2008 Grants

SEF was proud to award nearly $15,000 in grant awards. However, due to budgetary restraints there were several worthy grants that could not be funded. SEF is planning additional fund raising events and is seeking increased donations to fund 2009 grants.

2008 Grant Recipients

SEF was honored to have Lt. Governor Tim Murray as our guest speaker. Lt. Governor Murray also gave a special presentation to Dr. Bent who retired as the superintendent of Shrewbury Schools.

2008 Grant Awards

Bringing the World into our Classroom - Paton Elementary School

Colleen Kalagher and Pamela Darling

Students will be able to photograph and present finished work to teachers, and peers using the new digital cameras. The cameras would be available for integrating technology into all areas of the curriculum including social studies, science, math, reading and writing. Teachers can bring cameras with them to special events and field studies.  

Featuring Phenology - Floral Elementary School

Kara Frankian, Shelley Hoey, Gina Kelly, & Kathy Rivenberg

The school will collect data in a study of changes in the environment and how they affect the local plant and animal life(phenology).  The school’s Nature Trail program and annual Biodiversity and Floral Goes Green Night will be enhanced benefiting the school and the entire community. Walkie Talkies and first aid kits will ensure the safety of the trails.  Camcorder, digital recorder, digital camera and binoculars will help the students record and present the data.

Foreign Language Technology - Sherwood Middle School

Heather Leger

This project is to get students more involved in learning a second language via technology.  Through the use of digital camcorders, microphones, digital voice recorders stude

Respond Clickers — Shrewsbury Middle Schools

Matthew Rosenthal

The combination of technology, active learning, and formative assessment will benefit all students as they are actively engaged in classroom lessons. The process involves teachers generating questions and students providing responses with the push of a button. Responses are instantly transmitted, and feedback / scoring are subsequently transmitted back to the students immediately. Electronic records of performance are generated, allowing teachers to use data to drive instruction in their classes.

Magical Magnification — Coolidge Elementary School

Shirley LeMay and Susan Conley

The majority of science units from K-4 lend themselves to the use of microscopes and hand held magnifiers.  This grant will be used to purchase 3 sturdy metal Microscopes and a wheeled cart to create a portable science lab.   Students will retain science knowledge longer if they have had hands-on experiences during their learning process.  

Making a Critical Difference —Shrewsbury High School

Claire Donovan, Jamie Vitonis and Lauren Cacela   

Methodology and resources for students to engage in literary criticism will be developed with this grant. Currently, the English department emphasizes persuasive and expository writing, - - - leaving criticism, for the most part, to a small group of upper-level, advanced placement students. Since most of our students matriculate to four-year colleges, they will need to know the best sources of information from which to obtain reputable critiques. 

Nuts and Bolts of Comprehension — Beal Early Childhood

Susan Conley and Camille Viscomi

This program will draw on student’s enthusiasm for reading using the DRA which highlights that fluent readers require comprehension work such as retelling a story both in oral and written forms, making connections to the story from personal experience.   The grant will provide Primary Comprehension Toolkits and extra literary materials and a dvd with downloadable materials and extras. 

Reel Skills Portfolio — Shrewsbury High School

Paul DePalo

Students will record their presentations throughout the year allowing the students to periodically review a personal “video portfolio” to help them self critique and become dynamic, engaging speakers.  The ability to present information is becoming increasingly import in the 21st century and this digital camcorder will be an important tool in helping the students prepare for their futures. 

Technology in the Hall of Science — Beal Early Childhood

Alice Brennan and Charlene Costello

 Digital cameras and a printer will enrich the science experiences of Beal students as they work in activity centers learning physical and life sciences and technology/engineering.   A picture representation would also connect the experience from the science area on the lower level of Beal to the classroom, where children can write about their learning and teachers can assess it.  

Walking for Fitness and Fun — Oak Middle School

Kim Nikula 

A new Walking Club for middle school students will use pedometers.  The devices allow them to be aware of how timed physical activity can increase their overall health.  The club will meet weekly to learn about keeping fit and staying healthy in a safe social environment.