From the Morris Educational Foundation:
MORRIS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION AWARDS OVER $335K
IN GRANTS TO MORRIS SCHOOL DISTRICT
Funding Supports Academic, Enrichment and Wellness Initiatives
With such an usual school year faced with many challenges, the Morris Educational Foundation (MEF), is proud to announce it has awarded $335,280 in grants and programs to the Morris School District to support the students, teachers, schools and the District community.
The MEF, a nonprofit organization enhancing excellence in education in the Morris School District, remained steadfast in its mission and provided funding and in-kind donations for a variety of valuable academic, enrichment and wellness initiatives not covered by the school budget or tax dollars.
From at-home lab kits and literacy-based grants to remote radio station equipment, handbells and physical as well as emotional wellness tools, the MEF worked collaboratively and creatively to continue to make a significant impact on the lives of the students, teachers, and families of the Morris School District.
With an increase in need largely due to the pandemic, classroom grants and programs were integral to maintain the highest level of educational resources and innovation throughout the year while connecting to the community.
“We are thrilled to award an exceptional amount of funding exceeding $335,000 for the Morris School District this year,” said Ann Rhines, Morris Educational Foundation Grants chair and member of the Morris Educational Foundation Board of Trustees.
“This school year was challenging to say the least. Through the dedication of the District staff and administration coupled with passionate donors and community partners, we were able to support as many individuals and families as possible at a time when they truly needed it the most.”
Thirty-one grants were awarded throughout the course of the 2020-2021 school year supporting all students and teachers at every level. Fields of study and enrichment varied, which is shown in the following sample of grants:
Pre-K at Home Learning Materials – $3,000
Select school supplies and manipulatives provided to Lafayette Learning Center students to allow for hands-on learning during remote instruction. These materials included manipulatives to enhance literacy and mathematics as well as crayons, pencils, white boards, scissors, construction paper and other art materials to spark further creativity.
Take Home Books for K-5 – $20,000
All K-5 Morris School District teachers and students received grade-level book packets and MEF bookmarks to encourage literacy. This allowed all in-person and hybrid students to have the same resources as their teacher for optimal learning this year.
Handbells for Frelinghuysen Middle School – $15,250
Unable to sing in person, 250 FMS students in the 6th – 8th choirs participated in in-person collaborative music using handbells. This allowed students to practice concepts of music literacy, dynamics and expression, music theory and collaborative performance, all while adding a lasting program at Frelinghuysen and fostering a sense of togetherness and community.
Remote Broadcasting Equipment for WJSV – $8,200
WJSV Radio remote equipment for MHS students to broadcast and run all aspects of the radio station from remote and in-school locations. Celebrating 50 years this year, the station was able to continue broadcasting with this state-of-the art equipment.
Tablets for 6-12 Math Teachers – $6,000
To increase productivity, clarity, and engagement in mathematics lessons, 30 pen tablets were provided to teachers to eliminate their struggle of writing out mathematical equations, expressions, diagrams and graphs with a mouse or trackpad.
The Morris Educational Foundation will continue to support Morris School District students and teachers, providing what they need to succeed. To view the full list of grants awarded in the 2020-2021 school year, please visit www.morrisedfoundation.org/what-we-do/grants/. For those interested in applying for a grant, click here.
About Morris Educational Foundation
The Morris Educational Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that seeks to attract private resources to support a variety of educational programs and initiatives in support of the Morris School District. Through effective solicitation and distribution of funds, the Morris Educational Foundation helps enable the District to continue to be the model of visionary social and educational leadership it has been since its inception. For more information, visit www.morrisedfoundation.org.
