Schools

Mansfield Education Foundation Gives 10K in Grants for Education

In its first grant year, Mansfield Education Foundation gives out grants in what will hopefully become a yearly event.

The Mansfield Education Foundation gave away $10,000 in grants on Wednesday to recognize and aide teachers who need extra funding to enhance their programs.

"We certainly want to thank the Mansfield Education Foundation for providing grants a number of our staff," said superintendent Brenda Hodges.

Mansfield Education Foundation president Marybeth Cragen and director Linda Fernando presented the grants to seven Mansfield educators for their various programs.

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"MEF's been around for a little over a year," Fernando said. "Our goal is to enhance and encourage innovation and excellence in education."

This year marks the first grant cycle. Each applicant went through an assessment process before being approved. Private funding, fundraiser events and corporate donations support MEF and its efforts.

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The MEF also has a teacher recognition program, in which students and parents who feel a teacher goes above and beyond their requirements may submit that teacher, along with a donation, and that teacher will receive a certificate and a little extra money for programs that aren't in the school budget.

Robin Organ, from Project Green Schools, received one of the grants for the nonprofit organization focused on creating healthier and environmentally aware learning environments through education.

William Deasy, of the , was awarded a grant to help improve geography education. Lisa Disangro, from , was given the grant to obtain document cameras and learning tablets for her "Click it to Win It" program.

Rayna Freedman, from , was awarded a grant to get Smart Responders in the classroom. Kathy Podesky, from Jordan/Jackson was given a grant to enhance the STEM curriculum.

Eleanor Vaughn was awarded her grant for her "Hand Chimes for All" program at Jordan/Jackson. Jacqueline Prester was awarded a grant to help fund her "Be an Entrepreneur" program at the high school.


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