 SEF
Grant Overview 2008-2009
Town of Sharon Water Conservation Program (All
grade 3, 8, High School)
The Town of Sharon has recently embarked on a water conservation
program with a goal of reducing residential water consumption.
The goal of this program is to educate children about water consumption,
environmental impact and the need for water conservation.
Adoption of Turnitin Digital Assessment Software (High School)
This program will allow the purchase of a license of Turnitin's
software package for the entire High School community. This digital
assessment suite would include software for plagiarism prevention,
peer review and grading software. It will provide an innovative
way to help engage students in the writing process and would allow
more dialogue between teachers and students about the writing
process.
Igniting the Spark for Biotechnology (Middle School)
The goal of this project is to increase middle school access
to biotechnology laboratories by using the lab "Mystery of
the Crooked Cell" prepared by BU CIty Lab. One particular
opportunity provided is for students to learn the purpose of using
micropipettes, gel boxes,agarose and protein samples to understand
more about the human circulatory system and ultimately draw conclusions
as to why some people become ill due to the shape of their blood
cells.
Readers as Writers (East)
This program is targeted at providing a higher level of expertise
for student writers. Through mentor texts, students can access
professional models of the six traits currently in use at East.
Students will be challenged to build the bridge between their
own writing and that of published authors.
Building Respect and Community at Sharon Middle School
(Middle School)
This program is an extension of the Compass Time program begun
at East. The purpose of the program is to promote respect and
tolerance while strengthening connections among students and among
students and staff. Programs such as these not only better ensure
children’s safety by helping to reduce incidents of bullying,
but they also actually improve academic performance.
Experiencing Differences (All Elementary)
"Experiencing Differences" is an educational program
designed to increase awareness and sensitivity toward people with
disabilities and those with individual differences in our community.
The SSEPAC organization accomplished this by initiating an education
curriculum for 3rd and 4th graders in the Sharon Schools that
gives children direct exposure to people with disabilities, adaptive
equipment and hands-on activities to simulate the experiences
of those with disabilities.
Differentiating Literacy Instruction With Technology
(East)
This program will utilize the interactive websites: Reading
A to Z, Raz-Kids and Vocabulary A to Z to facilitate differentiated
instruction and integrate technology into the literacy curriculum.
They offer experiences that reinforce reading comprehension, fluency,
word play, strengthen vocabulary and use technology to meet the
needs of the individual students.
Grade 5 Book Clubs With Author Visit (East)
Before School Book Clubs will meet to discuss a book they have
all read. Most books will be on the current year's Massachusetts
Children’s Book Award list sponsored by Salem State College.
A visit by an author is also planned. Students will be able to
dialogue with the author, ask questions and learn more about the
process of writing and publishing texts.
Adventurist in Residence (Cottage)
For the 2008-2009 school year Cottage will celebrate "The
Year of Adventure" for their yearly theme. This proposal
will allow Michael Brown, an outstanding adventure programmer
and educator, to work with both children and faculty to excite
the learning environment by having children and adults experience
projects, initiatives, games and group problems that are engaging,
develop trust and a strong group feeling and promote excellence
through an electrified social environment and through writing
projects associated with the activities.
Beyond the Whiteboard (Cottage)
The purpose of this project is to provide heterogeneous classrooms
an alternative to paper and pencil tasks for Before School Work
and other unstructured settings when children have completed their
assignments These games will provide the vehicle for new and innovative
ways to challenge intellect and help instill values. They will
actively engage children to use reasoning, logic and perhaps a
bit of their own schema in an open-ended environment.
Poetry Across America (High School)
This grant will allow SHS to once again hire Taylor Mali, Slam
poet extraordinaire, not only to perform for students but also
to lead workshops for students and teachers. All SPS incorporate
into their curricula the performance of and the writing of poetry.
Slam Poetry is one way to engage the students: they love to write
it, listen to it and perform it in front of their peers.
Facilitating Adolescent Communication Experiences
(SPED)
This program addresses "the needs of adolescents who are
unable to grasp the multifaceted social contract underlying conversation.
Face to Face uses videotaped models of good and poor conversations
to illustrate specific communication strategies. Through a group
discovery process, students identify specific effective and ineffective
communication strategies from the video-taped conversations, then
videotape and analyze their own conversations." This grant
will allow for the purchase of the needed video equipment.
Children's Story Project (High School/First Grade)
The Children's Short Story Project enhances student learning
and improves teaching practices at the same time by modeling and
experiencing cooperative learning, reinforcing writing skills
and publishing a book. It reflects an innovative approach to educational
issues by incorporating students from elementary and high school
grades.
High School Science Project and Show (High School)
This community-wide outreach project will bring a science demonstration
to the community at large. Students (1000 total) would work throughtout
the year on hands-on science experiments and at year end, a student-run
show will exhibit the results.
SEF
Grant Overview 2007-2008
Crucial Concentration Lab (SMS)
The Crucial Concentration Lab is designed for students to investigate
the protein content of three sports drinks in the context of "truth
in advertising". In this activity students are hired as employees
of the "Perfect Solution Company". Students will practice
biotechnology skills including pipetting and will use a colorimetric
assay and spectrophotometer to determine the actual amount of
protein in drinks from three different companies.
2007 Summer Reading Program (Sharon Public Library)
This program will help Sharon children maintain their reading
skills throughout school vacation. It is composed of two parts:
setting/fulfilling reading goals and interactive activities presented
by library staff and professionals from various fields.
Journaling with Jack (SMS/SHS)
(Grade 6 Middle/Grade 9 High School) Mr. Jack Gantos, noted
children's author,will speak to the sixth grade as well as the
ninth grade and Creative Writing classes at the High School.
KinderGarden (Cottage Street)
Kindergarteners will be provided with hands-on learning experiences
to help them better understand the life cycle of a seed as well
as plant growth.
Art Inspired Poetry (East)
During art classes the teacher will introduce third graders
to the work of a specific artist. Children will receive instruction
on the artist's techniques and will use similar techniques to
create their own piece of work. Next, the visiting poet, Lyn Hoopes,
will be invited to each third grade class to share her writing
experiences, authentic work inspired by art, and techniques used
in the writing of poetry.
Freshman/First Grade Children's Storybook Project (All
Elementary/SHS)
This project integrates all aspects of the freshman curriculum.
Freshmen interview first graders, create original stories incorporating
first graders' interests and a major archetypal course theme.
Freshmen become positive role models for first graders by being
active listeners, serious writers and overall well-mannered individuals.
Meet a Real Life Author (Heights)
Jerry Pallotta, noted author of children's picture books, will
visit Heights. He will spend the morning meeting with individual
Kindergarten classes, and in the afternoon will meet with the
rest of the school for a large group presentation. He will share
how a book is developed from concept to print.
Artist in Residence (SHS)
Broadway actress Nancy Anderson will spend much of the day with
the vocal music and theatre students. The main goal of the project
is to expose SHS students to a professional performance by means
of conversation, participation, and evaluation. Master classes
will offer students the chance to participate directly in a performance
experience with a "master" of the profession.
Reading and Understanding Independently (SMS)
The Readingpen Basic Edition K-12 is a fully portable, self-contained,
assistive reading device that is designed specifically for school
age (Elementary, Middle and High) reading levels. Featuring American
Heritage Children's Dictionary and Children's Thesaurus, it provides
a simple and easy way for people with learning disabilities or
reading difficulties to get immediate word support when reading
text and helps them to read and understand independently.
Experiencing Differences (All Elementary)
This program enhances learning/teaching practice by giving children
concrete opportunities to learn about disabilities-meeting people
who have disabilities, simulating activities to see what it is
like to have a disability and getting the opportunity to discuss
real world issues confronting those with disabilities.
Teen Speak-Out (SHS)
The teen speak-out provides students with the opportunity to
work with an experienced group facilitator to examine the school
climate and explore what students and adults can do, as individuals,
to make their school a more respectful and welcoming learning
environment.
The Magic of Multi-Cultural Marimba Music (Heights)
This project will jump-start the development of a couple of
advanced marimba ensembles along with an all inclusive playing
program in grades 3 through 5. The music will be taught on authentic
hand made instruments that can be purchased in the United States.
This will start a program at Heights that will bring a new type
of music that is highly energetic and inspires the children to
become part of a community music-making experience that is exciting
to play and listen to.
Stories 2007-'08 Inter-generational Oral History Project
(SHS)
Sharon High School TV Media students interview and record local
elders. Segments will be edited and compiled into one project
and reception will be held for all participants.
Growing Poets, Growing Poems (Heights)
This project will have poet-in-residence, Jessie Brown, at Heights
for a ten day program which will take place over the course of
two months. Ms. Brown will work with students and teachers in
third grade to develop poetry lessons.
SEF
Grant Overview 2006-2007
Technology in Education II (SHS SPED)
Grant to purchase CD’s for Victor Readers for students
with difficulty reading previously purchased with SEF Grant.
Backyard Learning at Heights Elementary (Heights)
Moosehill presentations on butterflies to Kindergarten and grade
1, trees to grade 2, food chain to grade 3, minerals and rocks
to grade 4 and ecosystems for fifth graders. This presentations
will be supplemented by materials provided by Ward’s Berry
Farm.
Math Enrichment (East/ Alt.)
Math Enrichment activities for students in grades 2-5.
Building Math Concepts and Skills Through Literature (East)
Program that uses children’s literature to teach math.
Grade 5 Before School Book Clubs (East/Alt)
Continuation of previous grant to purchase books for before
school book clubs.
Due to budget cutbacks, this program may not continue next year.
School Success Web Content Service (All Elementary)
Website service that provides daily information for parents
on educational and parenting issues.
Implementing Technology into P.E. (SHS)
Purchase of Dance, Dance, Revolution technology for high school
gym classes.
Authorfest: Connecting with Authors (East)
Several authors and illustrators will be invited to share writing
experiences with k-5 students in order to motivate students to
create their own stories. Students will research background of
authors and read several of their works in preparation for their
visits.
Hot Off The Press (SHS)
Sharon High School newspaper written by students.
Journaling With Jack (Middle)
Program to introduce 6, 7, 8th grades to the use of personal
journals as the basis of independent, creative writing.. This
program revolves around a visit by author, Jack Gantos, who will
speak to each grade level and then follow up with an afternoon
workshop for English Language Arts teachers.
Enhancing Art Curriculum Through Visuals & DVDs (Middle)
Assortment of visuals that display master artists and their
styles as well as DVD’s relating to technique, history and
other art related topics for the middle school art department.
Piloting the Use of the Thesaurus to Expand Children’s
Word Choice or “Muscle Words” (Cottage)
Purchase sets of thesaurus for 2nd grade students to enhance
their use of expanded vocabulary.
MASC Summer Leadership Conference (SHS)
Sending a SHS student leader to attend this conference in order
to bring back innovative ideas for the Student Council.
Language Learning Disabilities – Learners with Word
Finding Difficulties
(Middle SPED)
Program and dictionary pen to assist students with difficulties
retrieving words.
SHS Live Theatre (SHS)
Funds to provide for live theatre presentation at Sharon High
School.
2005-2006
SEF Grant Overview
Experiencing Differences (All Elementary)
An education program designed to increase awareness and sensitivity
toward people with disabilities and individual differences in
our community. Through an educational curriculum for 3rd and 4th
graders, it gives children direct exposure to people with disabilities,
adaptive equipment and hands- on activities to simulate the experiences
of those with disabilities.
Cottage on the Air (Cottage)
A parent run video program and production studio that will create
a weekly news web cast of Cottage and Sharon happenings. K-5 students
will learn about broadcasting, video production, public speaking
and how to write compelling stories while building a proactive
communication channel for parents and the community.
Multicultural Curriculum (Cottage)
For 5th grade students, this project would create a multicultural
curriculum that will include the creation of lesson plans in all
subjects that will enhance the teacher’s ability to present
information from a multicultural perspective, the development
of teacher resources to enhance and support classroom activities,
and the planning of student driven community service projects
that link student learning about multiculturalism with the diverse
community of Sharon.
Steven Ratner: Poetry as a Place to Stand (Cottage)
A three week residency for poet, Steven Ratner, to focus on
combining research on the natural surroundings with poetry.
Purchasing Pedometers (Cottage/East/Alt)
The purchase of 25 pedometers for use during physical education
classes.
Grade 5 Before School Book Clubs (East/Alt)
The purchase of books for grade 5 students who volunteer to
meet before school to discuss books that they have all read.
Exploring New Software to Meet Social Studies Frameworks
(East)
Purchase of software entitled, Tom Snyders Neighborhood Map
Machine, for 2nd-3rd graders. This software addresses identifying
cardinal directions and applying them to maps, defining and locating
the North & South Poles and the equator, describing how maps
and globes depict geographical information in different ways and
reading globes and maps and following narrative accounts using
them.
Garden of Literature (East)
A school wide project to enjoy good literature while learning
about the local environment through garden and curriculum-connected
activities.
Murals That Inspire (East)
Materials to create student designed and executed murals around
the school.
Mandarin Language Support (Heights)
Professional development funds to attend the Boston Language
Institute’s classes in Mandarin Chinese, Level 1 to be able
to participate at the same level as the students who have had
previous instruction in Mandarin Chinese.
Live Theatre at SHS (HS)
Funds to support live theatre productions at Sharon High School)
National Art Education Association 2006 Convention (HS)
Funding to send high school art teachers to attend convention
in Chicago)
Remote Control Performance (HS)
Educational theatre program on dating violence prevention)
Technology in Education (HS)
Purchase of Victor Reader CDs to improve reading comprehension
for special ed students at the high school)
Ebb & Flo Hydroponics/Manufacturing System (Middle)
Purchase of hydroponics equipment ( a system to grow plants
in a nutrient rich solution instead of dirt) and curriculum development
to support the system)
History Alive! (Middle)
Program for teaching Social Studies and History through interactive
slide lectures, social studies skill builders, experiential exercises,
problem solving group work, response groups, writing for understanding,
interactive student notebooks, and culminating projects.
Middle School Backdrop (Middle)
Reusable backdrop for middle school dramatic productions)
Museum of Science Traveling Program (Sharon Public
Library)
Program that allows 50 children to view a 30 minute presentation
of constellations and the night sky
2004-2005
SEF Grant Overview
Victor Reader for Books on CD (SPED)
CD version of books to enhance SPED curriculum
Promoting Life Long Leisure Activities (Middle
School)
Physical education equipment to help bring more activities that
promote lifelong physical fitness & leisure activities. Ex.
Lacrosse, golf, tennis equipment, softball bats, basketballs,
footballs etc.
Grade 5 Before School Book Clubs (East)
Books to be used for before school book club groups consisting
of 10-12 5th grade students. New books to be read every 4-5 weeks
Multimedia Archetypal Exploration & Display (High
School)
Supplement to 9th grade English curriculum coverage of the 6
major archetypes extends literary exploration into the study of
classical art. Transposes previously produced slide presentation
into power-point presentation.
Using Picture Books w/Middle School Students to Analyze
Text & Writing Style (Middle School)
Using picture books with Middle School students as a means of
introducing new concepts, provoking discussion and modeling writing
& thinking. Students would then analyze the author’s
style and write compositions in a similar style.
East Elementary Secret Garden (East)
Incorporating into the science curriculum, a hands on experience
by revitalizing the East “secret garden” into an outside
classroom that provides students with a place to explore nature
as well as a natural setting for both academic & social purposes.
Books on the Go Plus (Cottage)
Enhancing Books on the Go program, an at- home reading program
designed to assist 1st grade readers by having each student read
to a family member every night.
Experiencing Differences – Disability Awareness Program
(All Elementary)
An educational program designed to increase awareness & sensitivity
toward people with disabilities and those with individual differences
in our community through exposure to people with disabilities,
adaptive equipment and hands on activities to simulate the experience
of those with disabilities
The Student Bubble (East)
A student written newspaper for the entire school population.
Students will learn the interviewing process, work with others
in different grades and experience the editing process.
One Person Makes a Difference (High School/Community
Service)
This project will produce a videotape that contains first hand
descriptions of the effect that Martin Luther King had on the
lives of individuals from Sharon to be viewed at the Martin Luther
King Day Town Celebration
Josh Weiner – Artist in Residence (Cottage)
Bring artist, Josh Weiner, a famous Boston Muralist, for 2 weeks
in the fall, to work with all of the Cottage St. students to create
interior and exterior murals celebrating curricular and historical
themes
Books with H.E.A.R.T. (East)
Using picture books to promote a caring social tone school-wide
through literature by prompting meaningful discussions about attitudes
and behaviors that create a supportive social tone.
Responsive Classroom (Alternative)
Workshops for teachers to learn to integrate teaching about social
issues with the existing academic curriculum
Poet in Residence (East)
Poet, Jesse Brown, will come to the East 5th grade classrooms
2 times a week for 5 weeks to allow students an in depth study
of the poetry genre. Students will examine poems, analyze the
ideas, listen to the language and learn about literary elements
and techniques.
2003-2004
SEF Grant Overview
Do Unto Others (HS/All elementary)
Anti-bullying program by which high school students serve as
mentors to 4th & 5th graders.
Written Language Intervention (SPED Middle/ HS)
Technology that increases motivation and confidence when writing.
Allows students with language learning disabilities to independently
produce sentences.
Speech & Technology (SPED Middle School)
CD-ROM series that encourages practice of speech sounds.
Software to help improve reading and spelling skills.
Children’s Literature N.E. Summer Institute
(K-6)
Professional development to learn about children’s literature
)
Classroom Science Center (Alternative)
Equipment to provide an area for 1st graders to participate in
experiential science and technology.
Math with Manipulatives (Heights)
Series of videotapes to model for teachers how to utilize manipulatives
in effective and innovative ways to supplement the everyday mathematics
program.
Fostering Students Inner Conversations (Heights)
Professional development to provide teachers with the necessary
resources to provide practice in nonfiction reading instruction.
Vernal Pool Research (Middle School)
Purchase of 4 Palm 500 Handhelds and GPS companions to help students
locate, identify and track species in the vernal pool located
on the middle school grounds.
Schoolyard Habitats (Cottage )
Provide habitat for wildlife on school grounds to provide an
outdoor classroom for the entire school to learn in and enjoy.
Middle School Voice Amplification Equipment
Purchase sound equipment for the middle school drama program.
Creating Book Clubs (East)
Professional development & materials to train parent and
community volunteers to work with teachers in creating book clubs.
Researching and Creating Art from the Past (Middle
School)
Students learn about art history in order to have a hands on
approach through written, oral and illustrative work, learning
about diversity of styles, periods, cultures and techniques.
Adventure Curriculum for Phys. Ed. (Heights/HS)
Professional development to learn physical activities through
which new approaches are implemented to solve common social and
emotional growth issues among students.
Adventure Approach to Teaching Health & Wellness (Heights
/ East)
Professional development to learn new and innovative ideas to
teach health and wellness through physical education classes.
Victor Reader, books on CD (SPED)
Books on CD to help blind and dyslexic students.
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