FY 2021 Grant Distribution $177,666
Racial / Income Inequities
New Approaches in the Classroom
Professional Development
July 2020 - Jun 2021 NSF by the Numbers
- Received gifts from 500 donors and endowment funds
- Made 46 grants totaling $177,666
- Affected 12,000+ students and faculty
- Reached 23 schools in the NPS system
Programs We Fund
Over the past five years, Newton Schools Foundation has granted the Newton Public Schools more than $750,000 to support initiatives across the school system.
Newton Schools Foundation Grants Funded These Programs in the Newton Public Schools
Select a category:
New Approaches in the Classroom
AuthorFest
AuthorFest
This one-day event presented by the Creative Arts and Sciences Committee brings authors and illustrators to all elementary and middle schools to engage students in the writing and illustrating process.
Applicant: Stacey Moriarty, NPS Director of Creative Arts & Sciences
Schools: Angier, Bowen, Burr, Cabot, Countryside, Franklin, Horace-Mann, Mason-Rice, Memorial-Spaulding, Peirce, Ward, Williams, Underwood, Zervas, Bigelow, Brown, Day, Oak Hill
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $11,000
Civics/English Language Arts Holocaust Unit
READ MORE
Civics/English Language Arts Holocaust Unit new
8th grade civics classes will learn the history of the Holocaust and its lasting impact, as well as to connect it to problems in society. At the same time, students will read The Boy on the Wooden Box in English classes. This text is a memoir written by the youngest person on Schindler's List. This will personalize the historical issue and bring the two contents together in a meaningful way.
Applicant: Victoria Munsell
Schools: Brown
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $500
Classroom Diverse Book Library
Classroom Diverse Book Library
This initiative provides classroom-based collections of fiction and non-fiction books that depict positive images of people of color and raise issues of social justice.
Applicant: Joanne Cudkowicz
Schools: Bowen
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $1,200
Culturally Responsive Trauma Classrooms
Culturally Responsive Trauma Classrooms new
Create classroom environments with the goal of promoting wellness, integrates social and emotional learning experiences and universal instructional practices for all students.
Applicant: Stephanie Lefever, Toni Kelly and Shelia Morris
Schools: Franklin
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $2580
Fostering Lifelong Music Learning with the Ukulele
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Fostering Lifelong Music Learning with the Ukulele new
A team of five elementary music teachers will explore, develop, and pilot a K-5 scope and sequence of ukulele music lesson units with the goal of establishing the ukulele as a standard general music classroom instrument. Throughout the 21-22 school year, the team will share their work and experiences with the full elementary music department during fine arts department professional development meetings and will make a recommendation to the department in May, 2022, with a plan of action to establish an elementary ukulele program in Newton Public Schools elementary music programs.
Applicant: Kathleen McIntosh
Schools: Pilot: Bowen, Burr, Franklin, Mason-Rice, Ward
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $6843
Generation Citizen
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Generation Citizen
Eighth graders learn how to affect meaningful change through civic action by choosing and researching an issue, developing a plan, and taking concrete action. On Civics Day, Generation Citizen students from around Massachusetts share their presentations at the Massachusetts State House.
Applicant: Alan Ripp, K-8 history curriculum coordinator
Schools: Brown, Bigelow, Day, Oak Hill
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $10,000
Healthy Living for Emotional and Physical Development
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Healthy Living for Emotional and Physical Development new
The goal of this project is to engage students in hands on scaffolded nutrition classes. These multi-disciplinary lessons provide students with the opportunity to develop life long skills and healthy habits for independent living and improved mental health.
Applicant: Diane Locheed
Schools: Central High School
Date Approved: Jan. 19 2021
Amount: $2800
Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks Book Purchase
Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks Book Purchase new
NSF will purchase copies of the book for students in junior year biology classes to engage in learning about science through an anti-racist lens.
Applicant: Emma Lichtenstein
Schools: Newton North
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $1700
Integrated Arts Curriculum
Integrated Arts Curriculum
Science and social studies curriculum coordinators collaborate with art teachers to enrich and deepen children’s understanding of all three areas of study.
Applicant: Alexandra Etscovitz, art teacher, Memorial Spaulding
Schools: Memorial Spaulding
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $5,600
Middle School Peer Leadership
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Middle School Peer Leadership
Newton middle schools offer the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Peer Mentorship program, “A World of Difference.” Teachers participate in advisory meetings, and students attend the ADL Congress in Boston and later present to younger students on bullying, cyber bullying and anti-bias behaviors to build social responsibility and a more inclusive and respectful school community.
Applicant: Middle School Principals
Schools: Bigelow, Brown, Day, Oak Hill
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $2,000
Music for All
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Music for All new
Music is a critical part of the preschool curriculum and classroom experience. Music is used as a teaching tool throughout the day and across all curriculum areas. Students with disabilities often require adaptive materials, such as switch accessible instruments, in order to access musical activities and the general education curriculum. NSF will fund music materials so all can participate.
Applicant: Melissa Rice, Chelsea LeBlanc, Ashley Raven and Michelle Simon
Schools: Newton Early Childhood Program
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $4260
New Media Communities at Newton South
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New Media Communities at Newton South new
New Media Communities at Newton South (NMC) is a project-based, innovation-focused smaller learning community that joins English and History with media production and media analysis. Students elect to join during their Sophomore and Junior years, and during that time, they study standards-based skills and content in English and History while applying them to the world around them through audio and audio-visual projects. This grant will help elevate the media production work that students will complete, allowing students to gain a new understanding of how the media shape consciousness and how to use media to change the world.
Applicant: David Weintraub
Schools: Newton South
Date Approved: Jan. 19 2021
Amount: $13,000
New Text to Talk Diverse Book Library
New Text to Talk Diverse Book Library new
A new curated a set of books for K-3 teachers to use as a supplement to their literacy instruction and their SEL and anti-racist instruction.
Applicant: Brenna Green
Schools: Cabot
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $2632
Rainbow Pride
Rainbow Pride new
An affinity afterschool club for LBGTQIA students, which fosters a safe community for all students who identify as LBGTQIA, have LBGTQIA family members, or want to be allies.
Applicant: Stephanie Lefever & Melissa Chiozzi
Schools: Franklin
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $400
School Store
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School Store new
Special education students will access the school store for practical and meaningful job training . It will also create a functioning school store space for students to further develop their vocational and independent living skills. Staff and students will be able to access the store as a community-building space that will grow into one that can be accessed by the entire NSHS community.
Applicant: John Curley
Schools: Newton South
Date Approved: Jan. 19 2021
Amount: $1760
STEAM in the Classroom
STEAM in the Classroom new
Introduce art curriculum into the 6,7 and 8th grades as part of their overall STEM education.
Applicant: Sherry Edwards
Schools: F.A. Day
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $3000
The Portal: Gateway to Globalization
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The Portal: Gateway to Globalization
The Portal event provides an immersive educational experience using video technology to “teleport” students to another portal around the country or across the globe, offering an interactive learning experience, to gain an understanding of one another that can only come through shared spaces.
Applicant: Tom Finnegan, history teacher, Newton North
Schools: Newton North
Amount: $5,000
The Voice of Literature
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The Voice of Literature new
The funding of this grant will be used to bring in local poet and Newton North alumni, Chen Chen, to give students exposure to a real life poet and help them refine their craft. Chen Chen is a successful poet-in-residence at Brandeis University. We would like haveg Chen Chen come to a number of English classes to run personalized workshops over the course of a few days. The unit will deepen student appreciation for the power of the written word while celebrating diversity and empowering students to speak their minds.
Applicant: Alex Laser
Schools: Newton North
Date Approved: November 9 2020
Amount: $2000
Urban Garden
Urban Garden
In coordination with City Green Growers, students learn local food systems in the context of ecology and sustainability, and the community learns about sustainable urban agriculture.
Applicant: Kathryn Teissier du Cros, World Language and Anndy Dannenberg, Science
Schools: Newton North
Date Approved: FY 2020
Virtual Band Project
Virtual Band Project new
Funding provides for three classes; Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Ensemble to produce a virtual band recording of some of the music all students have been working on this year.
Applicant: Lisa Linde
Schools: Newton South
Date Approved: Jan. 19 2021
Amount: $1900
Writing as Activism – Nic Stone Author Visit
READ MORE
Writing as Activism – Nic Stone Author Visit new
In her inspiring presentation titled “Writing as Activism”, Nic Stone, shares her own experience growing up as a Black girl in a mostly white school, and how feeling under-represented in curriculum materials inspired her to be an author and to write books with characters who look like her that are now taught in schools all over the United States. She also shares how current events inspired her young adult and middle-grade novels, Dear Martin and Clean Getaway. Bringing Nic Stone to Brown, is part of a Universal Design Learning unit where students think about how to harness their energy to research a topic and advocate for racial and social justice - whether it be to write to a politician, a letter to the editor, a business, or a piece of fiction, related to a topic they feel passionate about.
Applicant: Adrian Pickworth
Schools: Brown
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $500
AuthorFest
AuthorFest
This one-day event presented by the Creative Arts and Sciences Committee brings authors and illustrators to all elementary and middle schools to engage students in the writing and illustrating process.
Applicant: Stacey Moriarty, NPS Director of Creative Arts & Sciences
Schools: Angier, Bowen, Burr, Cabot, Countryside, Franklin, Horace-Mann, Mason-Rice, Memorial-Spaulding, Peirce, Ward, Williams, Underwood, Zervas, Bigelow, Brown, Day, Oak Hill
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $11,000
Classroom Diverse Book Library
Classroom Diverse Book Library
This initiative provides classroom-based collections of fiction and non-fiction books that depict positive images of people of color and raise issues of social justice.
Applicant: Joanne Cudkowicz
Schools: Bowen
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $1,200
Culturally Responsive Trauma Classrooms
Culturally Responsive Trauma Classrooms new
Create classroom environments with the goal of promoting wellness, integrates social and emotional learning experiences and universal instructional practices for all students.
Applicant: Stephanie Lefever, Toni Kelly and Shelia Morris
Schools: Franklin
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $2580
Fostering Lifelong Music Learning with the Ukulele
READ MORE
Fostering Lifelong Music Learning with the Ukulele new
A team of five elementary music teachers will explore, develop, and pilot a K-5 scope and sequence of ukulele music lesson units with the goal of establishing the ukulele as a standard general music classroom instrument. Throughout the 21-22 school year, the team will share their work and experiences with the full elementary music department during fine arts department professional development meetings and will make a recommendation to the department in May, 2022, with a plan of action to establish an elementary ukulele program in Newton Public Schools elementary music programs.
Applicant: Kathleen McIntosh
Schools: Pilot: Bowen, Burr, Franklin, Mason-Rice, Ward
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $6843
Integrated Arts Curriculum
Integrated Arts Curriculum
Science and social studies curriculum coordinators collaborate with art teachers to enrich and deepen children’s understanding of all three areas of study.
Applicant: Alexandra Etscovitz, art teacher, Memorial Spaulding
Schools: Memorial Spaulding
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $5,600
New Text to Talk Diverse Book Library
New Text to Talk Diverse Book Library new
A new curated a set of books for K-3 teachers to use as a supplement to their literacy instruction and their SEL and anti-racist instruction.
Applicant: Brenna Green
Schools: Cabot
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $2632
Rainbow Pride
Rainbow Pride new
An affinity afterschool club for LBGTQIA students, which fosters a safe community for all students who identify as LBGTQIA, have LBGTQIA family members, or want to be allies.
Applicant: Stephanie Lefever & Melissa Chiozzi
Schools: Franklin
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $400
AuthorFest
AuthorFest
This one-day event presented by the Creative Arts and Sciences Committee brings authors and illustrators to all elementary and middle schools to engage students in the writing and illustrating process.
Applicant: Stacey Moriarty, NPS Director of Creative Arts & Sciences
Schools: Angier, Bowen, Burr, Cabot, Countryside, Franklin, Horace-Mann, Mason-Rice, Memorial-Spaulding, Peirce, Ward, Williams, Underwood, Zervas, Bigelow, Brown, Day, Oak Hill
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $11,000
Civics/English Language Arts Holocaust Unit
READ MORE
Civics/English Language Arts Holocaust Unit new
8th grade civics classes will learn the history of the Holocaust and its lasting impact, as well as to connect it to problems in society. At the same time, students will read The Boy on the Wooden Box in English classes. This text is a memoir written by the youngest person on Schindler's List. This will personalize the historical issue and bring the two contents together in a meaningful way.
Applicant: Victoria Munsell
Schools: Brown
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $500
Generation Citizen
READ MORE
Generation Citizen
Eighth graders learn how to affect meaningful change through civic action by choosing and researching an issue, developing a plan, and taking concrete action. On Civics Day, Generation Citizen students from around Massachusetts share their presentations at the Massachusetts State House.
Applicant: Alan Ripp, K-8 history curriculum coordinator
Schools: Brown, Bigelow, Day, Oak Hill
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $10,000
Middle School Peer Leadership
READ MORE
Middle School Peer Leadership
Newton middle schools offer the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Peer Mentorship program, “A World of Difference.” Teachers participate in advisory meetings, and students attend the ADL Congress in Boston and later present to younger students on bullying, cyber bullying and anti-bias behaviors to build social responsibility and a more inclusive and respectful school community.
Applicant: Middle School Principals
Schools: Bigelow, Brown, Day, Oak Hill
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $2,000
STEAM in the Classroom
STEAM in the Classroom new
Introduce art curriculum into the 6,7 and 8th grades as part of their overall STEM education.
Applicant: Sherry Edwards
Schools: F.A. Day
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $3000
Writing as Activism – Nic Stone Author Visit
READ MORE
Writing as Activism – Nic Stone Author Visit new
In her inspiring presentation titled “Writing as Activism”, Nic Stone, shares her own experience growing up as a Black girl in a mostly white school, and how feeling under-represented in curriculum materials inspired her to be an author and to write books with characters who look like her that are now taught in schools all over the United States. She also shares how current events inspired her young adult and middle-grade novels, Dear Martin and Clean Getaway. Bringing Nic Stone to Brown, is part of a Universal Design Learning unit where students think about how to harness their energy to research a topic and advocate for racial and social justice - whether it be to write to a politician, a letter to the editor, a business, or a piece of fiction, related to a topic they feel passionate about.
Applicant: Adrian Pickworth
Schools: Brown
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $500
Healthy Living for Emotional and Physical Development
READ MORE
Healthy Living for Emotional and Physical Development new
The goal of this project is to engage students in hands on scaffolded nutrition classes. These multi-disciplinary lessons provide students with the opportunity to develop life long skills and healthy habits for independent living and improved mental health.
Applicant: Diane Locheed
Schools: Central High School
Date Approved: Jan. 19 2021
Amount: $2800
Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks Book Purchase
Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks Book Purchase new
NSF will purchase copies of the book for students in junior year biology classes to engage in learning about science through an anti-racist lens.
Applicant: Emma Lichtenstein
Schools: Newton North
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $1700
New Media Communities at Newton South
READ MORE
New Media Communities at Newton South new
New Media Communities at Newton South (NMC) is a project-based, innovation-focused smaller learning community that joins English and History with media production and media analysis. Students elect to join during their Sophomore and Junior years, and during that time, they study standards-based skills and content in English and History while applying them to the world around them through audio and audio-visual projects. This grant will help elevate the media production work that students will complete, allowing students to gain a new understanding of how the media shape consciousness and how to use media to change the world.
Applicant: David Weintraub
Schools: Newton South
Date Approved: Jan. 19 2021
Amount: $13,000
School Store
READ MORE
School Store new
Special education students will access the school store for practical and meaningful job training . It will also create a functioning school store space for students to further develop their vocational and independent living skills. Staff and students will be able to access the store as a community-building space that will grow into one that can be accessed by the entire NSHS community.
Applicant: John Curley
Schools: Newton South
Date Approved: Jan. 19 2021
Amount: $1760
The Portal: Gateway to Globalization
READ MORE
The Portal: Gateway to Globalization
The Portal event provides an immersive educational experience using video technology to “teleport” students to another portal around the country or across the globe, offering an interactive learning experience, to gain an understanding of one another that can only come through shared spaces.
Applicant: Tom Finnegan, history teacher, Newton North
Schools: Newton North
Amount: $5,000
The Voice of Literature
READ MORE
The Voice of Literature new
The funding of this grant will be used to bring in local poet and Newton North alumni, Chen Chen, to give students exposure to a real life poet and help them refine their craft. Chen Chen is a successful poet-in-residence at Brandeis University. We would like haveg Chen Chen come to a number of English classes to run personalized workshops over the course of a few days. The unit will deepen student appreciation for the power of the written word while celebrating diversity and empowering students to speak their minds.
Applicant: Alex Laser
Schools: Newton North
Date Approved: November 9 2020
Amount: $2000
Urban Garden
Urban Garden
In coordination with City Green Growers, students learn local food systems in the context of ecology and sustainability, and the community learns about sustainable urban agriculture.
Applicant: Kathryn Teissier du Cros, World Language and Anndy Dannenberg, Science
Schools: Newton North
Date Approved: FY 2020
Virtual Band Project
Virtual Band Project new
Funding provides for three classes; Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Ensemble to produce a virtual band recording of some of the music all students have been working on this year.
Applicant: Lisa Linde
Schools: Newton South
Date Approved: Jan. 19 2021
Amount: $1900
Professional Development
“Cultivating Genius” Book Group
READ MORE
“Cultivating Genius” Book Group new
This will be a four-session book group meeting to study the book Cultivating Genius: An Equity Framework for Culturally and Historically Responsive Literacy, by Gholdy Muhammad. Participants will meet four times and plan to incorporate this framework into literacy instruction.
Applicant: Deanna Lew
Schools: Districtwide
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $885
Anti Racist Book Club for Faculty
READ MORE
Anti Racist Book Club for Faculty new
The Cabot Anti Racist Committee will run a book club with staff using the text "Cultivating Genius: An Equity Framework for Culturally and Historically Responsive Literacy" by Gholdy Muhammad. This book will support educators in designing instruction that reflects students' identities and engages them by recognizing their identity and the identity of their peers. The project will also be aligned with the district goal of meeting the needs of all learners to provide educational equity because it is designed for teachers to further their understanding of how to use literacy to empower students and help them think critically within our current socio-political-cultural context.
Applicant: Emily Nunez
Schools: Cabot
Date Approved: Jan. 19 2021
Amount: $1250
Beyond The Classroom
Beyond The Classroom
This professional development conference helps international trip leaders craft meaningful and engaging international learning experiences for students.
Applicant: Samantha Mandel, Global Programs Manager
Schools: Newton North and Newton South
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $3,750
Book Study on Race and Culture for Teachers
Book Study on Race and Culture for Teachers
Teachers select to read one of four books about racial and cultural experiences prior to a spring professional development event, and continue discussions into the summer.
Date Approved: FY 2020
Culturally Proficient Teaching
Culturally Proficient Teaching
This course trains and supports teachers on the cluster model of grouping students of color in upper-level classes—a model which Newton North High School has adopted in order to boost student success.
Applicant: Michelle Leong, English Teacher
Schools: Newton North
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $2,100
Decodable Books for Mason-Rice
READ MORE
Decodable Books for Mason-Rice new
The grant will all the purchase of decodable books for the school’s book room for teachers to use flexibly based on the needs of their students each year. Through this project, there will be continued professional development with teachers on all of the scientific, research based components of skilled reading.
Applicant: Jennifer Lindstrom
Schools: Mason-Rice
Date Approved: November 9 2020
Amount: $1100
Elementary Teacher Summer Writing Institute
Elementary Teacher Summer Writing Institute
This highly regarded program fosters successful teaching strategies for implementing the Common Core-aligned writing curriculum, which is designed to enable students to become better writers for the information age.
Applicant: Deana Lew, K-5 ELA Curriculum Coordinator
Schools: All Elementary Schools
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $7,500
Enhancing the Knowledge and Skills of NPS Staff to Respond to Students’ Challenging Behavior
READ MORE
Enhancing the Knowledge and Skills of NPS Staff to Respond to Students’ Challenging Behavior new
Given the many stressors that students have been experiencing over the past year, and that they continue to experience, students with a wide variety of learning profiles are presenting with behavioral challenges, warranting the need for additional training for our staff. Training is needed for BCBA staff, but also for our behavior therapists, teaching assistants, general and special education teachers, and all other staff who are supporting students who present with challenging behaviors.
Applicant: James Ellis
Schools: District
Date Approved: Jan. 19 2021
Amount: $5000
Expanding Special Education Assessment Understanding and Tools
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Expanding Special Education Assessment Understanding and Tools new
This project will expand teacher's knowledge and expertise in the area of testing students for learning disabilities. It explores new measures available that the district currently does not have/use and analyze their worth for initial and re-evaluations for special education.
Applicant: Allison Hutchinson
Schools: Horace Mann
Date Approved: Jan. 19 2021
Amount: $2000
LIPS: Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing Program for Reading, Spelling, and Speech Training Course
LIPS: Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing Program for Reading, Spelling, and Speech Training Course new
A multi-disciplinary team will use this training to support students that struggle to learn to read and do not respond to the general special education materials from which most students benefit.
Applicant: Ellie Pinsky
Schools: Williams
Date Approved: Jan. 19 2021
Amount: $1500
Modern Classrooms Project Summer Institute
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Modern Classrooms Project Summer Institute new
The Modern Classrooms Project 2021 Summer Institute is a four week professional development workshop which contains expert-led presentations, connections with experts and peers and close work with an expert mentor to build instructional videos, mastery checks and other content materials for 8th grade science classrooms.
Applicant: Jessie Cadigan
Schools: Oak Hill
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $495
National Educator Anti-Racist Conference
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National Educator Anti-Racist Conference
A group of 10 Newton South teachers spearheaded a Summer 2020 national conference. Over 10,000 teachers and educators across all 50 states participated in this week-long book read and discussion by notable multi-cultural speakers on how to embed Anti-Racist teaching in Teacher Preparation Programs, School and District Leadership, Teaching Social Studies, Educator Unions, English and ELL (dual language speakers) and Foreign Language Teaching. In addition, there were sessions with practical tips for educators teaching English, Math, Science, Special Education, Early Childhood and Upper Elementary.
Applicant: Joana Chacon, Newton South English Teacher
Schools: All Schools
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $5,000
Newton North Cluster Program
Newton North Cluster Program new
Professional development for teachers to ensure they are well-skilled in pedagogical practices to help students of color succeed in high level classes.
Applicant: Michele Leong and Dave Bennett
Schools: Newton North
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $3759
Restorative Practices Training
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Restorative Practices Training
Statewide disciplinary trends continue to show that African American and Latino students, and students with identified disabilities and supported with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), continue to be suspended at rates significantly greater than their peers. Through this program, leaders within the district receive training that enables them to help improve the culture and climate within each school community, deepen the social-emotional learning opportunities for students, and offer restorative discipline as an adjunct or, in some cases, an alternative to suspensions.
Applicant: Art Ferguson, School Psychologist
Schools: K-12
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $10,500
Smart Music Training
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Smart Music Training
Seven middle school music teachers participate in a three-day training to implement Smart Music, a software program that allows them to assess music students individually, which the current large ensemble model does not. This enables the student to work towards specific musical skills and concepts that relate to the class and ensemble.
Applicant: Caleb Cutler, middle school music teacher and Richard King, K-8 Fine Arts Coordinator
Schools: Brown, Bigelow, Day, Oak Hill
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $10,000
Storytelling Approach in the World Language Classroom
Storytelling Approach in the World Language Classroom new
Professional development for all middles school world language teachers on Storytelling Strategies as a way to provide comprehensible input for middle school language students.
Applicant: Joanna Modica
Schools: All Middle Schools
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $5000
Supporting Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities (Alternative High Schools)
Supporting Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities (Alternative High Schools)
This project includes intensive mindfulness training for high school staff that support students with emotional and behavioral disabilities.
Applicant: Diane Locheed, Director, Central High School
Schools: Central High School
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $6,000
Teachers as Scholars
Teachers as Scholars new
Teachers participate in a multi-day seminar led by a leading professor in humanities, social sciences, teacher collaboration, and curriculum development.
Applicant: Kate Shaughnessy English Teacher, Newton North
Schools: Newton North and Newton South
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $2960
Therapies for Severe Speech Sound Disorders
Therapies for Severe Speech Sound Disorders
Expands the therapeutic skill set and resources of speech-language pathologists in order to improve student outcomes.
Applicant: Kate Finnerty, Suzanne Bugemann, Zervas
Schools: K-5
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $725
Time to Talk
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Time to Talk new
NSF is funding teachers to attend professional development conferences as they pertain to the Time To Talk program, which provides students with a space to discuss and learn about race, racism and how it impacts their experiences both in and outside school.
Applicant: Elizabeth Opiyo, Alison Wilson
Schools: Oak Hill
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $600
“Cultivating Genius” Book Group
READ MORE
“Cultivating Genius” Book Group new
This will be a four-session book group meeting to study the book Cultivating Genius: An Equity Framework for Culturally and Historically Responsive Literacy, by Gholdy Muhammad. Participants will meet four times and plan to incorporate this framework into literacy instruction.
Applicant: Deanna Lew
Schools: Districtwide
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $885
Anti Racist Book Club for Faculty
READ MORE
Anti Racist Book Club for Faculty new
The Cabot Anti Racist Committee will run a book club with staff using the text "Cultivating Genius: An Equity Framework for Culturally and Historically Responsive Literacy" by Gholdy Muhammad. This book will support educators in designing instruction that reflects students' identities and engages them by recognizing their identity and the identity of their peers. The project will also be aligned with the district goal of meeting the needs of all learners to provide educational equity because it is designed for teachers to further their understanding of how to use literacy to empower students and help them think critically within our current socio-political-cultural context.
Applicant: Emily Nunez
Schools: Cabot
Date Approved: Jan. 19 2021
Amount: $1250
Book Study on Race and Culture for Teachers
Book Study on Race and Culture for Teachers
Teachers select to read one of four books about racial and cultural experiences prior to a spring professional development event, and continue discussions into the summer.
Date Approved: FY 2020
Decodable Books for Mason-Rice
READ MORE
Decodable Books for Mason-Rice new
The grant will all the purchase of decodable books for the school’s book room for teachers to use flexibly based on the needs of their students each year. Through this project, there will be continued professional development with teachers on all of the scientific, research based components of skilled reading.
Applicant: Jennifer Lindstrom
Schools: Mason-Rice
Date Approved: November 9 2020
Amount: $1100
Elementary Teacher Summer Writing Institute
Elementary Teacher Summer Writing Institute
This highly regarded program fosters successful teaching strategies for implementing the Common Core-aligned writing curriculum, which is designed to enable students to become better writers for the information age.
Applicant: Deana Lew, K-5 ELA Curriculum Coordinator
Schools: All Elementary Schools
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $7,500
Enhancing the Knowledge and Skills of NPS Staff to Respond to Students’ Challenging Behavior
READ MORE
Enhancing the Knowledge and Skills of NPS Staff to Respond to Students’ Challenging Behavior new
Given the many stressors that students have been experiencing over the past year, and that they continue to experience, students with a wide variety of learning profiles are presenting with behavioral challenges, warranting the need for additional training for our staff. Training is needed for BCBA staff, but also for our behavior therapists, teaching assistants, general and special education teachers, and all other staff who are supporting students who present with challenging behaviors.
Applicant: James Ellis
Schools: District
Date Approved: Jan. 19 2021
Amount: $5000
Expanding Special Education Assessment Understanding and Tools
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Expanding Special Education Assessment Understanding and Tools new
This project will expand teacher's knowledge and expertise in the area of testing students for learning disabilities. It explores new measures available that the district currently does not have/use and analyze their worth for initial and re-evaluations for special education.
Applicant: Allison Hutchinson
Schools: Horace Mann
Date Approved: Jan. 19 2021
Amount: $2000
LIPS: Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing Program for Reading, Spelling, and Speech Training Course
LIPS: Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing Program for Reading, Spelling, and Speech Training Course new
A multi-disciplinary team will use this training to support students that struggle to learn to read and do not respond to the general special education materials from which most students benefit.
Applicant: Ellie Pinsky
Schools: Williams
Date Approved: Jan. 19 2021
Amount: $1500
National Educator Anti-Racist Conference
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National Educator Anti-Racist Conference
A group of 10 Newton South teachers spearheaded a Summer 2020 national conference. Over 10,000 teachers and educators across all 50 states participated in this week-long book read and discussion by notable multi-cultural speakers on how to embed Anti-Racist teaching in Teacher Preparation Programs, School and District Leadership, Teaching Social Studies, Educator Unions, English and ELL (dual language speakers) and Foreign Language Teaching. In addition, there were sessions with practical tips for educators teaching English, Math, Science, Special Education, Early Childhood and Upper Elementary.
Applicant: Joana Chacon, Newton South English Teacher
Schools: All Schools
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $5,000
Restorative Practices Training
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Restorative Practices Training
Statewide disciplinary trends continue to show that African American and Latino students, and students with identified disabilities and supported with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), continue to be suspended at rates significantly greater than their peers. Through this program, leaders within the district receive training that enables them to help improve the culture and climate within each school community, deepen the social-emotional learning opportunities for students, and offer restorative discipline as an adjunct or, in some cases, an alternative to suspensions.
Applicant: Art Ferguson, School Psychologist
Schools: K-12
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $10,500
Therapies for Severe Speech Sound Disorders
Therapies for Severe Speech Sound Disorders
Expands the therapeutic skill set and resources of speech-language pathologists in order to improve student outcomes.
Applicant: Kate Finnerty, Suzanne Bugemann, Zervas
Schools: K-5
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $725
“Cultivating Genius” Book Group
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“Cultivating Genius” Book Group new
This will be a four-session book group meeting to study the book Cultivating Genius: An Equity Framework for Culturally and Historically Responsive Literacy, by Gholdy Muhammad. Participants will meet four times and plan to incorporate this framework into literacy instruction.
Applicant: Deanna Lew
Schools: Districtwide
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $885
Book Study on Race and Culture for Teachers
Book Study on Race and Culture for Teachers
Teachers select to read one of four books about racial and cultural experiences prior to a spring professional development event, and continue discussions into the summer.
Date Approved: FY 2020
Enhancing the Knowledge and Skills of NPS Staff to Respond to Students’ Challenging Behavior
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Enhancing the Knowledge and Skills of NPS Staff to Respond to Students’ Challenging Behavior new
Given the many stressors that students have been experiencing over the past year, and that they continue to experience, students with a wide variety of learning profiles are presenting with behavioral challenges, warranting the need for additional training for our staff. Training is needed for BCBA staff, but also for our behavior therapists, teaching assistants, general and special education teachers, and all other staff who are supporting students who present with challenging behaviors.
Applicant: James Ellis
Schools: District
Date Approved: Jan. 19 2021
Amount: $5000
Modern Classrooms Project Summer Institute
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Modern Classrooms Project Summer Institute new
The Modern Classrooms Project 2021 Summer Institute is a four week professional development workshop which contains expert-led presentations, connections with experts and peers and close work with an expert mentor to build instructional videos, mastery checks and other content materials for 8th grade science classrooms.
Applicant: Jessie Cadigan
Schools: Oak Hill
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $495
National Educator Anti-Racist Conference
READ MORE
National Educator Anti-Racist Conference
A group of 10 Newton South teachers spearheaded a Summer 2020 national conference. Over 10,000 teachers and educators across all 50 states participated in this week-long book read and discussion by notable multi-cultural speakers on how to embed Anti-Racist teaching in Teacher Preparation Programs, School and District Leadership, Teaching Social Studies, Educator Unions, English and ELL (dual language speakers) and Foreign Language Teaching. In addition, there were sessions with practical tips for educators teaching English, Math, Science, Special Education, Early Childhood and Upper Elementary.
Applicant: Joana Chacon, Newton South English Teacher
Schools: All Schools
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $5,000
Restorative Practices Training
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Restorative Practices Training
Statewide disciplinary trends continue to show that African American and Latino students, and students with identified disabilities and supported with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), continue to be suspended at rates significantly greater than their peers. Through this program, leaders within the district receive training that enables them to help improve the culture and climate within each school community, deepen the social-emotional learning opportunities for students, and offer restorative discipline as an adjunct or, in some cases, an alternative to suspensions.
Applicant: Art Ferguson, School Psychologist
Schools: K-12
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $10,500
Smart Music Training
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Smart Music Training
Seven middle school music teachers participate in a three-day training to implement Smart Music, a software program that allows them to assess music students individually, which the current large ensemble model does not. This enables the student to work towards specific musical skills and concepts that relate to the class and ensemble.
Applicant: Caleb Cutler, middle school music teacher and Richard King, K-8 Fine Arts Coordinator
Schools: Brown, Bigelow, Day, Oak Hill
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $10,000
Storytelling Approach in the World Language Classroom
Storytelling Approach in the World Language Classroom new
Professional development for all middles school world language teachers on Storytelling Strategies as a way to provide comprehensible input for middle school language students.
Applicant: Joanna Modica
Schools: All Middle Schools
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $5000
Time to Talk
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Time to Talk new
NSF is funding teachers to attend professional development conferences as they pertain to the Time To Talk program, which provides students with a space to discuss and learn about race, racism and how it impacts their experiences both in and outside school.
Applicant: Elizabeth Opiyo, Alison Wilson
Schools: Oak Hill
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $600
“Cultivating Genius” Book Group
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“Cultivating Genius” Book Group new
This will be a four-session book group meeting to study the book Cultivating Genius: An Equity Framework for Culturally and Historically Responsive Literacy, by Gholdy Muhammad. Participants will meet four times and plan to incorporate this framework into literacy instruction.
Applicant: Deanna Lew
Schools: Districtwide
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $885
Beyond The Classroom
Beyond The Classroom
This professional development conference helps international trip leaders craft meaningful and engaging international learning experiences for students.
Applicant: Samantha Mandel, Global Programs Manager
Schools: Newton North and Newton South
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $3,750
Book Study on Race and Culture for Teachers
Book Study on Race and Culture for Teachers
Teachers select to read one of four books about racial and cultural experiences prior to a spring professional development event, and continue discussions into the summer.
Date Approved: FY 2020
Culturally Proficient Teaching
Culturally Proficient Teaching
This course trains and supports teachers on the cluster model of grouping students of color in upper-level classes—a model which Newton North High School has adopted in order to boost student success.
Applicant: Michelle Leong, English Teacher
Schools: Newton North
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $2,100
Enhancing the Knowledge and Skills of NPS Staff to Respond to Students’ Challenging Behavior
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Enhancing the Knowledge and Skills of NPS Staff to Respond to Students’ Challenging Behavior new
Given the many stressors that students have been experiencing over the past year, and that they continue to experience, students with a wide variety of learning profiles are presenting with behavioral challenges, warranting the need for additional training for our staff. Training is needed for BCBA staff, but also for our behavior therapists, teaching assistants, general and special education teachers, and all other staff who are supporting students who present with challenging behaviors.
Applicant: James Ellis
Schools: District
Date Approved: Jan. 19 2021
Amount: $5000
National Educator Anti-Racist Conference
READ MORE
National Educator Anti-Racist Conference
A group of 10 Newton South teachers spearheaded a Summer 2020 national conference. Over 10,000 teachers and educators across all 50 states participated in this week-long book read and discussion by notable multi-cultural speakers on how to embed Anti-Racist teaching in Teacher Preparation Programs, School and District Leadership, Teaching Social Studies, Educator Unions, English and ELL (dual language speakers) and Foreign Language Teaching. In addition, there were sessions with practical tips for educators teaching English, Math, Science, Special Education, Early Childhood and Upper Elementary.
Applicant: Joana Chacon, Newton South English Teacher
Schools: All Schools
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $5,000
Newton North Cluster Program
Newton North Cluster Program new
Professional development for teachers to ensure they are well-skilled in pedagogical practices to help students of color succeed in high level classes.
Applicant: Michele Leong and Dave Bennett
Schools: Newton North
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $3759
Restorative Practices Training
READ MORE
Restorative Practices Training
Statewide disciplinary trends continue to show that African American and Latino students, and students with identified disabilities and supported with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), continue to be suspended at rates significantly greater than their peers. Through this program, leaders within the district receive training that enables them to help improve the culture and climate within each school community, deepen the social-emotional learning opportunities for students, and offer restorative discipline as an adjunct or, in some cases, an alternative to suspensions.
Applicant: Art Ferguson, School Psychologist
Schools: K-12
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $10,500
Supporting Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities (Alternative High Schools)
Supporting Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities (Alternative High Schools)
This project includes intensive mindfulness training for high school staff that support students with emotional and behavioral disabilities.
Applicant: Diane Locheed, Director, Central High School
Schools: Central High School
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $6,000
Teachers as Scholars
Teachers as Scholars new
Teachers participate in a multi-day seminar led by a leading professor in humanities, social sciences, teacher collaboration, and curriculum development.
Applicant: Kate Shaughnessy English Teacher, Newton North
Schools: Newton North and Newton South
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $2960
Programs That Address Racial and Income Inequities
All Are Welcome — AAPI Library Books
All Are Welcome — AAPI Library Books new
The All Are Welcome project will bring fiction texts to the Angier Library that features Asian American and Pacific Islander main characters.
Applicant: Liz Donovan
Schools: Angier
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $1140
Anti-Racist and Diverse Representations in Classroom Libraries
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Anti-Racist and Diverse Representations in Classroom Libraries new
Classroom libraries are a critical resource for students and are, right now, perhaps more important than ever to maintain. Research has shown that a student's academic achievement is closely tied to the amount of time spent reading. For classroom teachers to quickly and easily put contemporary and high-interest titles from their classroom library directly in the hands of students is critical for both reluctant and avid readers. It is also important to maintain a classroom library that is both current and represents the diversity of the student population by providing current to titles by authors of color and LGBTQ authors.
Applicant: Adrian Pickworth
Schools: Brown
Date Approved: Jan. 19 2021
Amount: $3900
AP United States History Summer Academy
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AP United States History Summer Academy
This summer program engages rising juniors of color with structured academic support to help them succeed in AP US History. During the academic year participating students are clustered together in a section taught by the summer lead teacher and meet bi-weekly for ongoing support.
Applicant: Ashley Chapman, History Teacher
Schools: Newton South
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $6,000
Chromebook Purchase for Distance Learning
Chromebook Purchase for Distance Learning
NSF responded to the urgent need to fund Chromebooks for students who needed access to remote learning during the spring of 2020.
Applicant: Superintendent’s office
Schools: K-12
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $85,500
Creating a Professional Learning Community to Boost Reading Achievement in Black and Hispanic First Graders
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Creating a Professional Learning Community to Boost Reading Achievement in Black and Hispanic First Graders new
A year-long professional learning community of 1st grade reading teachers (classroom teachers, literacy specialists, and interventionists) from across Newton Public Schools. The community will study culturally responsive reading instruction and best practices for teaching reading to BIPOC children. The cohort of teachers will put those ideas into practice by engaging in multiple, data- based inquiry cycles aimed at boosting Black and Hispanic students’ reading achievement.
Applicant: Alice Wong Tucker
Schools: All Elementary Schools
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $25,000
Culturally Sensitive Bilingual Testing Protocols
Culturally Sensitive Bilingual Testing Protocols
Supporting a goal to narrow the achievement gap, funds will be used to purchase the most reliable and updated tests to be used with the bilingual population.
Applicant: Lisa Dubinsky, Speech Therapist, Ward
Schools: K-12
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $1,275
Diversify Grade 2 Classroom Libraries
Diversify Grade 2 Classroom Libraries new
This collection of books will lead to discussions and action that will highlight our similarities and differences in our classrooms, while respecting and protecting each other through and through.
Applicant: Carla Uzell
Schools: Memorial-Spaulding
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $1140
Diversifying the SPED Classroom Library
Diversifying the SPED Classroom Library new
This collection of books will help supply two 7th grade Special Education classrooms. The books will feature a variety of voices, perspectives, and experiences at a variety of reading levels.
Applicant: Meredith Crowe
Schools: Brown
Date Approved: Jan. 19 2021
Amount: $256
Eighth Grade English Language Arts Novel Selection
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Eighth Grade English Language Arts Novel Selection new
This project will enable 8th grade ELA teachers to collaborate in the service of finding a replacement for Harper Lee’s classic To Kill a Mockingbird as a novel study unit. The 8th grade ELA team will continue to build itself as a community of learners and establish open dialogue around issues of representation in the curriculum, racial identity, and culturally responsive teaching. Students of color in 8th grade ELA classes will have an opportunity to read new novels written by authors of color that are affirming of their diverse identities.
Applicant: Joelle Pederson
Schools: District -- Various Middle Schools
Date Approved: Jan. 19 2021
Amount: $5339
Families Organizing for Racial Justice (FORJ)
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Families Organizing for Racial Justice (FORJ)
This group of diverse Newton families helps children learn about issues of power and inequality and how to stand up for racial justice. The organization seeks to generate understanding and curiosity about differences in our society, and to work together towards racial equity.
Applicant: Superintendent’s office
Schools: K-12
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $2500 ($11,500 total )
Increasing LGBTQ Representation Among Classroom Libraries
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Increasing LGBTQ Representation Among Classroom Libraries new
The goal of this project is to increase the visibility and representation of nonbinary and LGBTQ students at the elementary school level. One objective is to make these students feel represented in their classroom libraries. Another objective is to raise awareness for students who do not identify as LGBTQ so that they can be allies to their classmates if issues arise related to gender.
Applicant: Toni-Marie Kelly
Schools: Franklin
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $500
Instrumental Music Enrichment
Instrumental Music Enrichment
Professional instrumentalists support ensemble music programs and give individualized instruction to students who wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity for private lessons.
Applicant: Richard King, K-8 Fine Arts Coordinator
Schools: Lincoln-Eliot and Horace Mann
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $6,000
LETRS Units 5-8 Reading Intervention Professional Development
LETRS Units 5-8 Reading Intervention Professional Development new
Professional expertise is needed to diagnose and remediate reading difficulties. Participation by a Title 1 reading teacher in this program will help struggling readers at an early age.
Applicant: Alli Franke
Schools: Bowen and Countryside
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $410
Project Interface
Project Interface
At the district’s request NSF helped to fund the contract with this mental health referral service that provides immediate help to students in need of social and emotional services.
Applicant: Superintendent’s office and Student Services
Schools: K-12
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $20,000
Race in the Shakespeare Classroom
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Race in the Shakespeare Classroom new
Keith Hamilton Cobb, writer and actor of American Moor, will provide a workshop for 50 students in the senior Shakespeare classes. The play is about race in Shakespeare and he will teach how to approach Shakespeare in a culturally responsive, meaningful way.
Applicant: Jasmine Lellock
Schools: Newton South
Date Approved: Jan. 19 2021
Amount: $1000
Responsive Classroom Training – ELL Adaptation
Responsive Classroom Training – ELL Adaptation
A group of English Language Learning teachers (ELL) will create visual aids to help newly arrived ELL students access the Responsive Classroom curriculum.
Applicant: Gareth Lindwall Honig, ELL Professional Development Coordinator
Schools: K-5
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $1,500
South’s Peer Leadership Course: Texts and Guest Speakers that Inform our Actively Anti-Racist Action Planning
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South’s Peer Leadership Course: Texts and Guest Speakers that Inform our Actively Anti-Racist Action Planning new
The Peer Leadership Course at South, grades 10-12, which will serve 18-24 students, is explicitly focused on developing and supporting actively anti-racist student leaders. The students who take this peer leadership course will also be instrumental in facilitating future conversations in 9th grade history classes and potentially as members of our Courageous Conversations on Race group.
Applicant: Sarah Style
Schools: Newton South
Date Approved: Jan. 19 2021
Amount: $1875
Staff of Color Affinity Groups
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Staff of Color Affinity Groups new
Staff of Color in NPS represent a small percentage of the overall population and with this comes challenges of isolation, de-validation about personal experiences, and lack of community. The hope is that providing programs and a save space to engage and exchange ideas and experiences will offer a place of support and safety, which will positively impact their experience in NPS.
Applicant: Kathy Lopes
Schools: District
Date Approved: Jan. 19 2021
Amount: $5000
STEM for Students with Visual Impairment
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STEM for Students with Visual Impairment new
Today’s era is a STEM driven world so having access and gaining confidence with STEM subjects when in school is critical for early exposure and learning with a structured support system in place. Visually impaired students will develop self advocacy, speaking and leadership skills and a sense of community involvement. This funding will allow us to supply materials for the STEM related activities and buy materials to ensure the STEM curriculum can be adapted for the students during the 2020-2021 school year.
Applicant: Tammy Reisman
Schools: Newton North
Date Approved: November 9 2020
Amount: $325
Telling the History of Racial Justice, from the 19th century to 2021: A Conversation with Historians Kellie Carter Jackson and Kevin Levin
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Telling the History of Racial Justice, from the 19th century to 2021: A Conversation with Historians Kellie Carter Jackson and Kevin Levin new
A virtual webinar for NNHS students with special guests, Kellie Carter Jackson and Kevin Levin, both local and esteemed historians. Both are experts in 19th century American history. They would speak to their own areas of expertise (Black abolitionism and dispelling the myth of Black Confederate soldiers, respectively) and make connections to modern times – political division, transfer of power and racial backlash.
Applicant: Max Roberts
Schools: Newton North
Date Approved: Jan. 19 2021
Amount: $750
The Calculus Project
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The Calculus Project
Research indicates that success in higher-level high school mathematics is strongly associated with college enrollment and is one of the most reliable predictors of college completion. The Calculus Project aims to narrow the achievement gap in mathematics by increasing the number of African American, Hispanic and low-income students who enroll in and successfully complete calculus in high school.
Applicant: Jennifer Shore, K-8, Math Curriculum Coordinator
Schools: Brown, Bigelow, Day, Oak Hill, Newton North and Newton South
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $290,000
The Challenges and Work of Being Anti-Racist featuring Dr. Edward Fergus
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The Challenges and Work of Being Anti-Racist featuring Dr. Edward Fergus new
This event is designed to invite the NPS community (educators, parents, and Newton residents) to learn more about the work of anti-racism and what it looks like in action. The event is a collaboration between the NPS administration and FORJ board members as a way to provide context and information for updates and changes in our school practices in relation to COVID, our commitment to anti-racism, social emotional needs of students and capacity of educators.
Applicant: Kathy Lopes
Schools: Community Wide
Date Approved: Jan. 19 2021
Amount: $3000
Zervas One Book, One School Project
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Zervas One Book, One School Project new
All students will read one of two books that highlight issues of race and racism in our society (Counting on Katherine by Helaine Becker for K-2 students and Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly for grade 3-5 students ). Students will read this book in school and at home and will have follow up activities to engage in. Focused on issue of race and equity, families will be supported in learning how to use children's literature to talk with their children about issues of race. Books will be purchased from Black-owned bookstores.
Applicant: Diana Beck
Schools: Zervas
Date Approved: Jan. 19 2021
Amount: $1900
All Are Welcome — AAPI Library Books
All Are Welcome — AAPI Library Books new
The All Are Welcome project will bring fiction texts to the Angier Library that features Asian American and Pacific Islander main characters.
Applicant: Liz Donovan
Schools: Angier
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $1140
Chromebook Purchase for Distance Learning
Chromebook Purchase for Distance Learning
NSF responded to the urgent need to fund Chromebooks for students who needed access to remote learning during the spring of 2020.
Applicant: Superintendent’s office
Schools: K-12
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $85,500
Creating a Professional Learning Community to Boost Reading Achievement in Black and Hispanic First Graders
READ MORE
Creating a Professional Learning Community to Boost Reading Achievement in Black and Hispanic First Graders new
A year-long professional learning community of 1st grade reading teachers (classroom teachers, literacy specialists, and interventionists) from across Newton Public Schools. The community will study culturally responsive reading instruction and best practices for teaching reading to BIPOC children. The cohort of teachers will put those ideas into practice by engaging in multiple, data- based inquiry cycles aimed at boosting Black and Hispanic students’ reading achievement.
Applicant: Alice Wong Tucker
Schools: All Elementary Schools
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $25,000
Culturally Sensitive Bilingual Testing Protocols
Culturally Sensitive Bilingual Testing Protocols
Supporting a goal to narrow the achievement gap, funds will be used to purchase the most reliable and updated tests to be used with the bilingual population.
Applicant: Lisa Dubinsky, Speech Therapist, Ward
Schools: K-12
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $1,275
Diversify Grade 2 Classroom Libraries
Diversify Grade 2 Classroom Libraries new
This collection of books will lead to discussions and action that will highlight our similarities and differences in our classrooms, while respecting and protecting each other through and through.
Applicant: Carla Uzell
Schools: Memorial-Spaulding
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $1140
Families Organizing for Racial Justice (FORJ)
READ MORE
Families Organizing for Racial Justice (FORJ)
This group of diverse Newton families helps children learn about issues of power and inequality and how to stand up for racial justice. The organization seeks to generate understanding and curiosity about differences in our society, and to work together towards racial equity.
Applicant: Superintendent’s office
Schools: K-12
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $2500 ($11,500 total )
Increasing LGBTQ Representation Among Classroom Libraries
READ MORE
Increasing LGBTQ Representation Among Classroom Libraries new
The goal of this project is to increase the visibility and representation of nonbinary and LGBTQ students at the elementary school level. One objective is to make these students feel represented in their classroom libraries. Another objective is to raise awareness for students who do not identify as LGBTQ so that they can be allies to their classmates if issues arise related to gender.
Applicant: Toni-Marie Kelly
Schools: Franklin
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $500
Instrumental Music Enrichment
Instrumental Music Enrichment
Professional instrumentalists support ensemble music programs and give individualized instruction to students who wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity for private lessons.
Applicant: Richard King, K-8 Fine Arts Coordinator
Schools: Lincoln-Eliot and Horace Mann
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $6,000
LETRS Units 5-8 Reading Intervention Professional Development
LETRS Units 5-8 Reading Intervention Professional Development new
Professional expertise is needed to diagnose and remediate reading difficulties. Participation by a Title 1 reading teacher in this program will help struggling readers at an early age.
Applicant: Alli Franke
Schools: Bowen and Countryside
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $410
Project Interface
Project Interface
At the district’s request NSF helped to fund the contract with this mental health referral service that provides immediate help to students in need of social and emotional services.
Applicant: Superintendent’s office and Student Services
Schools: K-12
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $20,000
Responsive Classroom Training – ELL Adaptation
Responsive Classroom Training – ELL Adaptation
A group of English Language Learning teachers (ELL) will create visual aids to help newly arrived ELL students access the Responsive Classroom curriculum.
Applicant: Gareth Lindwall Honig, ELL Professional Development Coordinator
Schools: K-5
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $1,500
Staff of Color Affinity Groups
READ MORE
Staff of Color Affinity Groups new
Staff of Color in NPS represent a small percentage of the overall population and with this comes challenges of isolation, de-validation about personal experiences, and lack of community. The hope is that providing programs and a save space to engage and exchange ideas and experiences will offer a place of support and safety, which will positively impact their experience in NPS.
Applicant: Kathy Lopes
Schools: District
Date Approved: Jan. 19 2021
Amount: $5000
The Challenges and Work of Being Anti-Racist featuring Dr. Edward Fergus
READ MORE
The Challenges and Work of Being Anti-Racist featuring Dr. Edward Fergus new
This event is designed to invite the NPS community (educators, parents, and Newton residents) to learn more about the work of anti-racism and what it looks like in action. The event is a collaboration between the NPS administration and FORJ board members as a way to provide context and information for updates and changes in our school practices in relation to COVID, our commitment to anti-racism, social emotional needs of students and capacity of educators.
Applicant: Kathy Lopes
Schools: Community Wide
Date Approved: Jan. 19 2021
Amount: $3000
Zervas One Book, One School Project
READ MORE
Zervas One Book, One School Project new
All students will read one of two books that highlight issues of race and racism in our society (Counting on Katherine by Helaine Becker for K-2 students and Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly for grade 3-5 students ). Students will read this book in school and at home and will have follow up activities to engage in. Focused on issue of race and equity, families will be supported in learning how to use children's literature to talk with their children about issues of race. Books will be purchased from Black-owned bookstores.
Applicant: Diana Beck
Schools: Zervas
Date Approved: Jan. 19 2021
Amount: $1900
Anti-Racist and Diverse Representations in Classroom Libraries
READ MORE
Anti-Racist and Diverse Representations in Classroom Libraries new
Classroom libraries are a critical resource for students and are, right now, perhaps more important than ever to maintain. Research has shown that a student's academic achievement is closely tied to the amount of time spent reading. For classroom teachers to quickly and easily put contemporary and high-interest titles from their classroom library directly in the hands of students is critical for both reluctant and avid readers. It is also important to maintain a classroom library that is both current and represents the diversity of the student population by providing current to titles by authors of color and LGBTQ authors.
Applicant: Adrian Pickworth
Schools: Brown
Date Approved: Jan. 19 2021
Amount: $3900
Chromebook Purchase for Distance Learning
Chromebook Purchase for Distance Learning
NSF responded to the urgent need to fund Chromebooks for students who needed access to remote learning during the spring of 2020.
Applicant: Superintendent’s office
Schools: K-12
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $85,500
Culturally Sensitive Bilingual Testing Protocols
Culturally Sensitive Bilingual Testing Protocols
Supporting a goal to narrow the achievement gap, funds will be used to purchase the most reliable and updated tests to be used with the bilingual population.
Applicant: Lisa Dubinsky, Speech Therapist, Ward
Schools: K-12
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $1,275
Diversifying the SPED Classroom Library
Diversifying the SPED Classroom Library new
This collection of books will help supply two 7th grade Special Education classrooms. The books will feature a variety of voices, perspectives, and experiences at a variety of reading levels.
Applicant: Meredith Crowe
Schools: Brown
Date Approved: Jan. 19 2021
Amount: $256
Eighth Grade English Language Arts Novel Selection
READ MORE
Eighth Grade English Language Arts Novel Selection new
This project will enable 8th grade ELA teachers to collaborate in the service of finding a replacement for Harper Lee’s classic To Kill a Mockingbird as a novel study unit. The 8th grade ELA team will continue to build itself as a community of learners and establish open dialogue around issues of representation in the curriculum, racial identity, and culturally responsive teaching. Students of color in 8th grade ELA classes will have an opportunity to read new novels written by authors of color that are affirming of their diverse identities.
Applicant: Joelle Pederson
Schools: District -- Various Middle Schools
Date Approved: Jan. 19 2021
Amount: $5339
Families Organizing for Racial Justice (FORJ)
READ MORE
Families Organizing for Racial Justice (FORJ)
This group of diverse Newton families helps children learn about issues of power and inequality and how to stand up for racial justice. The organization seeks to generate understanding and curiosity about differences in our society, and to work together towards racial equity.
Applicant: Superintendent’s office
Schools: K-12
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $2500 ($11,500 total )
Project Interface
Project Interface
At the district’s request NSF helped to fund the contract with this mental health referral service that provides immediate help to students in need of social and emotional services.
Applicant: Superintendent’s office and Student Services
Schools: K-12
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $20,000
Staff of Color Affinity Groups
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Staff of Color Affinity Groups new
Staff of Color in NPS represent a small percentage of the overall population and with this comes challenges of isolation, de-validation about personal experiences, and lack of community. The hope is that providing programs and a save space to engage and exchange ideas and experiences will offer a place of support and safety, which will positively impact their experience in NPS.
Applicant: Kathy Lopes
Schools: District
Date Approved: Jan. 19 2021
Amount: $5000
The Calculus Project
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The Calculus Project
Research indicates that success in higher-level high school mathematics is strongly associated with college enrollment and is one of the most reliable predictors of college completion. The Calculus Project aims to narrow the achievement gap in mathematics by increasing the number of African American, Hispanic and low-income students who enroll in and successfully complete calculus in high school.
Applicant: Jennifer Shore, K-8, Math Curriculum Coordinator
Schools: Brown, Bigelow, Day, Oak Hill, Newton North and Newton South
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $290,000
The Challenges and Work of Being Anti-Racist featuring Dr. Edward Fergus
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The Challenges and Work of Being Anti-Racist featuring Dr. Edward Fergus new
This event is designed to invite the NPS community (educators, parents, and Newton residents) to learn more about the work of anti-racism and what it looks like in action. The event is a collaboration between the NPS administration and FORJ board members as a way to provide context and information for updates and changes in our school practices in relation to COVID, our commitment to anti-racism, social emotional needs of students and capacity of educators.
Applicant: Kathy Lopes
Schools: Community Wide
Date Approved: Jan. 19 2021
Amount: $3000
AP United States History Summer Academy
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AP United States History Summer Academy
This summer program engages rising juniors of color with structured academic support to help them succeed in AP US History. During the academic year participating students are clustered together in a section taught by the summer lead teacher and meet bi-weekly for ongoing support.
Applicant: Ashley Chapman, History Teacher
Schools: Newton South
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $6,000
Chromebook Purchase for Distance Learning
Chromebook Purchase for Distance Learning
NSF responded to the urgent need to fund Chromebooks for students who needed access to remote learning during the spring of 2020.
Applicant: Superintendent’s office
Schools: K-12
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $85,500
Culturally Sensitive Bilingual Testing Protocols
Culturally Sensitive Bilingual Testing Protocols
Supporting a goal to narrow the achievement gap, funds will be used to purchase the most reliable and updated tests to be used with the bilingual population.
Applicant: Lisa Dubinsky, Speech Therapist, Ward
Schools: K-12
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $1,275
Families Organizing for Racial Justice (FORJ)
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Families Organizing for Racial Justice (FORJ)
This group of diverse Newton families helps children learn about issues of power and inequality and how to stand up for racial justice. The organization seeks to generate understanding and curiosity about differences in our society, and to work together towards racial equity.
Applicant: Superintendent’s office
Schools: K-12
Date Approved: May 3, 2021
Amount: $2500 ($11,500 total )
Project Interface
Project Interface
At the district’s request NSF helped to fund the contract with this mental health referral service that provides immediate help to students in need of social and emotional services.
Applicant: Superintendent’s office and Student Services
Schools: K-12
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $20,000
Race in the Shakespeare Classroom
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Race in the Shakespeare Classroom new
Keith Hamilton Cobb, writer and actor of American Moor, will provide a workshop for 50 students in the senior Shakespeare classes. The play is about race in Shakespeare and he will teach how to approach Shakespeare in a culturally responsive, meaningful way.
Applicant: Jasmine Lellock
Schools: Newton South
Date Approved: Jan. 19 2021
Amount: $1000
South’s Peer Leadership Course: Texts and Guest Speakers that Inform our Actively Anti-Racist Action Planning
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South’s Peer Leadership Course: Texts and Guest Speakers that Inform our Actively Anti-Racist Action Planning new
The Peer Leadership Course at South, grades 10-12, which will serve 18-24 students, is explicitly focused on developing and supporting actively anti-racist student leaders. The students who take this peer leadership course will also be instrumental in facilitating future conversations in 9th grade history classes and potentially as members of our Courageous Conversations on Race group.
Applicant: Sarah Style
Schools: Newton South
Date Approved: Jan. 19 2021
Amount: $1875
Staff of Color Affinity Groups
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Staff of Color Affinity Groups new
Staff of Color in NPS represent a small percentage of the overall population and with this comes challenges of isolation, de-validation about personal experiences, and lack of community. The hope is that providing programs and a save space to engage and exchange ideas and experiences will offer a place of support and safety, which will positively impact their experience in NPS.
Applicant: Kathy Lopes
Schools: District
Date Approved: Jan. 19 2021
Amount: $5000
STEM for Students with Visual Impairment
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STEM for Students with Visual Impairment new
Today’s era is a STEM driven world so having access and gaining confidence with STEM subjects when in school is critical for early exposure and learning with a structured support system in place. Visually impaired students will develop self advocacy, speaking and leadership skills and a sense of community involvement. This funding will allow us to supply materials for the STEM related activities and buy materials to ensure the STEM curriculum can be adapted for the students during the 2020-2021 school year.
Applicant: Tammy Reisman
Schools: Newton North
Date Approved: November 9 2020
Amount: $325
Telling the History of Racial Justice, from the 19th century to 2021: A Conversation with Historians Kellie Carter Jackson and Kevin Levin
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Telling the History of Racial Justice, from the 19th century to 2021: A Conversation with Historians Kellie Carter Jackson and Kevin Levin new
A virtual webinar for NNHS students with special guests, Kellie Carter Jackson and Kevin Levin, both local and esteemed historians. Both are experts in 19th century American history. They would speak to their own areas of expertise (Black abolitionism and dispelling the myth of Black Confederate soldiers, respectively) and make connections to modern times – political division, transfer of power and racial backlash.
Applicant: Max Roberts
Schools: Newton North
Date Approved: Jan. 19 2021
Amount: $750
The Calculus Project
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The Calculus Project
Research indicates that success in higher-level high school mathematics is strongly associated with college enrollment and is one of the most reliable predictors of college completion. The Calculus Project aims to narrow the achievement gap in mathematics by increasing the number of African American, Hispanic and low-income students who enroll in and successfully complete calculus in high school.
Applicant: Jennifer Shore, K-8, Math Curriculum Coordinator
Schools: Brown, Bigelow, Day, Oak Hill, Newton North and Newton South
Date Approved: FY 2020
Amount: $290,000
The Challenges and Work of Being Anti-Racist featuring Dr. Edward Fergus
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The Challenges and Work of Being Anti-Racist featuring Dr. Edward Fergus new
This event is designed to invite the NPS community (educators, parents, and Newton residents) to learn more about the work of anti-racism and what it looks like in action. The event is a collaboration between the NPS administration and FORJ board members as a way to provide context and information for updates and changes in our school practices in relation to COVID, our commitment to anti-racism, social emotional needs of students and capacity of educators.
Applicant: Kathy Lopes
Schools: Community Wide
Date Approved: Jan. 19 2021
Amount: $3000
Other Programs NSF Supports
Ligerbots
Ligerbots is a robotics club that includes students, teacher coaches and parent mentors from both Newton North and Newton South High Schools. In 2008 NSF provided financial support to help build the program in Newton. The following year, NSF assumed financial oversight of the program, allowing for a more flexible use of funds than the Newton Public Schools can provide.
Beijing Jingshan Exchange Program
Each spring, the Newton-Beijing Jingshan School Exchange Program sends Newton teachers and high school students to the Jingshan School, Newton Public Schools’ sister school in Beijing. Newton hosts a similar group from the Jingshan School every fall. While in Beijing, teachers teach English and continue their own study of Chinese (Mandarin). Students attend classes in Chinese language, history, art, music, math, science, and martial arts — all in Chinese.
