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06/28/2022 02:20 PMThe Guilford Fund for Education (GFFE) just awarded their largest grant in GFFE history: the Makerspace grant. Totaling $80,000, the grant was proposed by Calvin Leete School Library Media Specialist Cheryl Monaco on behalf of all four Guilford Elementary Schools.
The four Makerspaces will provide teachers the materials and space to bridge their curriculum learning with a hands-on, creative approach for their students at Cox, Jones, Lakes, and Leete Schools. The goal is to expand and enhance students’ math, social studies, and science lessons while developing life skills such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
“The GFFE is excited to partner with Guilford Public Schools to introduce a space at each elementary school where children can build, create, and produce ideas and projects kinesthetically and creatively,” says Veena Kapadia, GFFE Co-Chairperson. “Teachers across our District are trying to incorporate more hands-on learning opportunities across multiple subjects. Not only does this initiative help students’ academic skills grow, it fulfills their teachers’ desire to reach every student where they are.”
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Paul Freeman said, “Guilford Public Schools is grateful for our partnership with the GFFE. The creation of Makerspaces in each of our four elementary schools will impact all students by providing opportunities for exploration and creativity across all disciplines. I want to thank the dedicated volunteers of the GFFE, the generosity of our community for supporting their work, and Cheryl Monaco for writing this grant proposal. It is my hope that her actions will inspire more members of GPS to submit their own proposals.”
To write the proposal, Monaco worked with various departments in Guilford Public Schools, including the four Elementary School Principals and Library Media Specialists.
“This initiative will positively impact every current and future elementary student in Guilford,” says Calvin Leete School Library Media Specialist and grant writer, Cheryl Monaco. “I am extremely excited to see this move forward and work with the GFFE to implement the makerspaces. This space will enrich curriculum across all content areas and offer a different way for students to explore, experiment, and learn.”
Nicole Schlagheck, GFFE Co-Chairperson, is honored Mrs. Monaco came to them with her proposal. “Planning this extraordinary concept was a huge undertaking and Mrs. Monaco’s commitment to our youth is exceptional,” she says. “This grant benefits the entire district and transforms educational opportunities in our elementary schools. We cannot wait to hear about the impact and observe excited students and educators next school year.”
The Makerspace Grant is made possible by the generosity of the Guilford community including participation in GFFE events, donations from GFFE STAR Awards for educators, numerous family donations and corporate sponsorships. Most recently, the GFFE raised $1,980 through the distribution of 99 GFFE STAR Awards on May 3, 2022. Fourteen Awards were given to educators at Guilford High School, 13 at Adams Middle School, 19 at Baldwin Middle School, 18 at Calvin Leete School, 24 at A.W. Cox School, 10 at Guilford Lakes School, and one at Melissa Jones School.
Added Schlagheck, “We are honored that the Guilford community invests in us and wants to be part of the legacy that is Guilford Education. Special thanks to White Mountain Advisors and the Jerbi Family for their support of this particular partnership grant.”
Guilford Fund For Education (GFFE) is an all-volunteer non-profit organization that gives Guilford educators and students an avenue to explore, experiment, and bring fresh ideas for educational experiences by funding proposals that fall outside of an organization’s budget.
The GFFE is actively searching for volunteers for the next school year to review upcoming grants, assist at events and help with technology needs. If you would like to make a donation, volunteer, or know a teacher who would like to submit a proposal, visit GFFE.org.