New Egypt school staff
earns two NJEA grants
PLUMSTED — With the financial support of the New Jersey Education Association and its members, 11 grants totaling $53,919 have been awarded to educators in school districts across the state. Two of those grants have been awarded to programs being offered in Plumsted Township schools.
Established in 1993, the NJEA Frederick L. Hipp Foundation for Excellence In Education is dedicated to supporting projects that will enhance and improve the learning environment. Since its creation, the foundation has awarded more than $732,000 in support of 181 innovative educational projects that represent a bold, fresh approach by school employees.
PIE: Puppets in Education
"Turn off that TV! Stop playing those video games!" Now there are two comments heard over and over in today’s homes. Based on the premise that there are viable entertainment alternatives to the monotony of TV and video games, eight teachers at the New Egypt Elementary School created PIE: Puppets in Education, a project that uses puppets, drama and communication with students in a Mexican school to broaden their students’ view of the world, encourage their use of imagination and creativity, and provide them with a positive outlet for self-expression.
Led by project coordinator Scott Jacobs, Bonnie Vella, Lisa Rajeski, Karen Brown, Jennifer Chiariello, Marney Hatch, Jennifer Gerber and Rita Williams submitted their project to the NJEA Frederick L. Hipp Foundation for Excellence in Education and received a $9,960 grant for the upcoming school year. This is Jacobs’ second grant from the Hipp Foundation.
Through PIE, 150 students and their families, more than 400 in total, will increase their reading, writing and vocabulary skills in English and Spanish as they read, summarize, and retell folk tales in both languages. Through e-mails to Mexican students, they will learn about Mexican culture, the country and its literature.
In addition, students will learn the elements of design and form in art classes as they make puppets, scenery and props for family night performances at a spring open house.
Professional support from a special effects artist with puppet making experience on Broadway, television and in movie productions will help students create stick, hand and marionette puppets, according to a press release from the NJEA.
Through their language arts classes students will create plays based on stories and books read during the year. Students will learn more about the dramatic use of puppets when a professional puppet company visits the school.
The program’s elements will be shared with all K-5 teachers through an in-service program provided for all staff.
REALIFE — Realistic Education and Learning in a Fun Environment
As the world becomes smaller, children living in small rural communities need more opportunities to learn about and accept differences and commonalities they hold with others.
Donna Buxton, Joe Romana and Kathy LoPresti, teachers at New Egypt Elementary School, created REALIFE. — Realistic Education and Learning in a Fun Environment — to help special needs students to discover and enhance their strengths in a fun-filled educational environment.This project, funded through a $9,980 grant from the NJEA Frederick L. Hipp Foundation for Excellence in Education and Verizon will create an awareness that each child is a productive and integral part of the community. The program allows students with a variety of abilities and disabilities opportunities to explore friendships and a sense of belonging with families and their community.
Students will develop and improve socialization skills through travel in the community and participation in a weekly Friendship Club. Through an "Evening of Caring," working with family and community members, students complete a creative service learning project demonstrating their ability to help others. A community "Diversity Day" will help students increase their knowledge of commonalities and help them embrace differences among people.
Through travel/community-based instruction, creative arts, and food/cooking skills students will "hit the road" after practicing money handling and purchasing skills in class. Activities will include:
• Writing and speaking about their travels and the photos taken;
• Learning about table setting, reading recipes, using utensils and making simple foods;
• Dancing, singing, and arts and crafts will provide opportunities for self-expression.
In-kind contributions are in place from a neighborhood restaurant, staff members who have donated appliances and cookbooks, janitorial staff who set up the program space and the district’s transportation department.