Saint James Elementary School in Red Bank was named the recipient of the 2016 OceanFirst Model Classroom grant program.
The pre-K-8 school, located at 30 Peters Place in Red Bank, was awarded $10,000 to create a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) lab. The grant will be used to facilitate the school’s STEM curriculum and purchase furniture and equipment needed for the new STEM lab.
According to the press release, the goal of the 2016 Model Classroom Grant Program is to support bold and innovative schools that have the vision, creativity and desire to develop model classrooms for learning. The grants support schools that are committed to creating and promoting a culture of academic excellence; improving and enhancing classroom instruction; and embracing new technology, tools and training that add value to the learning experience and help improve student achievement.
The OceanFirst Foundation has a long history of supporting education. It has awarded $150,000 in grants to 15 local schools — a total of 86 local schools applied.
Saint James was one of five elementary schools that was awarded a $10,000 grant in the elementary school category. Saint James will use their grant to create a designated STEM lab from an outdated school library, providing Saint James’ middle school students the opportunity to become 21st-century problem solvers, innovators, creators and collaborators.
“I am thankful to the OceanFirst Foundation, our teachers for their enthusiasm and progressive thinking with respect to instruction, our students for their desire to learn and challenge themselves, our parents for supporting the school’s efforts, and a special thank you to Mrs. (Catherine) Golden, vice principal, for writing the grant proposal. The financial award will go a long way towards redesigning an outdated
library into a fully equipped STEM lab,” Saint James Principal Mrs. JoAnn Giordano said.
Saint James Elementary School is a Catholic school that serves students and families in the greater Red Bank/Middletown area. For more information, visit www.mysaintjames.com or call 732-741-3363.