Mini-Grant Awards
WEF is very proud and excited to award over $100,000 in mini-grants.
WEF's most recent mini-grant recipients for 2009-2010:
WeatherBug Weather Station for Wakefield Elementary Schools
As part of WEF's 2009-2010 mini-grant program, Technology teacher Missy Thomson at the Woodville School received funding to help purchase the WeatherBug Weather Station that will eventually be utilized among all 4 Wakefield elementary schools. The WeatherBug Weather Station records 27 different weather measurements in real time on the Woodville School roof. Students will use this data in interactive lessons to study climate and the environment. The mission of this project is to pilot an environmental science program that integrates technology into classroom learning using live, local weather data. The interactive web-based curriculum that is a part of WeatherBug includes hands-on learning experiences in science, math, geography and technology. These lessons are based on National and State Educational Standards. Pictured with Woodville Elementary School principal Brian Middleton-Cox and Technology Teacher Missy Thomson are the WeatherBug Study Group.
Abigail Ciardi, Grade 7 & 8 Music Instructor
WEF recently awarded Abigail Ciardi, Grade 7 and 8 music instructor, a mini-grant to purchase ten acoustic guitars to be used during general music class at the Galvin Middle School. Pictured with Ms. Ciardi (far right) is one of her Grade 8 classes.
Galvin Middle School experience at Metcalf & Eddy
Team E Grade 7 students from the Galvin Middle School recently went on a field trip to Metcalf & Eddy. Located in Wakefield, staff members dedicated two days to discussing local and global environmental issues through a variety of presentations, demonstrations, videos and hands-on experiments. This is the third consecutive year Metcalf & Eddy has donated their time and treated the students to a pizza lunch. The cost of the bus transportation was funded by WEF as part of their 2009-2010 mini-grant program. In the top photo getting first-hand experience in wearing a haz-mat suit are students Brandon Naggar (left) and Jack Healey (right) with Math teacher Geraldine Carbone. In the bottom photo testing the water for mineral content are Mike Martello and Armin Palic.
Principal Brian Middleton-Cox & Wakefield Alliance Against Violence
WEF awarded Principal Brian Middleton-Cox and the Wakefield Alliance Against Violence (WAAV) with money to purchase books for every elementary school classroom in the four public elementary schools with books that address the issue of bullying. This supports "Stories for a Safer Wakefield" which will be a month-long event during May 2010 to raise Wakefield's awareness on violence and bullying. Wakefield Elementary students and members of WAAV are pictured showing books purchased with the grant money.
Walton PTO for Elementary Science & Language Arts Enrichment Programs
Congratulations to Walton PTO President Kim Hartman! As part of WEF's 2009-2010 mini-grant program, she received financial assistance to help sponsor enrichment programs by the Museum of Science and author/illustrator David Biedrzycki to all of the Walton Elementary School students. The Museum of Science presented the "Animal Habitats" program to grades K-2 and "Motion: Forces & Work" to grades 3 and 4. David Biedrzycki took the subjects of writing and illustrating to another level, describing how artwork created on a computer has given him ideas for his children's books. This event exposed all Walton students to an exciting mix of science, technology and language arts in a rich and interactive environment! Pictured from left to right (front): Luke Hendriks, Samantha Hartman, Mary Tannian, Jared Hurley, Chris Wilson and WEF Director Sue Worden presenting check; (back) author/illustrator David Biedrzycki, PTO President Kim Hartman and Cultural Arts Chairperson Anne Miller.
Wakefield High School Science Department
As part of WEF's 2009-2010 mini-grant program, Wakefield High School's Science Department Leader Margaret Coppe received funding to purchase 25 Prometheon ActivExpression clickers. According to a WEF representative that recently visited Coppe's 9th grade Science class, "think of a contestant on "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" asking the audience for assistance and statistically getting their opinion within seconds of clicking a button". Used in conjunction with a LCD projector, this powerful wireless communication tool allows students to go outside the limitations of the standard multiple choice format and respond in full sentences, numbers, symbols, math equations, true/false and more. Self-Paced learning allows teachers to assign full quizzes of varying difficulty and gives students the opportunity to register answers at their own pace. Teachers immediately know what percentage of the class is answering accurately and can alter the assignment's length of time to challenge learners. Over 900 high school science students will have the opportunity to use these for pre-testing prior to new units, making predictions for lab results and reviewing prior to exams. Pictured is Ms. Coppe with one of her 9th Grade Science classes.
Wakefield's Intensive Special Needs Preschool Program
As part of WEF's 2009-2010 mini-grant program, teacher Laurie Sokol recently received funding to purchase Boardmaker Software products that will be utilized in her Intensive Special Needs Preschool program. The purpose of the Boardmaker program is to open up the lines of communication during class, thus reducing frustration and enabling a child to express his/her wants and needs more easily. Magnetic tiles with tasks, actions, objects, weather conditions and daily activities drawn on them allow the children to visualize what activity is about to take place ('lunch', 'circle time') as well ask for a drink of water ('I', 'need', 'water'). A task, for example washing hands, would chronoligically display everything from turning water on to throwing a paper towel into the garbage. Visually seeing these specific steps increases a childs independence, thus improving the lifestyle of the child while also allowing those in contact to converse more effectively.
Pictured (front): Physical Therapist Susan Carideo-Johnson, Jack Dowdie, Gannon O'Leary, Tim DeBenedictis, Seth Penziner, Jacob Goldlust. (standing): staff member Laurie Sokol, paraprofessionals Patrick Sullivan and Dina Farrell, principal Mr. Brian Middleton-Cox.
Wakefield K-12 Physical Education Project Adventure Workshop
Congratulations to Wakefield’s Physical Education Facilitator Maria Caruso! As part of WEF's 2009-2010 mini-grant program, she received funding that will allow eleven K-12 PE staff members to attend a Project Adventure (PA) workshop in Beverly called “No Props: Great games with No Equipment”. This one day program will provide and implement Professional Development for Wakefield’s PE staff by teaching problem-solving activities that build trust, engage students in critical thinking skills and allow all participants a fair and equitable playing field regardless of size, skill level, gender, ethnicity or socio-economic background. All PE teachers have received some PA training during undergraduate education but due to the budget crisis no additional training or re-certification from PA has been provided to Wakefield’s PE staff since 2000.
Pictured is WEF representative Chris Boulter presenting the check to PE staff members Joie Edson, Lisa Silva and Maria Caruso.
Wakefield High School 'School to Life' Program
Congratulations to Wakefield High School staff members Sue Cullen and Caitlin Conway! WEF recently delivered a check to their classroom that will provide two Flip Video Cameras for the School to Life Program as part of WEF's 2009 mini-grant program. These cameras will allow students to be videotaped in the classroom, during school related jobs and at job sites while the videos, in turn, will provide concrete feedback and help with self-awareness and skill development. Allowing students to see themselves in action will also aid with behavior management, modelling, job training and overall student progress. Pictured (L to R) are Sue Cullen, Garrett Hancock, Daniel Maltacea, Drew Hudson, Brittany Dale, Daniel Noonan, Brittany Remick, Anjoli Ngankou, Caitlin Conway, Maria Dwyer, WEF member Martha Callanan and Jim Jellison.
Galvin Middle School Science Lab
WEF recently awarded a grant to Galvin Middle School staff member Barbara Harrison and Grade 7 & 8 science students. This grant will allow the Science Department at Galvin to purchase 6 Fisher Scientific Isotemp Stirring Hotplates and magnetic stirring rods to be used for science lab activities. The hotplates will provide a safe, reliable and efficient solution for students to heat materials and perform experiments. The magnetic stirring feature prevents potential splash back injuries while the hotplates are easy and safe to use for general lab heating and stirring.
WHS exPRESS
The members of the Wakefield High School Journalism Club, along with their teacher/faculty advisor Ms. Nannette Farrell are holding up the latest edition of the school's quarterly newspaper the WHS exPRESS. The content of the newspaper is written and designed by the students. The newspaper printing is fully funded by grants obtained by the teachers and students. This edition was printed using a mini-grant awarded by the Wakefield Educational Foundation (also shown in the photo is WEF representative Christine Wilson).
Woodville PTO for Grades 3 & 4 Science Workshops
WEF recently awarded a grant to the Woodville Elementary PTO for hands-on science workshops for 3rd and 4th grade students facilitated by Jeff Danger, Science Ranger. The students conducted multiple safe experiments relating to their current curriculum.
In the photo from left to right are Principal Brian Middleton-Cox, WEF Representative Christine Wilson, Woodville PTO co-President Kim Margolis and Woodville PTO Treasurer Karla Cerulle.
Galvin Middle School Grade 5 Science
WEF recently awarded a grant to Galvin Middle School staff member Cynthia Fitzpatrick and Grade 5 science students. This grant, made possible through the Gertrude Spaulding Environmental Education Fund, was used to fund water quality testing at Lake Quannapowitt this past October under the direction of New England Discovery of Newburyport, MA. The collected data was needed to participate in World Water Monitoring Day, an international education and outreach program that builds public awareness and involvement in protecting water by engaging students to conduct basic monitoring of their local water bodies. Pictured with check are Bob Metcalfe of New England Discovery and event organizer Cynthia Fitzpatrick, while students Laura Martin, TJ Sellers and Olivia Hickey display their protective eye gear and data sheets.
Wakefield High School Foreign Language Department
WEF awarded a grant to the Wakefield High School Foreign Language Department for their media library. The mini-grant will be used to purchase new cultural DVDs and documentaries.
From the left, Ellen Reilly, WEF Student Representative Rex Lamb, Superintendent Joan Landers, Trish Osborne, Guilio Binaghi, WEF Representative Beth Hendriks, Corina Benson, Redouane Motassim and Bridgette Reed.
WEF's mini-grant recipients for 2008-2009:
Walton School Grade 3 Renewable Energy Project
WEF awarded a grant to Ms. Pulkkinen's class as part of the Spaulding Environmental Fund. The grant was used to
purchase and assemble, Pitsco (Lego in Education) Wind Generators, shown in the photo with each child. The teacher did a science education module built around renewable energy sources, and the wind generators were assembled with the help of parent volunteers, when placed in front of a household fan, the wind generator caused a lightbulb at the end of a wire to light up due to the wind power. It was VERY exciting as each third grader, got their shot at putting their generator in front of the fan, and having the bulb light via RENEWABLE ENERGY!! Hats off to this great class of renewable energy engineers, and thanks to
WEF for providing the funding for this very enriching science project!
Galvin Middle School Library Science Curriculum
WEF awarded a grant to the Galvin Middle School library for updated science curriculum materials on alternative energy sources, global climate change and the Cape Wind project. Funding was made possible through the Gertrude Spaulding Environmental Education Fund. WEF provided additional funding to the library to update its science curriculum video collection. New DVDs were purchased on varied topics, such as the human body, space and geology. In the top photo are Galvin librarian Jane Gutowski-Connell, students Colt Stewart, Mike Martello, Joshua Bishop and WEF representative Sandra Blois. In the 2nd photo are Galvin librarian Jane Gutwoski-Connell, students Johnny Dotolo, Charlie Long and WEF representative Sandra Blois.
Galvin Middle School engineering experience at AECOM Water
WEF provided funding for Galvin Middle School students to experience a unique opportunity to meet and work with environmental engineers and scientists from AECOM Water in Wakefield. AECOM Water professionals generously volunteered their time over a two day span to provide over 100 Galvin seventh graders with presentations, hands-on experiments that integrated math and science concepts with real-world environmental issues and a delicious lunch. The WEF grant funded the transportation needed for this enriching community partnership through the Gertrude Spaulding Environmental Education Fund. Shown here are Galvin students with AECOM Water engineer Rich Renzi and Galvin teacher Geraldine Carbone and AECOM Water's Kate Mignone, who coordinated this program.
Authorfest 2009 at the Greenwood School
WEF awarded a mini-grant to the Greenwood PTO in order to provide support for Authorfest 2009. Authorfest, which is a week-long celebration of literacy, included visits from several children's authors along with many other exciting activities. Pictured in the photo are WEF representative Kelly Cunningham and Authorfest Chair Bernadette Farrell.
Andrea Paskievich, Dolbeare Pre-School Teacher
WEF presented Dolbeare pre-school teacher Andrea Paskievich with a mini-grant that is funding a series of visits by music therapist Andrew Gentzow. Shown here with Mrs. Paskievich and Mr. Gentzow is WEF president Gayle Wettach. Mr. Andrew, as the children call him, engages the children in multi-sensory activities that provide opportunities to practice social skills as well as lots of fun.
Donna Conlon, Wakefield High School Teacher
WEF recently awarded a grant to high school teacher Donna Conlon. The funds were used to purchase subscriptions to several current event and literature magazines geared toward high school students. Pictured here are Ms. Conlon, Ms. Suzanne Chase and Ms. Paula Guttadaro along with several of the students who are using the magazines in their classrooms.
Wild About Weather at the Walton School
WEF recently sponsored Keith Michael Johnson’s Wild About Weather presentation. Wild About Weather is an entertaining, motivating and curriculum-based presentation. Overflowing with funny demonstrations and audience interaction! In 50 minutes kids ride the water cycle, float a hot air balloon, and identify clouds, without leaving their comfortable seats. Pictured with Walton students are Beth Hendricks (WEF Co-Vice President), Keith Michael Johnson and Sue Worden (WEF Director) passing the generous donation check to Kim Hartman, Walton's PTO President. In the bottom photo, Keith Michael Johnson explains different cloud formations and the water cycle. The kids were fascinated to learn about evaporation, condensation and precipitation.
Cara Anderman, Galvin Middle School World Language Teacher
Ms. Anderman has coordinated a pen pal project for her sixth grade students and students living in France. The children write to each other using the language they are learning, which provides a meaningful way for them to practice the skills they learn in the classroom as well as develop new friendships and gain a better understanding of the world in which we live. Shown here with Ms. Anderman are students in Ms. Tibbetts' and Ms. Patterson's classes.
WHS exPRESS
Wakefield High School's newly redesigned newspaper, WHS exPRESS, which is written, designed and published by journalism students and members of the WHS Newspaper Club, was well received by its readers last month. The Newspaper Club, advised by Nannette Farrell of the English Department, meets on a weekly basis to work toward its goal of publishing a quality newspaper four times during the school year. Funding for the publication of The WHS exPRESS has been provided by a grant from WEF. Pictured here are: (front row l to r) Glen Maganzini, co-editor, Ms. Nannette Farrell, advisor, Chris DeCarlo, co-editor, (back row l to r) Sam Chaput, Ani Xu, Krista Donnelly, Nicole Simeone, Andrew Larson, Laura Hurren, Liz Sullivan, Robby Fahey, and Francesca McCaffrey. Newspaper Club members missing from photograph: Morgan Flynn and Sarah Mullen.
During 2008-2009, WEF awarded a total of $17,000 in mini-grants to the following schools:
Wakefield High School
- Winter Percussion Ensemble
- Culinary Arts Program equipment
- Wakefield High School Newspaper
- Learning Support Center - current events literature
- Multi-Ethnic Performance
- Support for Performing Arts Day
Galvin Middle School
- Author visit - John Ritter
- French class Pen Pal program
- Science video collection
- Environmental Engineer visit*
- Global climate change, Alternative energy learning materials*
- Tools for monitoring ecological environment*
Dolbeare Elementary School
- Music Therapy for Pre-K
- Literacy Resource Room
- Pillars of Character
Greenwood Elementary School
- Authorfest 2009 Celebration
Walton Elementary School
- Science Enrichment Program
- Lego in Education Tools – Renewable Energy*
Woodville Elementary School
- Literacy Resource Room - English Language Arts
Systemwide
- Yoga Education for Wellness
* Special funding for these grants was made possible through the Gertrude Spaulding Environmental Education Fund