Sponsored by the Sutton Education Foundation

With your support the Sutton Education Foundation's fundraising efforts are able to fund educational grant money for the benefit of Sutton Public School Children.  Each year teacher's are able to submit grant requests to the Foundation.  We are proud that each year, more grant requests have been funded.  Read on to see how Sutton's children have benefited from the Sutton Education Foundation Trust's fundraising efforts. 

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This Year’s Grant Winners!

SEFT awarded 6 grants for 2007-2008 school year:


A Horizontal Climbing Wall was purchased for the Stephen Romasco Gym. This new and exciting fitness activity will be added to the middle and high school Physical Education curriculum.

 

AP Environmental Science students will participate in the Massachusetts Envirothon, which is America’s leading natural resource education program.  AP students and Earth Science students will also be involved in other hands on projects in the areas of environmental and earth science.


SCEL and Elementary Music students will benefit from the addition of more drums in this cross-cultural grant “World Music Drumming”.


Sutton Schools is an official “Weather Bug” school.  Look for the live weather conditions on the Digital Display unit in the Middle School Foyer.  Our entire Sutton Community will benefit from this grant. 


This is the 3rd year SEFT has sponsored BrainPOP. An Internet based program for Elementary and Middle school students, this program focuses on topics in Art/Music, Health, Science, Math and Technology.  This web site can be accessed at school and at home until 5:30 pm.


Author David Schwartz will come to the Sutton Schools in Spring 2008 to present his “Numbers and Beyond” assembly for K-8 students.  Mr. Schwartz is an author of more than 40 books motivating children in the areas of science and math.

 



The 2006 - 2007 SEFT Sponsored Grant Programs! 

 

Author-Illustrator/Editing as a Learning Tool
Amy Picotte


The author-illustrator team of Betsy and Guilio Maestro presented to grades K through 5.  They covered topics including research, writing, illustrating, editing, printing and publishing of nonfiction books. They stressed the importance of editing and explained how it can be used to improve your research and writing.  Betsy was a kindergarten and first grade teacher for 11 years before becoming a fulltime writer. Guilio has illustrated more than 100 books. His paintings have been exhibited by various organizations. Together as a team, they encouraged our students to think on their own and helped them to understand the process of nonfiction research & writing.

The Afghan Project
Joanne Geneva, Hillary Moser, Jeannie Siatka
 
The Afghan Project encouraged and built student knowledge of Afghanistan’s culture and people from before September 11, 2001 through the present. This project provided all 6th grade students with an opportunity, through research and literature, to gain new knowledge, look beyond stereotypes, and form their own opinions about the Middle East and its people. As an assessment, students presented a “Living Museum” after using the IIM research process to create their products. Parents, administration, faculty, students and the community were invited to view the “Living Museum” about Afghanistan’s people and culture. Lastly, the project provided an opportunity to educate parents and students alike, in the use of the IIM process.  The project was kicked-off in March with a workshop presented by the founders of the method, Cindy Nottage and Virginia Morse. This parent/student workshop was a first for Sutton and the benefits will reach far beyond one evening of training.

 

“Floppy Free” Program
Michael Whittier 

In September, Michael Whittier of the High School Technology Department initiated the Floppy Free School Zone program in the Middle School and High School.  To assist in this initiative, the Sutton Education Foundation sponsored a grant that made 128MB USB Flash Drive Wristbands available to MS and HS students at a below-retail price. The opportunity to purchase these flash drives was extended to the Elementary students at the student discount price.  USB Drive Wristbands are still available and can be ordered online by clicking on the ORDER ONLINE menu option.

          

World Music Drumming
Suzanne Dame

The World Music Drumming Curriculum (WMDC) is an innovative cross-cultural, interdisciplinary curriculum that taught the fifth grade students how to play and learn about the African styles of music by actual hands-on experience in the classroom. This program addressed nine of the National Standards for Music Education. These instruments are being used throughout grades one through four in varying degrees.
The fifth grade students gained respect for all of the instruments and their heritage as well as all ensemble members. The students learned a sense of appreciation; for one to improve they found it must occur as a class as a whole. As drummers, students learned the respect of leaving spaces (silence) for others to drum (speak). This follows into an important role in every person’s life; the art of learning when one should be a leader and then when it is essential to become a follower for the success of an entire group.  It was a wonderful six-week addition to the music curriculum and confidence and creativity grew by leaps and bounds from all of the student.

 

5th Grade Video Yearbook 
Lori McLean  

This project incorporated the skills learned in technology class throughout the year to produce a PowerPoint presentation to design a yearbook that contains pictures imported from various medias; digital, cd, email, scanning, and jump drives. The students will create a permanent record of their lives in 5th grade culminating in a video yearbook to be shown at graduation! The experience hopes to be a personal and technological milestone for each student!



Rocks, Paper, Scissors Click! 
Ann Junnila   

This grant provided software and materials that enhance the fifth grade earth science curriculum. The students collected and photographed specimens from the nature trail, performed experiments in the classroom that were magnified and projected onto a TV monitor that allowed all to participate and observe. Students noted patterns, variations and predicted factors that cause change. The data was then analyzed using “Rocks and Minerals” software from Scienceworks Educational Science Program

                                        

Brain Pop: Revisited
Eillen Mitchell    
               
                                                                                         

Science Discovery
Tracy Kolofsky    

The “Science Discovery” grant provided all first grade students with the opportunity to connect science to the real world through hands-on centers and lessons focused on plant habitats. Small groups of students have utilized literature, poetry, songs, motion, technology, writing and various games to explore, demonstrate and discuss the life science of plants. As a culminating project, the students used their new, student created, habitat center to plant many of the plants they have grown and observed in the study. 


                                                           

AP Environmental Science Field Studies
Donna Coonan                       

  

                                              

 

 

 

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2005 - 2006 Awarded Grants - for a total of $19,200!

Classroom for the 21st Century    

Reading Library                                          

Beginning Literacy                          

Everyday Math Computer Games           

Computer Games & Everyday Math    

Carol Otis Hurst—Storyteller                 

Sutton BrainsPop with Learning   

The Tolerance Project               

The Future and Past of Technology

Making Astonomy Come Alive

Literature Resource Center

 


2004 - 2005 Grants Awarded:

Author/Illustrator Visit/Grades K – 5

Former teacher, Jan Dillon is an author/illustrator who will explain how she creates a book from the original brainstorming to the published book, step by step.

 

Zest Fest – A Multicultural Song Celebration/Grades 2 - 5

This project is a morning assembly bor grades 2 – 5. Mr. Nick Page is a nationally acclaimed song leader, who gets everyone singing, moving and celebrating by teaching songs from around the world.

 

Differentiated Instruction with Everyday Mathematics/Grades 2 - 5

Everyday Math focuses on a curriculum that emphasizes a conceptual understanding, while building a mastery of basic skills. The purpose of this project is twofold. First, to integrate literature into the Everyday math program. Second, to reinforce the skills taught in the classroom through modeling at school as well as at home.

 

Clean Water Festival/HS Science

This project is phase II of last year’s grant.  In collaboration with the Watershed Association and the Blackstone River School Organization, the students will participate in nature trail improvements, the Student Congress/Water Festival and analyze ‘Street Runoff’. 

 

The Yellow Dress/HS Health

A Teen Violence Prevention Program

 

Addressing History/Geography Needs in HS/MS Library/Grade 6 - 12

Grant funds will be used to purchase such materials as DVD’s, videos, books and software to support, supplement and enrich the study of world geography and history for students in grades 6 through 12.

 

Chemistry of Gases/Grade 8 Science

Gases will be studied in their inert and excited states through the use of gas spectrum tubes.

 

Making Astronomy Come Alive/Grade 8 Science

This project will utilize visual and hands-on activities to enhance their understanding of space.

 

Listening Centers/ELC & ES Library

Headphones will be purchased for the listening centers. Due to limited available space, the listening centers are in close proximity to the guided reading areas. The headphones would allow students the opportunity to enjoy stories without interruptions and decrease the noise level during guided reading.

 

Visual Learning/Grades 6 - 8

Educational Technology is offered to all 6th and 8th grade students. The equipment purchased through this grant will enable the instructor to project his computer screen enabling the students to see examples while the instructor can also see the students.

 

Everyday Math Everywhere/Grade 4

This grant will be used to purchase the Everyday Mathematics Online Game Program. The games play a critical role in the development of student understanding through the repetition and practice of skills.

 

Algebraic Thinking in Elementary School/Grade 5

The Sutton Elementary School adopted a new standards-based mathematics program in the fall of 2004. The funds will be used to purchase follow-up materials for the program to implement activities with students in algebra.

 

Math Games/Grade 6

Math Games in an interactive, dynamic review and enrichment program for the 150 sixth grade students. Math Games will foster mathematics achievement through independent and cooperative activities, while reinforcing the life-long skills of critical thinking, decision-making and problem solving.

 

Multicultural Genre in American English/HS

Supplemental books will be purchased to enrich the study of American Literature. Students will be challenged in exploration of the many voices of contemporary American literature, reflect upon the experiences expressed by others, and then deve3lop their own voice in a variety of genres in response to the variety of readings that the unit will include.

 


2003 - 2004 Grants Awarded:
 
PreProm Program: The Improbable Players
Donna Rezuke/Ann Zimog
Health Ed./Nurse

The Improbable Player Inc., a theatre group for education and prevention, presented the play “I’ll Never Do That” along with a scene entitled “Drinking & Driving”. The purpose of this program is to provide 11th and 12th grade students with information that will assist them in making healthy decisions regarding alcohol and drug use. The presentation addresses immediate and long-term affects of their decisions.

 

Environmental Science Project

Donna Coonan

H.S. Science Teacher

 

This environmental project is a collaborative effort between the students and the Audubon Society, the Watershed Association, and the Blackstone River School Organization. The activities that 9th grade students will participate in include the Student Congress Water Festival, Street Runoff water testing, and the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Clean Water Act. The students will be taught current water testing technology. They will work in teams to solve problems related to water testing issues.

 

Mobile City-Lab

Lucille DiLeo

H.S. Biology Teacher

 

The purpose of this program was to expose students to biotechnology laboratory procedures in an actual biotech lab facility. This Mobile Lab is a forty-foot bus that is part of an educational outreach program from the Boston University, School of Medicine Campus. It is an innovative venture to bring a biotech lab, equipped with lab benches, equipment, supplies and instructor, to schools that are not equipped with the state-of-the-art equipment for biotechnology experiments. All biology students will be scheduled during science classes to use the Mobile Lab as their classroom laboratory to perform experiments in DNA fingerprinting; protein quantitation; and bacterial transformation.

 

Echoices

Jeremy Surprenant/Mary Green

H.S. Guidance Counselors

 

This grant funded the purchase of a licensing agreement for one year with echoices. It will provide all high school and middle school students with college and career choices. Students and parents could access: career inventory tests, complete a work importance locator and interest profiler, identify transferable work content skills and then view occupations that use those skills, build portfolios, create a planner and an action report, research colleges and graduate schools, apply online to schools, research financial aid options and more. The license will cover every computer in the school as well as allow students to log on from a computer at home.

 

Mathematics & Science Technology Proposal

Christina Gamble

H.S. Mathematics Teacher

 

The purpose of this grant was to develop an interdisciplinary approach to the 9th and 10th grade math and science curriculum in the areas of estimation, functions, statistics, inquiry and motion. The first goal is to increase student awareness of how math and science affect the world around them through developing hypotheses, experimentation, and forming conclusions. The second goal is to integrate technology in the program by using the Texas Instrument CBL 2 (Calculator Based Laboratory). The students will learn an easy and accessible method to collect and analyze data that will reinforce the statistical concepts of drawing inferences and reasoning with charts, tables and graphs that summarize data from real-world situations.

 

Community Based Geography

Michael Whittier

H.S. Teacher & Technology Facilitator

 

This proposal seeks to bring about an expansion of the geography curriculum by making it relevant and experiential for all students. Students will integrate the technologies of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) into a community-based project centered on the celebration of the tercentennial. Students will utilize the GPS to identify significant landmarks and historical sites in the community. Together with handheld-based cameras students will create a Sutton Geocache throughout the community. Each of the several important sites will reveal a piece to a puzzle that will commemorate Sutton’s 300th Anniversary. Students will also create significant site maps. Both the community geocache and maps will be available for viewing in the town’s libraries.

 

Digital Stereoscopic Microscope

Joyce Smith

H.S. Biology Teacher

 

A stereoscopic microscope is a low magnification microscope useful in viewing large objects. The scope is capable of producing still, time-lapse, and video images that can be stored and exported to student lab reports. The scope imports a digital image to a monitor so an entire class can view the image during class lectures and laboratory exercises. Botany and zoology lessons will be greatly enhanced by the ability to view images of live organisms including insects, parasites, larva, plant material, and seed germination. Students will be able to examine specimens, view experiments, and record results via still or video imaging. The stereoscope will be used in conjunction with a digital compound microscope used for viewing very small objects including unicellular organisms and cell structures.

 

It Takes My Breath Away, Be Still My Heart

Donna Rezuke/Matt Milaszewski/Scott Kennedy

H.S. Health & Physical Ed. Faculty

 

This project introduced to 9th and 10th grade students a better understanding of health technology via the health, physical education and wellness curriculum. Students will conduct cardiac and respiratory experiments through the use of handheld technology and sensors for monitoring heart rate, electrocardiogram and respiration at rest and as the result of exercise. They will chart resting heart and respiration rates vs. optimal heart and respiratory rates. They will analyze data over time to determine the impact of an exercise regimen on weight, heart rate, lung capacity, and endurance training. This project will integrate the science of health with the value of fitness and wellness to students in health, anatomy, and physical education classes.

 

Tercentennial Parade Project from Sutton Schools

Tura Dudley/Don Bjorn

Former Art Teacher/H.S. Technology Teacher

 

This tri-centennial parade project was a multi-disciplinary study that will culminate with the formation of a float(s) that will be part of the Sutton 300 celebration on September 12, 2004. High school art and industrial technology students will complete the project. Recent Sutton High School graduates who are majoring in art will also be invited to participate. Social Studies teachers will plan lessons on the history of Sutton from colonial times to present. Students will visit the one room schoolhouse on Eight Lots Road as well as the Sutton Historical Society Museum and view exhibits related to education. They will then design and construct a float that will depict a school related theme that reflects the history of education in Sutton. This will be an opportunity for students to work together with alumni, teachers, and other volunteers from the community and become an integral part of the celebration.

 

Tell-Tale Treasures 

Mark Bailey/Katherine Hehir

H.S. Art Teachers

 

Tell-Tale Treasures is an historical exhibit often using costumed re-enactors that will be shown at the Worcester Historical Museum from April 2004 through October 2004. The exhibit will tell the story of the town from 1680 through the 1950’s using artifacts found in Sutton homes and local museums along with artwork from major national museums. Featured artists include three of the most significant painters of the early nineteenth and late eighteenth century, Winthrop Chandler, Zedekiah Belknap, and John Blunt and furniture maker, Nathan Lombard. All students in grades 3 through 12 will take a field trip to this exhibit. Discovery kits will be developed to enhance the experience and curriculum has been developed for grades 3 through 8 pertinent to celebrating the 300th anniversary. 
   

Resources for a Fine Arts and Library Partnership

Joanne Geneva/Mark Smith/Mark Bailey

Media Specialist/Music Teacher/Art Teacher

 

Grant funds were used to purchase a collection of fine arts books and audio/visual software to be housed in the MS/HS library. A multi-grade approach is used for the instruction of the arts at the middle and high school levels. These materials will supplement the learning of students of all abilities and grade levels. The selected materials were chosen with the intent to enhance the curriculum. Teachers can use the materials as part of a direct instruction or as the basis for project-based instructional units.  A partnership between fine arts and the library will foster the use of the library not only for its print collection but also for audio, visual and multimedia materials. It will encourage our students to look to the library for ideas and inspiration in a broader range of subject areas.

 

Social Studies Supplement/Ruby Bridges

Janet DellaRocco

Teacher - 2nd grade

 

Grant funds were used to purchase materials (books and videos) needed to acquire knowledge about Ruby Bridges and her contributions to society. Students will observe and record differences among their classmates while participating in activities that promote thinking and enhance social skills. Through guided discussions, the students will communicate their understanding of differences and the effects differences have on our lives. Students will learn the meaning of equality and its importance in each of their lives.

 

Building a Literacy Closet

Deb Kozik

Teacher – 2nd grade

 

Grant funds were used to purchase multiple copies of books covering 12 levels (for grades K-3). This start-up set of books would allow educators to match students with books that provide a level of challenge and familiarity that appropriately support the development of each student’s reading strategies. This project will assist students in becoming independent and fluent readers. The program will enable a teacher and a small group of students to think about, talk about, and read a book together for a specific purpose. It will be especially helpful for those who struggle with learning to read. Although the books will be limited in number, they will be available to any staff member that has readers within the levels purchased.

 

Arts Power Field Trip

Joanne Geeze

Music Specialist – Elem. School

 

This project funded a field trip for all fourth grade students to travel to Mechanics Hall in Worcester to see the musical theatrical production of “Anne of Green Gables”. Prior to the performance lessons will include activities to familiarize the students with the author, setting, plot and theme of the story. Musical studies will be integrated with Social Studies lessons about Canada and Prince Edward Island. After the performance, students will critique the performance and have discussions about communication skills and the importance of family relationships.

 

Aligning 4th Grade Social Studies Curriculum to the Massachusetts Frameworks

Grade 4 Teachers

 

The new fourth grade Social Studies curriculum focuses on North American Geography and builds on concepts and skills learned in previous grades. Grant funds will provide materials that will enhance the curriculum and aid students in learning the following concepts: map and globe skills, mapping information, information relating to major natural resources, states and capitals, climate, physical and political maps, and major national landmarks. Students will be expected to retain this information for the fifth grade social studies MCAS test.

 

The Art of Friendship

Ann Junnila/Carol McMahon

Art Teacher Grades 1-5/Guidance Counselor Grades 2-5

 

Guidance and Art will become a team to engage students in character building activities. Students in grades 4 and 5 will consider character and ethical issues as they study specific artists and artwork. Character Education Visual Art Kits will be used in activities that concurrently teach critical thinking skills, art appreciation, and character education. The activities will reinforce the “Peace Builders Program”.

 

Elementary Math Centers

Elizabeth Chamberland

Title 1 Math Teacher

 

Through the use of differentiated instruction, this project will provide a unique and hands-on approach to the review and reinforcement of critical math concepts. The goal is to improve the critical math skills of the elementary students through the use of Math Centers. Each center will have a reading component, an activity component and a writing component. These will serve to give the student a well-rounded picture of the math skill being addressed. The centers will be for small groups of students and the teacher may have several centers in the classroom at one time. Funds will be used to purchase supplies that will reinforce the math concepts.

 

Phonics Instruction through “Letter of the Week” Program

Jessica Merriam

Preschool/SPED Teacher

 

The purpose of this project was to create a centralized curriculum program to teach preschool students letter identification (receptive and expressive), phonics (letter sound correspondence), and pre-reading skills (initial sounds in words).  Multi-model and multi-sensory activities will be used so that the preschool becomes an environment where all students may learn through play and structured (teacher directed) activities. The program will be designed so that special education students will have repeated exposure and multiple learning opportunities with letters and letter sounds.

 

Assistive Technology

Lisa Frusher/Barbara Burek

Elementary/High School

 

Last year, as a result of an evaluation, Intellikeys keyboards and touch screens were purchased to enhance individual student learning for students that not successful with other reading programs. Grant funds will be used to purchase programs for this system. The goal is to provide function-learning activities to enhance student learning in the areas of reading, mathematics, and computer technology, vocational and daily living skills.

 
 

Everyday Mathematics Literature – Grades 2 – 5

Jill Ettamarna/Lois Doray/Erin Fitzgerald/JuliaAnn Maloney

Grade 2 Teacher/Grade 3 Teacher/Grade 4 Teacher/Grade 5 Teacher

 

Everyday Mathematics is a new mathematics program that will be implemented in several grade levels for the 2004-05 school year. This year the program is being piloted in several classrooms in grades. The creators of the program suggest literature to enrich and support many of the lessons. It is the intent of this grant to purchase two sets of the suggested literature to be shared among the classrooms. It is the goal of this program to peak student interest in math, tie mathematics into the student’s daily lives, and reinforce and enrich the mathematical concepts covered in the Everyday Mathematics lessons.
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