Grants Awards
2023
REF is pleased to support innovation and creativity in Reading Public Schools by awarding $42,000 in teacher grants in 2023.
DISTRICT WIDE GRANTS
ART OF EDUCATION CURRICULUM SUITE
The Art of Education University is a platform that will provide K-12 visual art teachers with curriculum development, including access to learning modules and lesson plans to build on their knowledge base and skills. The Curriculum is aligned with the National Standards of Art. Grant proposed by Art Teacher, Susan Gilbert.
HIGH SCHOOL GRANTS
RMHS PODCASTS
RMHS Podcasts is a project that gives RMHS students the high-quality tools needed to apply their voices and insights to a communication medium that continues to grow in relevance, popularity, and influence–the podcast! Grant proposed by English Teacher/Department Head, Michael McSweeney and Library Media Specialist, Lynda Moylan.
JUNETEENTH SPEAKER
Students of Color & Allies for Equity, Justice, & Inclusion (SOCA4EJI) will host the second annual Juneteenth event in June of 2023. RPS community members are invited to celebrate and learn about the history behind Juneteenth. The event will feature guest speaker, Jamele Adams. Grant proposed by SOCA4EJI co-advisors Anna Cuevas and Sherilla Lestrade.
MIDDLE SCHOOL GRANTS
ROLLER READING ROCKETS
This grant will provide a class set of rollerblades and safety equipment that Coolidge and Parker Middle Schools will share. This equipment will introduce students to a lifetime activity that has many health benefits. Grant proposed by Coolidge Middle School Wellness teachers, Danielle Healey & Christian Huizenga and Parker Wellness teachers, Ariana Esdra & Doug Gibbs.
“LISTEN TO WHAT I HAVE TO SAY” PODCASTING IN THE CLASSROOM
This grant will be used to purchase noise cancelling panels and microphones to assist students and teachers in producing high quality podcasts. Teachers and students will be able to use this equipment to enhance curriculum and projects. Grant proposed by Coolidge Middle School Social Studies teacher, Mary Anne Cuscuna.
PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL MIRIMBA
The addition of a marimba will deepen and expand learning for percussionists and all students who are in the Parker Middle School band. Students will have the opportunity to experience different genres of music that include the marimba and hear the specific timbre that would otherwise be missing. Grant proposed by Parker Middle School Music Teacher and Band Director, Andrew Norton.
VOCAL/CHORAL GUEST ARTIST SERIES
Three professional singers/vocal coaches will serve as guest artists and clinicians at various times throughout the school year. Chorus & Acapella group participants will expand their knowledge as the receive instruction from:
- Ms. Emily Marvosh, professional singer with the Handel & Haydn Society;
- Dr Anthony Trecek-King, Conductor, educator, speaker and Director of Choral Activities at Hart School, University of Hartford;
- Mr. Paul Stiller, vocal percussionist, Berklee College of Music professor
Grant proposed by Parker Middle School General Music Teacher and Choral Director Jennifer DiMuzio.
Mr. Paul Stiller, founding member/producer/arranger/vocal percussionist for the Boston-based a cappella quintet Vox One, visited the 8th grade chorus and Parker’s a cappella group (Parkappella) on 10/24. Mr. Stiller is also a professor of Ear Training at Berklee College of Music, as well as an active adjudicator and clinician throughout the US and Japan. While at Parker, Mr. Stiller demonstrated various beatboxing techniques, coached the students on their a cappella repertoire, and answered questions about his musical background and career. He will return again in April for a second visit with the groups. (Photo Credit: RPS)
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GRANTS
AUDIO BOOK COLLECTION REACHING ALL READERS
This grant will allow the libraries at all Five elementary schools to grow their collection of audiobooks and continue to make quality literature accessible for all students. These audiobooks will assist students, who may not yet be able to independently access grade level texts, in developing comprehension and vocabulary. Grant proposed by Library Teachers/Media Specialists: Paula Falvey (Birch Meadow Elementary), Kim Adamo (Killam) Lisa Norcross (Wood End Elementary), Karen Ghirardi (Joshua Eaton Elementary) and Carina Becker (Barrows Elementary).
THE AUGMENTATIVE ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION PROJECT: SUPPORTING DIVERSE COMMUNICATION
All Wood End Elementary students will benefit from the addition of a new Augmentative Alternative communication board to their playground. This tool will support students’ diverse communication needs and will help to ensure that all students are able to communicate and participate successfully with their peers. This grant includes education for all kindergarten and First grade students about Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC). Grant proposed by Kaitlyn Rubin, Speech Language Pathologist, Wood End Elementary School.
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