Virtual Showcase


Welcome to the SERF Virtual Grant Showcase. On February 6, 2006, SERF hosted a system-wide Grant Showcase at the Ephraim Curtis Middle School. This was the fourth Grant Showcase hosted by SERF. Twenty grants from the 2004 - 2005 granting cycles were on exhibit. More than 60 teachers and curriculum specialists presented their SERF-funded work to colleagues and to the public.  

SERF is thankful to the dedication of the Sudbury and L-S teachers for their collaboration and graciousness in sharing their work. The SERF Grant Showcase is organized by the board and is held every two years.  It is our hope that this Virtual Showcase will inform and inspire you.  


Using Mentor Texts to Improve Comprehension Instruction – Nixon

 

Using this grant, one elementary school will purchase the resource, “Making Meaning: Strategies That Build Comprehension and Community,” for all third grade classrooms.  The materials will help improve instruction of specific reading comprehension strategies using mentor texts.  The effectiveness of the lessons will be assessed throughout the year in meetings between teachers and the literacy specialist.  (C. Kuo, A. Stow, M. Morabito, L. Jones, K. Zito)

Creating Math Curriculum Extension Guides – Nixon                                                              

 

 

Funds from this grant will be used to create a user-friendly binder of grade-appropriate math extension activities for all classroom teachers in grades K-5 at one elementary school.  Examples of extension activities currently employed by teachers will be gathered and sorted into appropriate grade level and curriculum areas, and new activities will be added to round out each focal area.  Grade-level binders will be created and distributed to all teachers at one elementary school, and one copy of each binder will be sent to each of the other schools.  (R. Bissonette-Clark, S. Bell, R. Hill, J. Cooke, M. Carr, B. Whitney, D. Warner, M. Morabito)

Teaching the Qualities of Writing -- District-wide

 

 Through this grant, a new writing program will be piloted in 4th and 5th grade classrooms across the district, providing teachers with more teaching tools for customizing the instruction of writing.  Teacher kits will be purchased that provide resources focusing on qualities and various crafts of writing.  The teachers piloting the program will meet a minimum of three times during the school year to share experiences using the new writing lesson format. Staff development then will be provided district-wide to enhance the 4th and 5th grade writing curriculum at all schools. Initially, all 4th and 5th grade teachers at one elementary school and one 4th and 5th grade teacher from each of the other schools will participate in the pilot program.  (K. Zito, K. Swain, J. Binus, S. Bell, M. Carr, B. Barber, J. Bleiler, K. Walton, S. Crowley, A. Abdal-Khabir)

Integrating Fathom Statistical Software – LSRHS

 

 This grant pays for a one-week immersion course for two high school teachers to learn the Fathom statistical software package, enabling them to better utilize the software within the statistics curriculum.  The software, specifically designed for teaching and learning statistics through exploration, will be integrated into daily classroom practice and occasional lab activities.  (C. Embleton)

Integrating Science, Social Studies, Mathematics and Literacy Instruction – District Wide

 

 

This significant grant provides a library of Big Books and multiple copies of informational and curriculum units in Science and Technology/Engineering, Social Studies, and Math.  These materials will be used in conjunction with district-funded staff support and curriculum development.  This important district-wide initiative, which will provide teachers with grade specific lessons designed to integrate the instruction of content reading strategies into literacy, science,  social studies, and math  (K. McCarthy, S. Geurnsey, J. Hundley, J. Binus)

Finding Evidence in the Physical Characteristics of Animal Skulls

 

To purchase “Skull Comparison Kits” for each elementary school and develop accompanying lessons. The 3rd grade life science unit has been expanded from mammals to the Animal Kingdom. The kits will allow students to act in the role of biologist, investigating the physical characteristics of a variety of animal skulls and searching for evidence that suggests what the animal is, what animal group it belongs to, its habitat and food source. (K. McCarthy, F. Aldrich-Bennett, S. Popper, C. Carrara)

FindGay Awareness Day - LSRHS

 

 

Funds from this grant will be used to support Gay Awareness Day activities at the high school.  On April 14th, the Gay Straight Alliance will hold forums for student discussion and bring in outside speakers.  The Alliance hopes to educate students about various topics concerning gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, and transgender issues.  (N. Patten, C Embleton)

Finding Kindergarten Lending Library - Nixon

 

To create a lending library in the kindergarten classrooms at one elementary school. The library of emergent level books will include fiction, non-fiction, and letter recognition texts. Books will be sent home with students so they may practice reading skills at home. (K. Zito, E. Garvey, J. Pugliese)

Cardiovascular Fitness with Heart Rate Monitors - ECMS

 

This grant will be used to purchase additional heart rate monitors to enable all middle school students in each Physical Education class, rather than just half the students, to use monitors at the same time.  The heart rate monitors will be utilized to teach students about cardiovascular disease risk factors and about training in their target heart rate zone. ( C.Dill, A. Dye, P. Irving, B. Cain)

Leopard Gecko - ECMS

 

This grant provides funds to add a new “second-level consumer,” the Leopard Gecko lizard, to the ecosystem that 6th graders build in 2-liter water bottles. (previously entitled Chinese Water Dragon (P. Feynman)

A Layout Program for the School Newspaper - LSRHS

 

This grant funds the purchase of new layout software and a 10-computer license for the award-winning high school newspaper,  The Forum.  The software will be compatible with new computers the newspaper will be receiving as part of the move to the new high school building  ( B.Schechter)

Diversity Book Bags - Loring

 

An elementary school is using this grant to fund the creation of Diversity Book Bags for each classroom at the school,  with the goal of teaching children about racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity.  The book bags will include books, games, recipes, music, other materials, and a  journal for children to fill in.  Children in each classroom will take the book bag home for a week at a time to share with their families.  (G. Keene, J. Fitzgerald, M. Taylor)

Discovery Channel / UnitedStreaming’s Video-On-Demand Service – District-wide

 

Through this grant, the Sudbury K-8 school district will purchase a three-year subscription to Discovery Channel/UnitedStreaming’s Video-On-Demand Service for use by teachers.  The service will provide downloadable access to over 4,000 full-length videos and over 40,000 video clips, as well as teacher’s guides, lesson plans, and unit plans, on a wide variety of topics and subject matter.  Teachers will be trained on the use of this resource and on incorporating video technology into teaching and learning.  (D. Criswell)

International Dyslexia Conference - Loring

 

This grant covered the conference fees for four special education teachers at one elementary school to attend the 55th Annual International Dyslexia Conference,  which was held in November 2004.  The teachers will share information learned about multisensory teaching approaches, reading comprehension, writing, vocabulary, educational research, ADHD and assessment, with parents, other special education teachers, and callsroom teachers.  (M. Barrie, E. Casey, K. Strauss, M. Coyne-Gordon)

A View from the Window – ECMS

 

Computer Technology instructors at ECMS will create a new project focus in the Exploring Modern Technology curriculum using digital cameras.  Students will present a poem or song and a slideshow of pictures they created using original photography from digital cameras.  Students will learn how to use digital cameras, download pictures into a variety of software packages, and develop multimedia presentations.  (R. Phung, F. Byrne)

Kindergarten Library Curriculum – Loring

 

This grant will enable the kindergarten assistants at one elementary school to revise and develop new curriculum, lessons, and materials for weekly kindergarten library sessions.  (S. Hussain, L. Nee, G. Keene, J. Hammonds)

Wilson Literacy Kindergarten Fundations™ Program

 

To purchase The Fundations™ Teacher Kit for the kindergarten level at one elementary school. Wilson Fundations™ is a phonics and spelling program. (K. Carney, J. Heitzman, D. Campbell, N. Iacobucci)

Substance Abuse Prevention – LSRHS

 

Funds from this grant will enable the high school to conduct a week-long substance abuse prevention program, during which speakers from all segments of the substance abuse world will present to student, teachers, and parents.  Ths goal will be to raise awareness of the dangers of substance abuse and to provide information about how to make healthy choices and how to intervene appropriately when students need help.  (S. Leichtman)

Sudbury Public Schools Math Curriculum Website – District-wide
This grant will fund the research for and initial design of a website describing the Sudbury K-8 mathematics curriculum

 

 

Grants at the showcase Not appearing in the Photo Gallery 
Sudbury Public Schools Math Curriculum Website – District-wide
  This grant will fund the research for and initial design of a website describing the Sudbury K-8 mathematics curriculum.  The website will provide parents with information about the math curriculum at all grade levels and will provide strategies and suggestions for helping students with math homework.  (L. Migliozzi, S. Richman)

Ghana Today – District Wide
  Funds will be used to create a curriculum guide and to purchase non-fiction books and videos for the first grade Ghana unit at all elementary schools.  The guide will include Ghana history resources, scope and sequence, lesson plans, internet resources, and a bibliography.  The books and videos will depict life in modern-day Ghana. ( J. Hundley, J. Baumer, A.Bratsos, J. Helies, D. McNair)
Primary Source Partnership – District-wide and LSRHS
 

Funds from this grant will allow the Sudbury K-8 school district and LSRHS to become partner-level members of Primary Source, a local professional development organization that promotes history and humanities education by connecting educators to people and cultures throughout the world.  Primary Source offers summer institutes, seminars, conferences, field study tours, library access, and in-district programs to educators and supports them in the development of lessons and curriculum materials for classroom use.  In conjunction with the Sudbury K-8 schools and LSRHS, the Lincoln Public Schools will be contributing funds to participate in the Primary Source partnership.  (J. Hundley, P. James)

 Media Literacy Initiative
  To create a new 8th grade elective course that will allow students to explore issues of media production from both sides of the camera. The course will challenge students to acquire the skills and knowledge required for technical operation of lighting, sound, and video editing equipment. In addition, students will examine journalistic writing, ethical concerns in media, and the power of broadcast media. The grant includes the purchase of video equipment. (D. Lane, F. Byrne)
Sudbury Public Schools Math Curriculum Website – District-wide
  This grant will fund the research for and initial design of a website describing the Sudbury K-8 mathematics curriculum.  The website will provide parents with information about the math curriculum at all grade levels and will provide strategies and suggestions for helping students with math homework.  (L. Migliozzi, S. Richman)
Children’s Literature and Open Circle Concepts – Haynes
  Through this grant, additional literature relating to social/emotional learning will be brought into one elementary school, and staff will be informed about incorporating these materials into Open Circle lessons for all grade levels.  (N. Lamoureaux)
Classroom Display of Multicultural and Contemporary Works of Art
  To purchase posters and prints for display on walls in the middle school art room, introducing students to multicultural, contemporary, and historically significant works of art and to elements and principles of design. The enhanced display will promote diversity and provide new sources of artistic inspiration for students. (S. Greenaway)
Classroom Strategies for Students with Diverse Needs – Nixon
  This grant was awarded to one elementary school to develop a manual that will provide strategies for teachers to use with students who have diverse needs or who exhibit challenging behaviors.  Research will be conducted and information organized into a written guidebook, which will be given to each teacher and specialist.  Copies also will be given to other elementary schools.  ( M.Carr, M. Morabito)
Comprehensive Consistent Spelling Program – Nixon
  This grant will fund the creation of a multi-component spelling program for second and third graders at one elementary school.  Through the use of tiered spelling lists and defined spelling activities, the program will provide consistent instruction of district-wide essential word lists and frequently used words.  Results will be comprehensively and periodically assessed to check for word retention and areas requiring additional practice.  Program materials will be shared with literacy specialists at the other elementary schools.  (K Zito, R. Hill, A. Stow, M. Morabito, L. Jones, J. Hutchinson)
Intermediate Grade Comprehension Boost
  To purchase “Question Answer Relationship” kits for 4th and 5th grade classes to share at one elementary school. Using the kits, teachers will reinforce comprehension strategies by providing explicit, sequential comprehension instruction, enabling students to better understand both fiction and non-fiction text. (J. Bleiler, S. Crowley, S. Bell, A. Abdal-Khabir, K. Walton, B. Barber, K. Zito)
Units of Study for Writing in First and Second Grades – Nixon
 

This grant will be used to purchase the resource, “Units of Study for Primary Writing: A Year Long Curriculum,” for all first and second grade classrooms at one elementary school.  This resource will guide teaching practices for grade-level writing workshops, assist teachers in the assessment of student writing, enable teachers to focus on specific writing crafts, and expose students to various writing genres.  (J. Hutchinson, K. Zito, D. Warner, S. Choquette, A. Manuel, A. Parker)

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