LTEF Announces Fall 2004 Grant Recipients

LTEF Executive Director Diane Senerth and LTEF Trustee Carlos Hendricks are seen here at the Fall Education Summit where visitors could learn more about the types of programs funded by LTEF since 1992 for the benefit of Lawrence Township students.

This Fall, Lawrence teachers brought their creative ideas to the Lawrence Township Education Foundation (LTEF) and the Foundation responded with funding for all seven district schools in most curriculum areas. The trustees of LTEF approved funding for thirteen of the sixteen proposed projects and awarded a total of $53,500.

One of the major thrusts of this group of projects is building writing skills among the district's K-6 students. "Reading Ripples into Writing Ripples" brings nationally-recognized literacy expert Darla Wood-Walters to Lawrence Twp. to train teachers in techniques for creating a balanced writing program in K-2 classrooms. "Exciting Writing", proposed by Kathy Robbins, offers funding for an artist residency would bring children's author Lisa Funari Willever to all four of our elementary schools and LIS to work with students through assembly programs and classroom workshops on writing strategies.

Math is the focus of a project proposed by Slackwood teacher Lisa Sassaman who requested funds to establish a lending library of math games and materials to be sent home with students so that parents can engage in math skill-building activities with their children. Science is supported in two grant projects. "Dig It!" is a partnership with the Northeast Organic Farming Association's Mike Azarra, who will work with teachers in a year-long project to integrate an outdoor classroom with the indoor ones at Lawrenceville Elementary School. At Lawrence High, LTEF will fund the purchase of materials and texts that will enhance our students' participation in the Science Olympiad program.

"Art & Egyptian Studies" is an interdisciplinary project links the art program of LIS 6th graders with their Social Studies curriculum on Ancient Egypt. Supplies will support art projects that illustrate aspects of the Egyptian culture. Other fine art programs include an artist residency at LIS in printmaking, the purchase of handheld computers that will be used for "Creating Music in the Palm of Your Hand" at Lawrence Middle School and support for the Lawrence High School production of "Into the Woods."

Another series of projects totaling $8,000 will bring speakers and assembly programs to Lawrence High School dealing with a variety of difficult issues - bullying, self-esteem, substance abuse, and cancer awareness.

The Lawrence Township Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization that fosters educational excellence, creativity and achievement in the Lawrence Township Public Schools. For more information email info@ltefnj.org or visit the LTEF web site at www.ltefnj.org.