Archive for 2011

The Marshwood Education Foundation (MEF) announced the recipients of its fall grants at the December 7th MSAD 35 Board meeting. The grants, totaling $8742.80, were awarded to three recipients whose proposals will benefit elementary and middle school-aged Marshwood students.

“With each grant cycle, we are excited to see so many new ideas proposed by our educators, along with ideas that will enhance current programs,” said Rachel Martin, MEF President. “One school is trying out a brand new concept, while a previous grant project is being expanded upon as the children share what they learned through the outdoor classroom at Central Elementary School,” added Martin.  “Another grant is helping to further develop a long-standing community event that students and their families will enjoy for generations to come.”

The Marshwood Education Foundation was established in 2009 and raises funds solely through community events and private donations. MEF is committed to supporting public education in Eliot and South Berwick through funding innovative educational opportunities that fall outside of the responsibility of the school budget. Grants are awarded twice annually, in the spring and fall.

MEF grants awarded December 7th, 2011:

From The Ground Up – proposed by Kate Smith, Music teacher at Central School.  Students will work with Ruth Baker, Jane Cowen-Fletcher and other community volunteers to develop a cookbook and guide for successfully creating an outdoor classroom and hoop house garden project.  Students will create their own recipes to be included in the book as well as develop creative ways to document the creation of the outdoor classroom. $1500.00

Standing and Swinging – proposed by Beth Werker, Math teacher at Marshwood Middle School.  $2242.80 will be awarded to purchase six Stand and Swing desks.  These innovative desks allow students to either stand or sit and swing their legs while learning.  By offering students an outlet for their excess energy, these desks help students stay focused on learning.  Each student in Mrs. Werker’s classes will get an opportunity to try the desk and give their feedback.

Revitalizing Local History Education – proposed by Nina Maurer, Consulting Curator of the Old Berwick Historical Society.  Through this grant and funds being sought from other sources, the current Hike through History program will be greatly enhanced.  MEF will grant $5000.00 to purchase new tour artifacts and pay for the services of a curriculum planner.  This grant will provide new local history resources to teachers, develop a program for teaching middle school students who help present the hike material, and create an online Hike through History resource.
The MEF is now accepting applications for the spring 2012 grants.  For more information on how to submit a grant application, contact Janice Hastings, MEF Grants Committee Chairperson at hastings.janice@gmail.com.

About the Marshwood Education Foundation (MEF)
The Marshwood Education Foundation was established as a non-profit corporation, wholly dedicated to enriching and supplementing the educational programs of the Maine School Administrative District 35, representing the communities of South Berwick and Eliot. The MEF has granted more than $40,000 to the district, funding creative and innovative ideas brought forth by school administrators, teachers and staff. To learn more about the MEF or to donate online, visit www.marshwood-education-foundation.org.
Editorial contact:
Keri Tice, MEF Secretary
207-439-6131, mailboxmef@gmail.com

The Marshwood Education Foundation (MEF) announced the recipients of its spring grants at the June 1st MSAD 35 Board meeting. The grants, totaling $6702.22, were awarded to three recipients whose proposals bring creative and fun opportunities to Marshwood students.

“The Marshwood Great Works School is the big winner this spring,” said Rachel Martin, MEF President. “Of the applications we received this time around, there were three that shined through with definitive goals for education and wellness. The grants will allow our students to experience technology through the use of robots, explore creativity through writing and illustration, and reach new heights on the Fitness Trail at the Great Works School,” added Martin.

The Marshwood Education Foundation was established in 2009 and raises funds solely through community events and private donations. MEF is committed to supporting public education in Eliot and South Berwick through funding innovative educational opportunities that fall outside of the responsibility of the school budget. Grants are awarded twice annually, in the spring and fall.

MEF spring grants awarded June 1st, 2011:
Grace Jacobs, Gifted & Talented Program Coordinator, and parent David Whelan were awarded $2,438.85 to jumpstart the MGWS Robotics Program. This program, organized in three 10-week sessions, offers 36 students each year a chance to work cooperatively to assemble and program LEGO Mindstorm robots. Exposing students to this type of program teaches them the relationship between hardware and software. Students will use Lego Mindstorm kits to construct the robots and laptop computers to program their robots. This activity will be open to all MGWS students by a student/parent application.

Susan Goettlich, Reading Specialist, and Librarian Cynthia Moloney of MGWS were awarded $3125.00 for their program Small Moments Travel Great Distances. MGWS will bring author/illustrator Jane Cowen Fletcher to the school to help implement the Lucy Calkins writing program. All students and teachers will participate in this creative writing and illustrating project. Each child will have the opportunity to produce a picture book and then share his or her book with students at Central Elementary School and Eliot Elementary School.

Lori Girouard, Fifth Grade Teacher, was awarded $1138.37 for her application to enhance the MGWS Fitness Trail. The funding will allow the school to add three workout stations — a balance beam, parallel bars, and pull-up bars, as well as distance markers along the trail. These stations will be welcome additions to the already popular fitness area, and will enhance the school’s Physical Education program.