Continue reading »]]> Every year the Newton Community Educational Foundation (NCEF) awards teachers grant money to fund exceptional classroom projects and purchase new technology for students not feasible within the current school district budget.  The NCEF is the “academic booster club” and strives to offer students educational opportunities that otherwise would not be available to them.  The Foundation provides the means for supporters of the school district to contribute to the schools and make a difference in the education of the Newton students. 

This year nine teachers were awarded grant money and these grants come from all angles of education from funding exercise equipment to purchasing a production studio to providing NHS with a Jazz Choir.  Here is a list of this year’s recipients:

•Sarah Patterson at Newton Senior High School received $200 from the Col. Avery J. Ladd Fund to purchase flash drives for her classroom.  This technology will allow students more flexibility when working on documents or power point presentations.

•Jill Stanton at Newton Senior High School received $708 from the Ward Family Endowment to exercise equipment and a Zumba DVD for special needs P.E. Lifetime Fitness class.  This grant will help encourage students to exercise by providing a fun way to keep in shape.

•Jenny Springer at Berg Elementary received $2,076 from the Beverly Eisele Endowment to purchase a flip video camcorder and a touch screen laptop to be used by students with disabilities.  This technology should provide for a new opportunity for those with motor challenges.

•Karla Cazett at Newton Senior High School received $1,300 from the William Van Epps Estate Fund to purchase a mini production studio.   This grant will provide equipment for students to use for video and picture related projects.

•Judy Nissly at Basics and Beyond received $1,300 from the Class of 1953 Endowment to purchase Wii Fit gaming system and a fitness sports pack for P.E. class.  This will allow a small class size to do more competitive physical activities.

•Ann Nelson at Newton Senior High School received $1,000 from the Class of 1950 Endowment to purchase books for the High School Book Club.  Over 635 students participated in the High School Book Club last year.

•Amy Jolivette at Woodrow Wilson received $274 from the Class of 1939 Endowment to purchase writing traits book bundles.  These books will help students gain a better appreciation for and understanding of the writing process. This grant will impact 125 fourth grade students.

•Lori Hildebrand at Berg Elementary received $1,250 from the Clifford Woodcock Endowment to purchase books on CD.  This grant will allow students to develop independence as readers, promote language development, track print and listen to fluent reading with appropriate phrasing and intonation. This will impact approximately 110 first grade students.

•Norm Grimm at Newton Senior High School received $4,332.79 from the Olga Hueser Hoffman & Winifred Tiedje Endowment to purchase equipment to form a jazz choir. The equipment included such things as mic and stand kits, speakers, and a powered mixer.  This grant will open up new opportunities for music students at the high school level.