2006 Grants for Excellence in Education

Levelled Libraries (Mary Fox-Alter, Peggy Gilotti, Lisa Rodriguez) "Balanced literacy" is a new expression of a simple concept: children read on different levels and are motivated to read by books which are in their personal zone. Every classroom in BRS will have a library of "levelled" books which will be an integral part of their reading instruction. (BRS)	$19,000
Smartboards (Mary Fox-Alter) "Chalk and talk" is rapidly being replaced by interactive whiteboards which can integrate computer software and the Internet into instruction. (School District)	$11,000
Study Skills in the Content Area (Leah Mac Donald, Vivian Ossowski) Teachers fom different grades and disciplins will spend 5 days over the summer, researching & developing a study skill program whch can be embedded in the core curriculum. They will train other teachers & create a booklet of the strategies to be used. (Middle School)	$10,000
Vernier Probes for Science Labs (Greg DiMurro, Joanne Pugliese, Maryelisa Blundell, Lorraine Kearney) Equipment to enchance the HS science curriculum through sophisticated data-collection technology. Students will use the probes and sensors along with computers/graphic calculators to gather and analyze data. (PHS)	$4,488
Building CARE (Community of Adolescents Respecting Everyone) at PMS ( Barbara Brandenberg, Pam Roth, Nancy Pregiato, Lilian Triarsi, Vivian Ossowski) 5 & 6 graders will view on prejudice against and challenges for the elderly, people with disabilities, and people of different races and religions. The program will be built around the discussions the films engender. (Middle School)	$2,500
Beyond Animation (James Maron) Purchase software and equipment to provide students with a complete and enhanced Animation Course. (PHS)	$2,308
Digital SLR Camera with Lenses (Jillian Lichter) Two new digital cameras, lens and accessories will update the technology in the photography class. Different lenses will allow students to explore various camera options and create higher quality digital photos. (PHS)	$2,061
Jazz Band Drums (Dorian Nuccio) The jazz band is a wonderful experience for our budding musicians. A new set of drums will keep the music playing. (Middle School)	$1,844
Photo Inkjet Printer (Mary Lynne Bonforte) Purchase a versatile high quality photo inkjet printer to help implement the transition from a "wetdarkroom" to a "digital darkroom". (PHS)	$1,844
Learning On the Go (Eileen Sheldoni) A cart with a laptop and Smart Board technology will give all Social Studies teachers access to new techologies for teaching. (PHS)	$1,700
Ensembles On Tour (Mary Anne Meade) Folding stands, wheels to transport bassess, and a portable keyboard will help small ensemble groups play at community locations, other schools and competitions.(Middle School/PHS)	$1,674
Windows of Wondor (WoW!) (Margaret Rose McGrenra Goodman) These books will help students explore literature through the medium of literature circles - small, peer-led, teacher-monitored, reading discussion groups. (Middle School)	$1,591
Digital Recording System (Dorian Nuccio) This will provide digital recording capabilities in the classrooms, rehearsal and performance sites. (Middle School)	$1,499
Picture Exchange Communication System (Scott Perlman, Deidre Vedovino, Karen Dovi). Is a picture worth a thousand words? Yes -- especially when you teach children with autism or other developmental disabilities. This digital camera system will help these children learn through pictures of their daily lives. (BRS)	$526
Bridging Science Between BRS and PHS (Scott Perlman, Deidre Vedovino, Karen Dovi). Supplies for HS students to plan, organize and implement a hands-on science program for the 2nd grade. 4 HS students (who will train others) attended an IBM workshop learning how to perform science experiments with small children.	$400
TOTAL	$62,435

Pleasantville Fund for Learning • 60 Romer Avenue, Pleasantville, NY 10570 • (914) 714-8850 • www.pleasantville-fund-for-learning.com
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization