Since our incorporation in mid-2009, we have been busily evaluating, and raising funds for, a range of enrichment programs designed to increase the opportunities for excellence in our students.
Here are some examples:
2011-2012
SUMMER/FAL 2011: In May 2011, the Foundation solicited proposals from teachers and staff at all three schools for MINI-GRANTS for in-class or after-school enrichment programs. In June 2011, the Foundation Board approved the following five Minigrants, to be incorporated in the Schools this coming Fall:
-- ONE SCHOOL/ONE BOOK (Smith, Ms. Oliff) -- All students, K-4, will be participating in family reading and school discussion of Trumpet of the Swan. The One School/One Book Program has garnered national attention for stimulating interest in reading in the family environment.
-- BELIZE VIDEOCONFERENCE (Meadowbrook, Ms. Alderton) -- Ms. Alderton's 2nd Grade students will be participating in a live videoconference with a scientist in the Belize Rain Forest, and learning about its unique (and threatened) environment, flora and fauna.
-- BATTLE OF THE BOOKS (White, Ms. Belhumer) -- 7th Graders will be reading from an assigned list of books and going head-to-head against teams from Bergen County in this exciting competition.
-- LEGO ROBOTICS (White, Ms. Wiltz) -- The Foundation has funded the purchase of new Lego Mindstorms equipment for the Robotics team, enabling the School to field two teams for the first time.
-- COURTYARD GARDEN (White, multiple teachers) -- The Foundation is funding an ongoing project to transform the enclosed outside area at the School into an outdoor learning environment, featuring planting beds, class/study space, and environmental projects.
JANUARY 2012: The Foundation has involved the Third Graders at both Smith and Meadowbrook in GLOBAL ENCOUNTER, a year-long virtual trip around the world, hosted by two your explorers from Texas who will be sharing their discoveries and experiences via weekly videocasts, monthly live videoconferences, GPS tracking, and monitored e-mails. A 112-age guide and activity book for each student enhances the journey. WE ARE AMONG A SELECT GROUP OF ABOUT FIFTEEN SCHOOLS WORLDWIDE PARTICIPATING IN THIS UNIQUE AND CUTTING-EDGE ADVENTURE!
2010-2011
APRIL-MAY: We continued the LEGO® ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS for Grades 3-4 at Ann Blanche Smith and Meadowbrook Elementary Schools. Each program is running for five weeks, one afternoon each week after school, and involves approximately 14 students from each school. One program uses the Lego Mindstorms® program involving robotics, and one utilized the Lego Machines and Mechanics® materials and curriculum.
JANUARY-FEBRUARY: The Foundation has funded the AFTER-SCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS at George White, which were eliminated in the 2010 budget cuts. Students participated in enrichment programs in Mock Trial, Recycled Art, and Computer Art.
2009-2010
MAY-JUNE: We instituted LEGO® ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS for Grades 3-4 at Ann Blanche Smith and Meadowbrook Elementary Schools. Each program ran for eight weeks, one afternoon each week after school, and involved approximately 14 students from each school. One program used the Lego Mindstorms® program involving robotics, and one utilized the Lego Machines and Mechanics® materials and curriculum. Students at each school had a tremendous time learning, exploring, and developing both their imagination and their technical skills.
FEBRUARY: We sponsored SEMINARS IN THE HISTORY OF WORLD PERCUSSION at George White Middle School, one for Grades 5-6 and one for Grades 7-8, with world-renowned percussionist and performer JOHN ARRUCCI. Mr. Arrucci demonstrated many different percussion instruments, taught the students about the history and development of percussion in various cultures, and the ties between music and various social and cultural themes in American history. Mr. Arrucci is an acclaimed master artist, with intimate knowledge of Classical, Jazz, North Indian, Afro-Cuban, Afro-Brazilian and other indigenous traditions which gives him--and his audiences--a singularly rich perspective on the creation and impact of music. Mr. Arrucci teaches at Princeton University, and has lectured and conducted master classes at Eastman School of Music, Mannes College of Music, University of Bahia in Brazil, Manhattan School of Music, Wichita State University and other prominent institutions; he has studied worldwide, including on a Smithsonian Institution post-Doctoral research fellowship to study tabla in Benares, India. Mr. Arrucci has written over fifty works appearing in major motion pictures, television shows and other media; his compositions have been performed around the world by himself, and with and by other renowned artists from all genres of music. The Foundation was truly fortunate to secure Mr. Arrucci for these seminars, and the entire George White student body had a rewarding, instructive, and extremely enjoyable experience.
Please let us know your thoughts and ideas for further programs!
