Contact Debra Schor 914-263-4857
Ann Gallelli 914-271-5301
Croton-On-Hudson, NY, June 18, 2009–The Croton-Harmon Education Foundation (CHEF) awarded $42,112 in grants to the Croton-Harmon Schools. Grants were awarded this cycle to the Croton-Harmon District, CET, PVC, and CHHS. CHEF is granting money for the district to buy Atlas Curriculum Mapping Software and receive training on using this innovative tool. Atlas is a customizable, web-based application designed to electronically encompass the process of curriculum mapping, which facilitates collaboration among teachers across subjects, grades and schools. Its extensions go beyond just recording and reporting, to the sharing of curriculum strategies with administrators, superintendents, school boards and parents. Armed with the most current and enhanced curriculum information, educators and administrators alike are enabled to make complex curriculum decisions in order to advance and improve the learning experience of all students on a continuum. Led by Esra Murray, CET’s 4th grade team will be participating in a nationwide action research project, “Stand Up For Learning.” Each fourth grade class will receive four stand-up desks and adjustable stools. The desks allow children to stand, fidget, and move while they learn, thereby creating a learning environment that assists in maximizing each child’s academic, physical, emotional, and social success in school. For some children, the flexibility to stand while learning helps them to concentrate better and learn more. Teachers will be interviewing students and monitoring their activity to see if some students can concentrate longer and learn better with this new approach. Led by Kathy Buckhout, CET’s 3rd grade team will be receiving funds for an array of strategy-type math games/manipulatives to assist students in developing critical thinking. CHEF also granted Third grade teacher Linda Reich funds to assist her in offering her third graders the opportunity to approach spelling lessons in a new way using Didj Handheld devices, a handheld that looks very similar to a popular video game, but challenges the students to learn spelling.
The PVC Fifth Grade team was granted funding for a visiting ecologist, George Steele, and science supplies including microscopes, salinity and pH kits. Mr. Steele will serve as PVC’s “ecologist in residence” and he will teach scientific observation, testing, and record keeping as part of new unit of study, “Human Impact on Water.” CHHS Special Ed (TAP) is receiving funds for a Senteo System, an interactive student response system. The system enables students to individually answer questions that are loaded onto a Smart board. Using the remotes enables 100% of the class can be engaged at the same time. Not only is this system a testing tool, it helps the teacher in differentiating students as there is a statistical component which provides a record of what percentage of the class is understanding the material being taught, as well as which students may need extra support. CHHS was the beneficiary of two grants related to the arts. The CHHS Auditorium will receive a lighting upgrade with CHEF’s grant to the school for 36 theatrical lighting instruments, and the photography program of the Art Department will receive funding for additional cameras and supplies to enable more students to take advantage of the popular photography courses offered at CHHS. If you have a program idea – please share it with CHEF. Applications can be filled out by students, teachers or parents. The next grant cycle will occur in Fall 2009. The Croton-Harmon Education Foundation has been in existence for over nine years. Through the generous support of the Croton community, CHEF has awarded grants of more than $500,000 for a variety of initiatives, many of which give students unique educational experiences that go beyond the scope of traditional classroom learning. If you are interested in joining the CHEF board for the 2009-2010 school year, please fill out an application available on the website. For more information, visit the Foundation’s website at www.crotonfoundation.org.