Lawrence Township Education Foundation Supports Schools

Through an LTEF grant, Lawrence science students in grades 1-6 will now have science-themed books that complement the district's elementary school inquiry-based science program.

Lawrence Township Education Foundation (LTEF) recently awarded $55,000 in grants to Lawrence teachers to bring innovative programs and worthwhile projects into district classrooms. The funds will support 13 programs and brings this year's LTEF donations to the public schools past the $100,000 mark. In the fall, the foundation awarded funding for 14 projects including several elementary school literacy initiatives and a district-wide holocaust education resource center.

This spring and last fall, LTEF contributions allowed for the purchase of science-themed books that complement the district's elementary school inquiry-based science program. "Linking Science & Literature" was proposed by teacher Jessica Heller. The award ($42,000) was used to provide reading materials that reinforce scientific concepts encountered using hands-on science kits in first through sixth grade. Ms. Heller was also granted money to bring an indoor planetarium to LIS for the school's Science Night which will be held in May. The math program at Ben Franklin Elementary will be enhanced by an expanded chess program in third grade classrooms.

This year's grants also continued LTEF's long-standing support of literacy programs serving the district's youngest students through its almost-grads. The Slackwood preschool class was awarded funds for a lending library. Ben Franklin students participated in a bookmaking project ("Milestone Books") that celebrated important moments in their lives. Students in Grades 1 through 6 were treated to a visit from author Lisa Funari Willever who presented assembly programs and workshops on the writing process. "Kid Writing" brought phonemic awareness materials to Ben Franklin and Eldridge Park Elementary Schools. Eldridge Park was also awarded funds for guided reading books for 2nd and 3rd graders. Audio books were purchased for Lawrence Middle School students with special needs. Diane Wilfrid's classes at Lawrence High had the opportunity to work with writing tutors from The College of New Jersey while this spring Shannon Myers' class will be writing children's stories to share with the district's grade schoolers.

Two elementary school grants are focused on our nation's past. Ben Franklin Elementary School received support to engage in special programming to celebrate Ben Franklin's 300th birthday. Children at Lawrenceville Elementary participated in a multi-faceted exploration of the Underground Railroad, including an assembly program and a field trip to a Burlington County stop on the railroad. High school students in Ms. Howarth's and Ms Burke's home economics classes next year will have a chance to go "From Field to Table." They will visit local farms to gain an appreciation of food production and enjoy visits by local chefs to learn about food preparation and healthful eating.

Character education continues to interest LTEF and this year they funded Eldridge Park School's Service Learning Fair (held in March). Lawrence High students were awarded support for a service learning project at The Hoe in the Wall Gang Camp in Ashford, Connecticut. The foundation also pledged support for two leadership training conferences for Lawrence High students.

Another group of grants provided equipment and materials to help the district deal with the special needs of its students. Occupational therapy assistive devices were purchased for all four elementary schools. This equipment is used to intervene when students are having difficulty managing their learning environment. Ben Franklin classes purchased equipment to decrease background noise and facilitate student learning. "Earobics" software will soon be arriving at LES and LIS to help students with processing difficulties. Auditory sound fields in LIS's self-contained classrooms are also helpful to students who need assistance to maximize their educational experience. A parent education program at Slackwood proposed by Melanie Seaman rounded out the LTEF grant awards for 2005-2006.

The Lawrence Township Education Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that works to foster educational excellence, creativity and achievement in the Lawrence Township Public Schools. Since 1992, the organization has contributed over $1.5 million to support 270 programs and projects. For more information, call 219-0340 or e-mail info@ltefnj.org.