Multimedia in the PE Environment
Amount Approved: $14,554
Grant Recipient: Rebecca Seery
School/Grade: Wemrock Brook School (Grades K-5)
This grant supports integrating multimedia tools into physical education classes to improve student learning and self-assessment. By using video feedback and digital tools, students can visually analyze their motor skills, techniques, and athletic progress in real time.
Introducing technology in the gym enhances engagement, accountability, and skill development while aligning with current teaching practices. The outcome is a more interactive and reflective PE environment that encourages lifelong fitness habits and empowers students to take responsibility for their physical growth.
Use of Vertical Non-Permanent Surfaces in Math Instruction
Amount Approved: $6,600
Grant Recipient: Jodi Pepchinski & Marylo Mikhail
School/Grade: District Grades (Grades 1-8)
This grant supports the implementation of vertical non-permanent surfaces (VNPs)—wipeable whiteboard panels—in math classrooms throughout the district. Based on research-backed instructional strategies, these surfaces encourage collaborative problem-solving, discussion, and visible thinking during math lessons.
By turning passive learning into active participation, students work together to solve challenging problems, explain their reasoning, and develop persistence. The benefits reach all grade levels, enhancing mathematical discourse, boosting participation, and fostering a deeper conceptual understanding districtwide.
Book Room for Grades 2 & 3 – Milford Brook School
Amount Approved: $4,982
Grant Recipient: Celia Lowicki & Jaclyn Levine
School/Grade: Milford Brook School (Grades 2 & 3)
This grant creates a leveled book room to support small-group reading instruction for second and third graders. The collection features engaging fiction and nonfiction texts, teacher support materials, and structured comprehension tools designed to enhance vocabulary and reading strategies.
By providing educators with updated, accessible resources, this initiative directly promotes literacy development for both developing and independent readers. The book room improves instructional flexibility, encourages differentiated learning, and ensures students receive targeted support to build strong, confident reading skills.
Ukuleles for General Music Class
Amount Approved: $2,290
Grant Recipient: Joseph Edwards
School/Grade: Clark Mills / Wemrock Brook / ELC (Grant K-5)
This grant funds classroom ukulele sets to broaden access to instrumental music instruction in elementary schools. The ukulele’s friendly size and versatility make it a great beginner instrument, helping students develop basic skills in rhythm, notation, chord structure, and performance.
By increasing hands-on participation, this initiative enhances musical literacy while fostering creativity and confidence. With instruments available during class, students who might not otherwise have private lessons or personal instruments can actively enjoy making music.
Carnevale Mask Activity
Amount Approved: $2,110
Grant Recipient: Linda Schiano
School/Grade: MEMS (Grades 7 & 8)
For over ten years, 8th grade students at Manalapan-Englishtown Middle School have enjoyed a cherished Carnevale mask-making tradition as part of their Italian studies. Through this engaging cultural activity, students create and decorate authentic Venetian-style masks while learning about the history and importance of Carnevale di Venezia — one of Italy’s most famous festivals.
This grant supports the continuation of a hands-on, cross-disciplinary experience that combines history, language, and art. By providing authentic materials and structured creative activities, students develop a deeper understanding of global traditions while enhancing cultural literacy, creativity, and motivation in world language education.
