2005 GRANT RECIPIENTS
ABC to Learning (Brain Gym) – Finn
Brain Gym is a program of kinesthetic exercises designed to help young children integrate the left and right sides of the brain, and to increase their ability to pay attention for longer periods of time. All teachers at the Finn School received training in this methodology, and have incorporated it into their classrooms.
Math Magic – Woodward
The purpose of this grant is to increase the student’s abilities and confidence in math using games and manipulatives. These tools help to increase the student’s understanding of abstract mathematical concepts.
Electric Upright Double Bass – Woodward
The SEF Special Purpose Fund has funded the purchase of an electric double bass. The instrument purchased is specially sized for the small hands of our 2nd and 3rd grade students. Having this instrument in the school system allows us to develop a balanced string ensemble.
Low Brass – Neary
Tubas and euphonia were purchased from this grant to round out the sound of the Neary band. These instruments are appropriately sized for the 4th and 5th grade students at Neary.
Project Jeopardy! – Neary
The fourth grade faculty has implemented this program to assist in the review and retention of subject materials. Students are playing the Jeopardy game as a fun, interactive way to review classroom topics.
Coaching Reading Fluency – Neary
The National Reading Panel has found that repeated and monitored oral reading leads to improved fluency and to increased overall reading achievement. With this grant, students use tape recorders and digital bookmarks to read orally and practice fluency.
6+1 Trait Writing – Trottier and Neary
This writing program assists students in the editing and revising steps by focusing on one or two “traits” at a time. The six traits are: Ideas, Organization, Voice, Sentence Fluency, Word Choice and Conventions. This program had previously been implemented at Melican Middle School in Northborough.
History Alive: Modern World History – Algonquin
This grant provides History Alive materials from the Teachers’ Curriculum Institute to assist in the teaching of the World History program for sophomores. The program teaches History through activities designed to address students’ differing styles of learning.
Algonquin Health Fair – Algonquin
SEF supported the Algonquin Health Fair in promoting safe and healthy lifestyles at the Fair in April 2007. This well attended Fair was open to students and adults of all ages.
Algonquin Wrestling Team – Algonquin
SEF provided training materials to the new Algonquin wrestling team. With funding from SEF and interested parents, the wrestling team seeks varsity status in the 2007-2008 school year
Mini-grants funded in the 2005-2006 school year:
Oral Reading – Neary
With this grant, Neary purchased Whisper Phones. Whisper Phones enable students to practice oral reading while maintaining a quiet reading environment
