban districts side by side."

Price also said West Orange "provided necessary information, guaranteed participation and also oversee any moneys." 

West Orange High School also was awarded the New Jersey Learn and Serve America Grant, which totaled $15,000. The grant is designed to sponsor Project Store, an aid in helping students with special needs prepare themselves for life after high school, pertaining to job development and life skills.

Project Store aims to teach students skills employers may look for: Proper etiquette, such as being on time, communicating with fellow co-workers and responsibility through the handling of money and goods. 

The third grant, Team Health grant, was received by Edison Middle School for $10,000. The program, which hails from the Mountainside Health Foundation, has received aid for the third year in a row.

The program aims to teach students about good health, exercise and eating right as part of their daily lives. The Green Garden Project, the latest addition to the program, will let students examine the health benefits of certain foods by cooking, as well as tasting them. 

Tracey Clarke, a parent of an elementary school student in West Orange, is grateful for what the district has done in obtaining the grants, but would like to see elementary schools included more. 

"With these grants, the targeted schools will be able to offer support and professional development to their teachers, which will ultimately enrich student learning," said Clarke. "However, none of these awards target any of the elementary schools this year. I am especially interested in the district's grant application process and goals. I would like the opportunity to learn more about the bigger picture — how the District balances grant research to reach all schools."

Michele Lewis-Fleming, who has a niece in seventh grade, is in favor of the grants, but would like to see different subjects hopefully covered in the near future. 

"I am a firm believer in grants for public schools. If there are opportunities to receive funds for programs to enhance learning, they should be explored," said Lewis-Fleming. "I would like to see more programs focused on math and science and business. I wonder if there are grants for programs to expose high school students to the stock market."

Price also said the district receives $35,000 in administrative fees spread out during the next five years for being an applicant district and for managing moneys between other districts such as Livingston, Millburn and Irvington.

"I think it's a win-win-win for West Orange and it's just a great opportunity," said Price.