Accessibility for All: Expanding Our Playground to Include Music
Amount Approved: $5,400
Grant Recipient: Dr. Rebecca Seery
School/Grades: Wemrock Brook School – All Grades
This grant supports the installation of outdoor musical playground equipment at Wemrock Brook School, ensuring students of all abilities can access engaging and inclusive play options.
The musical features encourage physical activity, creativity, language development, and social interaction. By expanding accessible play areas, the school creates an environment where every student—regardless of ability—can participate fully and confidently.
Windows, Mirrors, and Sliding Glass Doors
Amount Approved: $3,400
Grant Recipient: Heather Farabaugh
School/Grades: Clark Mills School – All Grades
This grant enhances the Clark Mills Media Center by adding recently published, culturally diverse books and display furniture to improve accessibility and engagement. The collection represents a wide range of identities, backgrounds, and lived experiences.
By refreshing and diversifying the library’s collection, students gain access to literature that reflects their own identities while introducing them to perspectives from around the world. The improved displays increase circulation and create a welcoming, inclusive environment for all learners.
Wemrock Brook Learning Garden
Amount Approved: $1,790
Grant Recipient: Jamie Unger & Tara Loughlin
School/Grades: Wemrock Brook School – All Grades
This grant replaces aging raised garden beds in the Wemrock Brook courtyard, providing students with safe, refreshed spaces to explore plant science and environmental stewardship.
The learning garden supports about 400 students, offering meaningful, hands-on experiences aligned with science standards. Gardening encourages critical thinking, collaboration, environmental awareness, and responsibility—skills that extend well beyond the classroom.
NGSS Summer Institute – Professional Development
Amount Approved: $1,200
Grant Recipient: Two District Teachers
School/Grades: District-Wide
The Foundation sponsored participation for two district educators to attend the NGSS Summer Institute, a week-long immersive professional development experience focused on implementing the Next Generation Science Standards.
By providing teachers with research-based strategies, inquiry-driven instructional tools, and interdisciplinary approaches, this grant enhances science education across the district. The benefits go beyond individual classrooms, promoting district-wide collaboration and increasing student engagement in science.
Read Alouds in the Art Room: Supporting Literacy Through Art Curriculum
Amount Approved: $900
Grant Recipient: Allison Sosnowski
School/Grades: Taylor Mills School
This grant provides 50 carefully chosen read-aloud books to enrich the art curriculum at Taylor Mills School. The collection links storytelling with visual arts, art history, climate awareness, creativity, and social-emotional learning.
By incorporating literacy into the art classroom, students will explore diverse voices and experiences while deepening their understanding of artistic expression. These texts act as both mirrors and windows—helping students see themselves reflected and learn about other cultures and perspectives.
Andy Sheehy Award for Citizenship
Amount Approved: $125
Grant Recipient: Dr. Michael Fiorillo
School/Grades: Manalapan Englishtown Middle School (Grade 8)
The Andy Sheehy Award for Citizenship honors exceptional 8th grade students who consistently show strong character, positive leadership, and meaningful contributions to their school community. Each recipient receives a Barnes & Noble gift card, emphasizing the importance of academic effort and personal integrity.
By recognizing students who demonstrate respect, self-discipline, and community spirit, this award promotes a culture of accountability and motivation at MEMS. The program encourages peers to pursue both academic success and positive social behavior, enhancing the overall school community.
