For the 2011/2012 school year WEF allocated a total in $27,879.83 in grants. The grants went to teachers in every school within the district for new programs as well as to continue successful programs funded in previous years.
Backyard Birding
Fales Elementary SchoolPatricia Gallo
$756
This program will teach first grade students about birds in Massachusetts as part of their study of life sciences. Students will learn to recognize wild birds by both sight and sound, aided by realistic-looking Audubon birds that produce authentic bird calls. Children will feed a variety of birds at feeders located outside of the classroom, and will observe native birds from an indoor observation station. Students will question, investigate and research birds based on their own interests and observations. In addition, the class will share a slide show presentation at School Meeting about different feeders and birds that are common to the area to foster curiosity and involvement at all grade levels.
The Family Book Club
Hastings Elementary SchoolCindy Hodgdon, Sheila Plifka, Eileen Harvey, Lauren Kennedy
$3,300
$3,300
The Family Book Club project will provide a forum for teachers and families to share high quality literature for young children. Parents, teachers and children will share breakfast, a book, and a related activity. Through shared reading, teachers will have the opportunity to model important early literacy interactions between adult and child. Parents will have the opportunity to talk to teachers and ask questions about early childhood literacy. Families will keep the book and leave with a related activity. The target population is English Language Learners and their families, including younger siblings, and other children and families who may benefit from shared early literacy experiences, in kindergarten and first grade.
Reading in the Content Area of Mathematics
Hastings Elementary SchoolAndrea Weber
$750
The purpose of this grant is to facilitate the understanding of key mathematics content through the purchase of leveled book theme sets which support the following areas of the grades one and two curriculum: charts and graphs, dollars and cents, and time and temperature. The books and materials will be housed in the Hastings Independent Leveled Reading Library, and used primarily during the school day as a supplement to enrich classroom instruction. At teacher discretion, books could be sent home as independent reading material for students who need additional practice reading content material. Research shows that repeated exposure to concepts and vocabulary in content areas helps children to acquire and retain that content.
$750
The purpose of this grant is to facilitate the understanding of key mathematics content through the purchase of leveled book theme sets which support the following areas of the grades one and two curriculum: charts and graphs, dollars and cents, and time and temperature. The books and materials will be housed in the Hastings Independent Leveled Reading Library, and used primarily during the school day as a supplement to enrich classroom instruction. At teacher discretion, books could be sent home as independent reading material for students who need additional practice reading content material. Research shows that repeated exposure to concepts and vocabulary in content areas helps children to acquire and retain that content.
Video Announcers Club
Mill Pond SchoolJill Mayne, Steve Masciarelli
$1,920
This is an after school club for students interested in creating video presentations in a news show format. The bi-weekly shows will include a variety of informative segments, some of which may be a public service announcement, book/movie review, teacher feature, homework help, or character education segments. Students will be responsible for the planning of segments assigned to them. These will be filmed, edited and a video created will air during the homeroom periods on alternating weeks over the closed-circuit televisions in each classroom. The program will help to develop research and speaking skills in younger students and help to increase their self-confidence.
$1,920
This is an after school club for students interested in creating video presentations in a news show format. The bi-weekly shows will include a variety of informative segments, some of which may be a public service announcement, book/movie review, teacher feature, homework help, or character education segments. Students will be responsible for the planning of segments assigned to them. These will be filmed, edited and a video created will air during the homeroom periods on alternating weeks over the closed-circuit televisions in each classroom. The program will help to develop research and speaking skills in younger students and help to increase their self-confidence.
Ipads and Apps for Students with Autism
Mill Pond SchoolJoan LaBossier-Follett, Ashley Orlando
$3,036
The purpose of the project is to take the initial steps in integrating innovative technology into classrooms for use by students on the spectrum with the objective of improving their language, communication, academic, social, emotional, fine motor, sensory, and behavioral concerns. Students will have access to software applications that will assist them in building language, communicating with adults and peers, increasing independence within the school community, improving their level of participation within the mainstream and small group classes, and accessing the regular curriculum. It will also help in developing their overall organization of schedules, school materials and information.
$3,036
The purpose of the project is to take the initial steps in integrating innovative technology into classrooms for use by students on the spectrum with the objective of improving their language, communication, academic, social, emotional, fine motor, sensory, and behavioral concerns. Students will have access to software applications that will assist them in building language, communicating with adults and peers, increasing independence within the school community, improving their level of participation within the mainstream and small group classes, and accessing the regular curriculum. It will also help in developing their overall organization of schedules, school materials and information.
Bright Link to Bright Writers
Mill Pond SchoolJoan Sanders
$1,700
This grant is for the purchase and installation of a Bright Link system by Epson for a 4th grade classroom. The technology turns a flat surface, such as a white board, into a large computer screen that is manipulated with a pen-like mouse, which is easy enough for children to use. Anything done on a computer can be done on a Bright Link. With a screen size of 87 inches, students will be able to share, interact and collaborate on projects across the curriculum. One example of how it will be used is in working with students on the writing process. The entire writing process: brainstorming, planning and organizing, drafting, revising, editing, and producing a final product would be interactive and collaborative, and would allow all students to benefit from one student’s writing conference.
$1,700
This grant is for the purchase and installation of a Bright Link system by Epson for a 4th grade classroom. The technology turns a flat surface, such as a white board, into a large computer screen that is manipulated with a pen-like mouse, which is easy enough for children to use. Anything done on a computer can be done on a Bright Link. With a screen size of 87 inches, students will be able to share, interact and collaborate on projects across the curriculum. One example of how it will be used is in working with students on the writing process. The entire writing process: brainstorming, planning and organizing, drafting, revising, editing, and producing a final product would be interactive and collaborative, and would allow all students to benefit from one student’s writing conference.
Click Away!
Mill Pond SchoolColleen Thomas, Amy D’Avia
$1,600
This grant would fund the purchase of 32 Student Response Systems. This technology is intended to promote complete involvement for the whole class, including those students who are less likely to speak up in class. The system can be used to poll students to get instant feedback on the number of students choosing the correct answer to a question. Students will also have instant feedback, and the opportunity to ask questions in ‘real time.’ In addition to use in a regular classroom, the response systems can also be used for question and answer sessions during Field Day and 4th Grade Across the Americas Day, or for polling teachers during professional development classes.
$1,600
This grant would fund the purchase of 32 Student Response Systems. This technology is intended to promote complete involvement for the whole class, including those students who are less likely to speak up in class. The system can be used to poll students to get instant feedback on the number of students choosing the correct answer to a question. Students will also have instant feedback, and the opportunity to ask questions in ‘real time.’ In addition to use in a regular classroom, the response systems can also be used for question and answer sessions during Field Day and 4th Grade Across the Americas Day, or for polling teachers during professional development classes.
Using Assistments in the Mathematics Classroom
Gibbons Middle SchoolSandy Denny
$2,600
This grant will provide for the purchase of netbook computers and curriculum development to implement a computer-based program called Assistments, a data-driven internet-based program developed by WPI. The purpose of the program is to provide students and teachers with timely data to improve instruction and learning in the area of mathematics. The Assistments program allows students and teachers to access prepared problems in the form of multiple choice, short answer and open response. The program will correct, grade and tutor students as they work through the assignments. The program details the specific problems that were incorrectly answered as well as the answers submitted by each student. This allows the teacher to focus on the areas that students are having difficulty mastering, thus saving invaluable classroom instruction time. Teachers can also create their own assistment lessons tailored to their classroom needs. It is useful for all levels of students and can be used for enrichment as well as remediation.
$2,600
This grant will provide for the purchase of netbook computers and curriculum development to implement a computer-based program called Assistments, a data-driven internet-based program developed by WPI. The purpose of the program is to provide students and teachers with timely data to improve instruction and learning in the area of mathematics. The Assistments program allows students and teachers to access prepared problems in the form of multiple choice, short answer and open response. The program will correct, grade and tutor students as they work through the assignments. The program details the specific problems that were incorrectly answered as well as the answers submitted by each student. This allows the teacher to focus on the areas that students are having difficulty mastering, thus saving invaluable classroom instruction time. Teachers can also create their own assistment lessons tailored to their classroom needs. It is useful for all levels of students and can be used for enrichment as well as remediation.
CSI Gibbons 2011 – “Your Day in Court”
Gibbons Middle SchoolDenise Casale, Sandy Denny
$2,710
$2,710
This is an extension of the CSI Gibbons program funded by the WEF in the 2010/2011 school year. Based on the implementation of the program thus far, the collection and reporting of scientific evidence has become an area of focus. An evidence database, developed and updated by student ‘investigators,’ will provide a forum where students can share evidence, and interviews with suspects, that they have individually collected. Scientific evidence includes DNA, materials testing, blood type testing, hair, soil, and powder analysis. An event called “Your Day in Court” will be held, where investigators will present their cases to the team, parents, and visitors. The event will showcase to others the technologies used, math connections and forensic science skills. Grant funds will be used toward the time spent planning for the database and special event, as well as for netbook computers, mystery books and DVDs and evidence notebooks.
Reading in the Curriculum through Rick Riordan
Gibbons Middle SchoolMark McNeil, Linda Kimball
$218.98
The purpose of this grant is to request a classroom set of the Rick Riordan book, The Red Pyramid. The book will be read and analyzed by 7th graders during the 7th period as a preview of the study of Egypt. Riordan’s book is extremely popular with middle school age students and has sparked their interest in ancient history and mythology. The hope is that the book will introduce and familiarize students with key concepts and vocabulary that will be studied later in the year. While the book is a fantasy-adventure story, Riordan spent significant time researching Egyptian culture to ensure that all the details about the ancient civilization were accurate. In 7th grade, Egypt is one of the major units covered in the study of ancient civilizations. During the year, students continually bring up Riordan’s works as a point of reference. Students who have read his works have a foundation of knowledge with which to build upon. The hope is that the use of The Red Pyramid might lead to other literary extension opportunities in social studies.
$218.98
The purpose of this grant is to request a classroom set of the Rick Riordan book, The Red Pyramid. The book will be read and analyzed by 7th graders during the 7th period as a preview of the study of Egypt. Riordan’s book is extremely popular with middle school age students and has sparked their interest in ancient history and mythology. The hope is that the book will introduce and familiarize students with key concepts and vocabulary that will be studied later in the year. While the book is a fantasy-adventure story, Riordan spent significant time researching Egyptian culture to ensure that all the details about the ancient civilization were accurate. In 7th grade, Egypt is one of the major units covered in the study of ancient civilizations. During the year, students continually bring up Riordan’s works as a point of reference. Students who have read his works have a foundation of knowledge with which to build upon. The hope is that the use of The Red Pyramid might lead to other literary extension opportunities in social studies.
iEarn, International Education and Research Network, Teddy Bear Exchange program
Gibbons Middle SchoolMarie Hopkinson, Santina Carr
$1,623.85
The Teddy Bear Exchange project is sponsored by iEARN (International Education and Research Network.) Since 1996, over 8,000 classrooms worldwide have exchanged teddy bears in the hopes of encouraging better cultural understanding, This grant would involve the participation of up to 280 7th grade English students, who would be partnered with a classroom in one of 40 participating countries. Students will set up blogs, write descriptive letters and create picture and video diaries to describe the visiting bears' experiences in Westborough, and will also experience life in a foreign country as they follow their bears' adventures with the partner classroom. The purpose of the project is to: 1. Create an authentic audience for students' writing; 2. Foster better cultural awareness through global connections; 3. Learn how technology can facilitate communication with people around the world.
$1,623.85
The Teddy Bear Exchange project is sponsored by iEARN (International Education and Research Network.) Since 1996, over 8,000 classrooms worldwide have exchanged teddy bears in the hopes of encouraging better cultural understanding, This grant would involve the participation of up to 280 7th grade English students, who would be partnered with a classroom in one of 40 participating countries. Students will set up blogs, write descriptive letters and create picture and video diaries to describe the visiting bears' experiences in Westborough, and will also experience life in a foreign country as they follow their bears' adventures with the partner classroom. The purpose of the project is to: 1. Create an authentic audience for students' writing; 2. Foster better cultural awareness through global connections; 3. Learn how technology can facilitate communication with people around the world.
Alternative Energy Unit—ecoSTEM House Collection
Westborough High SchoolRick Hebert, Bill Parsons
$1,595
This grant will allow for the introduction of an alternate energy unit in the CAS and Applied Tech classes. The ecoSTEM house will be used as a teaching tool and for data collection to launch the green energies unit. Using the Engineering/Design process, students will use the data presented in the model demonstrations to create their own designs and models, optimizing output and efficiency. The data collection software will allow students to precisely quantify results and help them see the real life consequences of their engineering choices. The unit will continue to be offered in subsequent years.
$1,595
This grant will allow for the introduction of an alternate energy unit in the CAS and Applied Tech classes. The ecoSTEM house will be used as a teaching tool and for data collection to launch the green energies unit. Using the Engineering/Design process, students will use the data presented in the model demonstrations to create their own designs and models, optimizing output and efficiency. The data collection software will allow students to precisely quantify results and help them see the real life consequences of their engineering choices. The unit will continue to be offered in subsequent years.
Final Frontier: FRC FIRST Robotics at Westborough HS
Westborough High SchoolMaria Homberg, Louis Lung
$8,900 over 3 years ($3,800 first year)
The grant would allow interested students to compete in the annual FIRST Robotics Competition, a competitive robotics challenge held by FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology,) an organization devoted to the expansion of youth interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math.) This worldwide competition, which focuses on building very large robots (2ft x3 ft x5 ft, expanding to 7 ft in all directions) is an enormous expansion of WHS’s current robotics program. The majority of the funds will be used to purchase equipment, tools, and components.
Robotics competitions serve as “living curriculum.” In building their robot, the students utilize science principles such as mechanics, velocity, acceleration and friction. They also depend on math calculations for such things as dimensional analysis of the field, planes of attack for the playing pieces, and aiming for the targets and goals. Computer and other types of technology are also employed. Students will fully participate in the design/test/redesign process of their 3-dimensional robot. They will apply physics and math principles as they relate to engineering their robot functions.
$8,900 over 3 years ($3,800 first year)
The grant would allow interested students to compete in the annual FIRST Robotics Competition, a competitive robotics challenge held by FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology,) an organization devoted to the expansion of youth interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math.) This worldwide competition, which focuses on building very large robots (2ft x3 ft x5 ft, expanding to 7 ft in all directions) is an enormous expansion of WHS’s current robotics program. The majority of the funds will be used to purchase equipment, tools, and components.
Robotics competitions serve as “living curriculum.” In building their robot, the students utilize science principles such as mechanics, velocity, acceleration and friction. They also depend on math calculations for such things as dimensional analysis of the field, planes of attack for the playing pieces, and aiming for the targets and goals. Computer and other types of technology are also employed. Students will fully participate in the design/test/redesign process of their 3-dimensional robot. They will apply physics and math principles as they relate to engineering their robot functions.
“Sun”sational Summer Learning Camp Resource Library, Summer 2011
Westborough Public School Summer Services
Michele Mercurio, Megan Rosenfield
$2,270
This grant will be used to create a resource library for regular and special education summer school teachers—something that currently does not exist. The resource library will enhance summer school instruction, and create a means for collaborative activities between regular education and special education students, as well as across grade levels. Materials will include Reader’s Theater Kits, which have 10 plays for each grade level. The kits will provide opportunities for students to work on developing their reading fluency and expression, as well as allow them to demonstrate their story understanding through dramatic play. It will also provide an opportunity for students to express themselves creatively through role-playing and prop development, and to develop their oral presentation skills. The materials can be used in subsequent years.
$2,270
This grant will be used to create a resource library for regular and special education summer school teachers—something that currently does not exist. The resource library will enhance summer school instruction, and create a means for collaborative activities between regular education and special education students, as well as across grade levels. Materials will include Reader’s Theater Kits, which have 10 plays for each grade level. The kits will provide opportunities for students to work on developing their reading fluency and expression, as well as allow them to demonstrate their story understanding through dramatic play. It will also provide an opportunity for students to express themselves creatively through role-playing and prop development, and to develop their oral presentation skills. The materials can be used in subsequent years.