Clark Mills Keyboard Lab Replacement
Amount Approved: $18,000
Grant Recipient: Cristina Chan
School/Grade: Clark Mills School (Grades 1–5)
This grant funds the replacement of Clark Mills’ outdated 24-keyboard piano lab, which serves more than 400 elementary students. The upgraded lab will feature modern keyboards, headphones, benches, and a music lab control system to enhance instruction and reliability. By updating this essential resource, the Foundation ensures long-term access to comprehensive music education. The improved lab will support instruction in music theory, composition, and performance for years to come, helping students continue to benefit from a vibrant and engaging arts curriculum.
District Vision Day Initiative
Amount Approved: $9,000
Grant Recipient: District Administration
School/Grade: District-Wide
The District Vision Day Initiative promotes a unified culture across all schools by encouraging staff and students to participate in monthly themed days centered around shared values. Custom-designed shirts and coordinated messaging foster pride, collaboration, and community spirit. By strengthening a positive district-wide identity, this initiative supports student achievement and school connectedness. The program underscores the importance of teamwork and shared purpose, reaffirming the Foundation’s commitment to nurturing inclusive and supportive learning environments.
Music Instruments to Support Economically Disadvantaged Students
Amount Approved: $7,060
Grant Recipient: Janice Brown
School/Grade: District-Wide (Grades 4–8)
As participation in the district’s instrumental music program continues to increase, this grant supports purchasing new instruments to replace aging ones and expand access for students in need. With more families qualifying for free and reduced lunch, ensuring fair participation is crucial. By investing in updated instruments, the Foundation enhances arts education throughout the district. Students who might not otherwise afford rentals will have the chance to fully participate in band and orchestra programs, enriching their educational and creative development.
Book Vending Machine Incentive Program
Amount Approved: $6,140
Grant Recipient: Danielle Foster
School/Grade: Taylor Mills School (All Grades)
The Book Vending Machine Incentive Program introduces an innovative way to promote literacy and character growth. Students earn tokens for showing kindness and positive behavior, which they can exchange for books of their choice from the vending machine. This initiative encourages a love of reading while strengthening social-emotional learning throughout the school community. By increasing fair access to books, the program empowers students to build personal libraries and supports the Foundation’s mission to boost both academic success and a positive school environment.
Primary Book Sets for Guided Reading
Amount Approved: $1,059.90
Grant Recipient: Jacqueline Falconetti
School/Grade: Taylor Mills School (Grades K–5)
This literacy grant provides updated guided reading book sets for primary classrooms, giving students access to engaging fiction and nonfiction texts aligned with instructional goals. The materials support differentiated instruction and foster collaborative reading experiences. By investing in high-quality leveled texts, the Foundation enhances early literacy development and comprehension skills. Students will benefit from richer reading discussions, vocabulary growth, and increased confidence as independent readers—laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Standardized Testing Breakfast
Amount Approved: $1,000
Grant Recipient: Sharyn Fisher
School/Grade: Taylor Mills School (Grades 3–5)
The Standardized Testing Breakfast program offers students in grades 3–5 a warm, nutritious start to their state testing days. By providing access to breakfast and a peaceful gathering space before exams, the program encourages readiness, focus, and emotional well-being. This initiative supports hundreds of students each spring and demonstrates the Foundation’s belief that academic success is enhanced by meeting students’ basic needs. Through community volunteers and careful planning, the breakfast program helps reduce stress and create a positive testing environment.
Andy Sheehy Award for Citizenship
Amount Approved: $125
Grant Applicant: Michael Fiorillo
School/Grade: Manalapan Englishtown Middle School (Grade 8)
“This award recognizes students who consistently demonstrate integrity, leadership, and respect for others.”
The Andy Sheehy Award for Citizenship recognizes outstanding eighth-grade students who demonstrate strong character, positive school spirit, and meaningful community contributions. Each year, five students are chosen to receive a Barnes & Noble gift card in acknowledgment of their leadership, self-discipline, and respect for others. By honoring students who exemplify excellent citizenship, this program supports the Foundation’s goal to promote ethical decision-making, personal responsibility, and academic pride. These awards motivate students to pursue excellence both inside and outside of the classroom while inspiring their peers to do the same.
