Marshwood Educators Surprised with Grants

SOUTH BERWICK — Marshwood Education Foundation’s Grant Patrol was thrilled to surprise two Spring Grant Award recipients last month.

The MEF Prize Patrol surprised its first Spring Grant recipient, Marshwood Middle School 7th Grade History teacher Andrew Rowe, on Friday May 15. Mr. Rowe was awarded a $9000 grant to start a “We the People” program at MMS. This program will feed into the program at Marshwood High School which has brought a tremendous amount of success for MHS students.

We the People: The Citizen & the Constitution for middle grades is composed of 6 units and 29 lessons that use critical-thinking exercises, cooperative-learning practices and a culminating authentic performance assessment to teach the history and principles of constitutional democracy. Three students will work on one of the six units (18 students total) and present their unit to a panel of judges at the National Invitational in April of 2016.

“Matt Sanzone has led a very successful program at the high school for several years. It’s exciting to think that these 7th graders will be able to go to Washington DC and have a similar experience,” said MEF Treasurer Seth Herbold.

Due to the great success of the Marshwood High School “We The People” program, and with the guidance and support of its director Matt Sanzone, Mr. Rowe is looking forward to giving students at MMS a chance to explore, in greater depth, civic issues and constitutional applications in today’s world, thanks to this MEF Grant.

On Monday, May 18, Marshwood High School Band Director David Graichen was awarded a $3000 MEF grant for his “Score Composition” Project. This project will bring composer, Thomas Borgault to MHS to work with band students on creating an original score of music. Students will gain the valuable understanding of how a composition is created. The composer will work with students to create a piece that represents the students abilities, styles and interests. The students’ piece will be premiered at the May 2016 concert.

“This is a great, real opportunity for students to deeply understand the process to create a significant, musical piece. To work directly with a professional to produce a ‘Marshwood’ original, will be something they will always remember. Thanks to MEF for providing this wonderful experience,” said MHS Principal Paul Melhorn.

“These are 2 ideas that exemplify what MEF is all about: Bringing exciting new opportunities that enhance the school experience. We are glad to help make them a reality,” said Mr. Herbold. Since its inception, MEF has awarded 41 grants to RSU 35 schools totaling $113,493.

Marshwood Education Foundation congratulates both of its Spring 2015 Grant Recipients, and thanks community members and businesses who support MEF and help raise funds to enable MEF to continue to award wonderful, innovative grants such as these, benefiting Marshwood Schools and their students.

Marshwood Education Foundation is currently offering Trellis Awards, which are often given as gifts for teachers, coaches and mentors. The tax-deductible gift of any amount may be given, honored recipient’s name will appear on their website and teachers and other recipients will receive a certificate from MEF to inform them of the Trellis gift given in their name. For more information and to purchase a Trellis Award for those special educators in your life, please visit the MEF website at: http://www.marshwood-education-foundation.org/trellisawards.htm