SOUTH BRUNSWICK: Foundation gives $12K in grants

By Ed Birch, Special Writer
   The South Brunswick Education Foundation awarded more than $12,000 to 17 teachers for the upcoming school year.
   Foundation President Robert Long. presented the awards during a recent Board of Education meeting.The foundation is a privately funded organization that supplements educational programs within the township, and is includes several former board members in its membership.
   Most of the selected programs involve increased use of technology, with most of the awards going towards the purchase of newly released iPads, according to the organization.
   South Brunswick High School teacher Justin Negraval received a grant for “Google Jockeying,” and Lisa Manganello received funding called “Flip for Technology.” Kelly Boyer’s submission entitled “Afterschool Peer Support” received funding as well as Patricia Bramson, Donna Sichta, and Kathleen Kirby, with a program entitled “Health Living Program.”
   Gina Welsh was awarded a grant for “Ryan’s Story Assembly Program,” Catherine LaMoreaux received funding for a project called “Computer for Writing for Film and Media Class” and Christina Santowasso was funded for “iPad.”
   Willa Laskowitz from Crossroads North Middle School received funding for a proposal that was called “iPad2, Web 2.0 Technology Proposal.”
   On the elementary school level, the team of Rachel Atzert, Amy Bertelsen Robles, Allison Dubois, and Jennifer Leach were awarded funds for a project labeled “Sensory Kits.”
   Debra Bevan of Constable School received assistance for a program called “Mountain Math and Mountain Language.” Jennifer Kamm of Cambridge School supplemented her program by receiving funding for “Enhancing Learning with iPads.”
   Leah Carlson and Linda Mills from Greenbrook School got funding for a proposal labeled “Recess with a Purpose.” Suzanne Tiedemann from Brunswick Acres was able to fund her program called “The iPad 2 could Provide Numberous Apportunities for Artists.”
   Carol Piza, Robert Henning, and Lynne Sultan-Weinstein of Monmouth Junction School earned funding for a student leadership initiative called “The Leader in Me.”
   Mirna Rooney and Jennifer Alberta of Brooks Crossing were awarded funding for their presentation “iPad as a Resource for Special Education Students.” Christina Doles successfully presented a proposal for both Cambridge School and Brooks Crossing entitled “Social Skills Training/Character Education.”
   Judy Adams, Tracey Ricco, and Heather Christopher presented a proposal to benefit the entire School District called “Student Leadership Initiative – The Leader In Me.”
   The foundation raises funds through private donations, and events such as the Tour De South Brunswick bicycle ride through South Brunswick Township every spring, and an evening program in October with a dinner entitled “A Taste of South Brunswick” which features local restaurants in town showing off their sample menus.
   Further information on the Foundation may be found either at its website, or on the South Brunswick Board of Education website.