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HUNTINGTON – At its January 25 Board of Directors meeting, the Gateway Education Foundation voted to fund 7 projects totaling $5,400 over the next year. In the past seven years, thanks the generosity of area businesses and donors, the Foundation has funded 95 projects totaling $95,414 to enhance the education of students in the Gateway Regional School District.
“Although we were pleased to award funding to everyone who applied this round, we had to trim the requests by $2,000,” noted President Shirley Winer.
Three projects were funded at Littleville Elementary School. First grade received $800 that, with funds secured in a STARS grant through the Massachusetts Cultural Council, will add a third classroom to the seasonal science lessons underway using a Naturalist from Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary (application submitted by Jennifer Bak). Martha Gendron’s special education classroom will receive funding to purchase several alternative seating and work surfaces to see if students are better able to stay on task in their classwork using items like balance chairs or lapdesks. Reading teachers Gail Gingras and Margaret Petzold received $600 to continue to support their annual reading challenge.
At the Middle School, the 7th grade team received $900 to ensure that every student in the class will be able to go on the field trip to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, which is the culminating activity of a unit of study on immigration. Prior to the trip, the staff will conduct an Ellis Island “mock up day” that simulates what it was like for immigrants trying to enter the country throughout history.
Finally, the high school received funding for three projects: one ($1,100) by the Guidance Department to support Career Development Education; one ($1,250) to support dues and upcoming events for the Best Buddies Club, and $500 to support the upcoming music competition trip to New York City for band and choir.
The Gateway Education Foundation formed in 2012 to enhance the education of students in the Gateway Regional School District. Through donations and fundraisers, the Foundation supports teacher and staff-led projects for the benefit of students. Upcoming fundraisers include the April 13 Springfield Thunderbirds Game (more information out soon!). Donations may be made any time of the year on the Foundation’s website (www.GatewayEducationFoundation.org) or by mailing a check payable to the Gateway Education Foundation to 12 Littleville Rd., Huntington, MA 01050.
