Newton Schools Foundation

Advancing Excellence and Equity in Newton Public Schools

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Impact

Impact

FY2023 Grant Distribution ($)
$234,000

New Approaches in the Classroom

Professional Development for Teachers

Programs Promoting Equity for All Students

FY2023 Grant Distribution (#)
60 Grants

New Approaches in the Classroom

Professional Development for Teachers

Programs Promoting Equity for All Students

NSF by the Numbers:
FY2023

  • Made 60 grants totaling $234,000
  • Affected 12,000+ students and faculty
  • Reached all 23 schools in the NPS district (including NECP and Central HS)
  • Received gifts from 900+ donors and endowment funds
  • 800+ teachers recognized through NSF’s Honor Thy Teacher campaign

Programs We Fund

Since 1985, Newton Schools Foundation has granted the Newton Public Schools more than $4 million to support initiatives across the school system.

Newton Schools Foundation Grants Funded These Programs in the Newton Public Schools

Select a category: 

All

Elementary School

Middle School

High School

New Approaches in the Classroom

Classroom Take a Break Spaces

The project aims to obtain materials to update “Take a Break” spaces. The spaces help to promote emotional regulation in a developmentally appropriate way. In order for students to be highly engaged in academic content …

READ MORE

Classroom Take a Break Spaces

The project aims to obtain materials to update “Take a Break” spaces. The spaces help to promote emotional regulation in a developmentally appropriate way. In order for students to be highly engaged in academic content and instruction in their classrooms, self-regulation and a sense of belonging and safety is crucial. “Take a Break” spaces are a small, designated area in classrooms that help to facilitate a safe learning environment for all students. This tier one classroom structure is part of the puzzle that promotes strong belonging and connectedness for all students in our elementary classrooms. 

Applicant: Melissa Vigliotti

Schools: Williams

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $1,000

Co-Teacher Development Pilot Program

We are piloting a program for co-teachers to improve practices. We aim to shift the culture to one that increases parity in co-teaching relationships and provides opportunities for collaboration, collective resources and professional development.  While …

READ MORE

Co-Teacher Development Pilot Program

We are piloting a program for co-teachers to improve practices. We aim to shift the culture to one that increases parity in co-teaching relationships and provides opportunities for collaboration, collective resources and professional development.  While co-teaching is not a new model, approaching co-teaching holistically and collaboratively will give educators opportunities to approach their pedagogy differently. By piloting different models of co-teaching, teachers and Unit C staff will use their strengths in tandem, further developing professional skills. Refining the co-teaching dynamic will add to the educational experience for students. Effective collaboration will increase equity and accessibility for students.

Applicant: Emily Shire and Lillian Robinson

Schools: NSHS

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $9,247.08

Comprehensible Input Library for Middle School Spanish Learners – District Pilot

I would like to create a library of comprehensible books written for Spanish language learners so that all of my Spanish students will be able to select and read novels that interest them and are …

READ MORE

Comprehensible Input Library for Middle School Spanish Learners – District Pilot

I would like to create a library of comprehensible books written for Spanish language learners so that all of my Spanish students will be able to select and read novels that interest them and are at their appropriate reading level.   The world language department has been using methods of comprehensible input (CI) in order for our students to be able to acquire language. One very effective CI method, which has yet to be implemented in this district, is to have students select and read comprehensible books that interest them from a CI library (Innovations in the Classroom). Research shows that this helps every student in the class to be successful, not just the top learners (Programs that promote Equity for all).

Applicant: Laura Brady

Schools: Oak Hill

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $600

Cultivating Library Researchers: Fueling Research Skills with PearDeck for K-5 Library Teachers

This application requests funding for PearDeck access for four K-5 library teachers with the aim of enhancing students’ research skills and facilitating data comparison across their four schools while implementing a new research curriculum. Integrating …

READ MORE

Cultivating Library Researchers: Fueling Research Skills with PearDeck for K-5 Library Teachers

This application requests funding for PearDeck access for four K-5 library teachers with the aim of enhancing students' research skills and facilitating data comparison across their four schools while implementing a new research curriculum. Integrating a digital tool like PearDeck offers added support, aiding library teachers in tracking student progress and making personalized adjustments. Implementing common assessments at specific points in research units will enable modifications. Furthermore, in our PLC meetings, we will analyze the data and develop RTI activities to ensure all students meet their objectives. Finally, we will share with our Department best practices and newly updated lessons for teaching research.  

Applicant: Eileen Keane

Schools: Elementary

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $600

Digital Citizenship Tech Cards and Literature

We request culturally diverse picture books to address digital citizenship/wellness & online safety. We will select 2 books/grade level & visit classes. We will create grade level digital citizenship conversation cards for teachers to use …

READ MORE

Digital Citizenship Tech Cards and Literature

We request culturally diverse picture books to address digital citizenship/wellness & online safety. We will select 2 books/grade level & visit classes. We will create grade level digital citizenship conversation cards for teachers to use weekly. This project closely aligns with NSF's strategic goals of innovative classroom approaches and equitable education. By introducing digital citizenship concepts consistently across grade levels through discussion cards and engaging picture books, we are trying a new approach to empower teachers to confidently discuss these vital topics, contributing to the professional growth of Newton educators and the social emotional growth and digital wellness of all elementary students.

Applicant: Donna Busa

Schools: Elementary

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $4,000

Digital Tools for Targeted Speaking Practice

I would like to purchase an online application called Extempore for speaking practice to pilot for the WL Dept. I am looking at different applications that will more easily allow students to record and practice …

READ MORE

Digital Tools for Targeted Speaking Practice

I would like to purchase an online application called Extempore for speaking practice to pilot for the WL Dept. I am looking at different applications that will more easily allow students to record and practice synchronous and asynch conversations. Students at North take the MA Seal of Biliteracy in increasing numbers. Many of them pass on the first try; some need to retake one skill. This area is often speaking. Extempore increases fluency in speaking by mimicking AP and Seal structures and allowing visual, audio, or written prompts with no prep time so that students have to show what they know. If we can get more students to pass on a first attempt, the better. Students can leave North with digital portfolio of progress over 4 years.

Applicant: Denise Cremin

Schools: Newton North

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $2,967

Diversifying the 6th Grade Novel Study Unit

A committee of MS ELA teachers, literacy specialists, library teachers, and a member of the DEI department, will revise and update the current 6th grade novel study unit to center around a text that is …

READ MORE

Diversifying the 6th Grade Novel Study Unit

A committee of MS ELA teachers, literacy specialists, library teachers, and a member of the DEI department, will revise and update the current 6th grade novel study unit to center around a text that is engaging, culturally responsive, and rigorous.   Bringing a new novel study into 6th grade classrooms reflects innovation by incorporating a text that would be more engaging and culturally responsive. Creating curriculum as a grade level is excellent, job-embedded professional development, supporting collaboration and professional learning in a meaningful context. It also promotes equity in the sense of ensuring that all 6th grade students have a common reading experience and are held to common expectations across buildings.

Applicant: Joelle Pederson

Schools: Middle School

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $7,189.20

Elementary Adaptive Art Planning and Professional Development

Elementary schools with a citywide program will offer adaptive art in the 2024-25 school year. Visual Art teachers and Occupational Therapists require summer professional development and consultation to prepare for the launch of this initiative.…

READ MORE

Elementary Adaptive Art Planning and Professional Development

Elementary schools with a citywide program will offer adaptive art in the 2024-25 school year. Visual Art teachers and Occupational Therapists require summer professional development and consultation to prepare for the launch of this initiative. The summer curriculum writing and professional development will include the Bowen art teacher sharing the work documented during the pilot and the adaptations created by the Cabot visual art teacher where no adaptive art experience occurred. Liz Loya is a consultant from CAST with expertise in Universal Design for Learning and adaptive art She will assist the art teachers and OTs design approaches for implementing an adaptive art program that will meet the needs of diverse learners.

Applicant: Richard King

Schools: Elementary

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $5,650

Fine Arts for All

In 2021 we applied for and were approve for a grant that allowed us to expand our inventory of adapted musical equipment to be used at NECP. We want to expand on that project by …

READ MORE

Fine Arts for All

In 2021 we applied for and were approve for a grant that allowed us to expand our inventory of adapted musical equipment to be used at NECP. We want to expand on that project by acquiring accessible art materials to ensure access for all learners. In preschool, the bulk of curriculum is delivered through art and music. For students with limited motor movement, they often lack the ability to participate independently in curriculum activities because of the lack of adaptive equipment. By acquiring adapted art and music equipment, students with significant disabilities will have the opportunity to be able to participate independently with their peers, ensuring social-emotional wellbeing, educational equity, and academic excellence.

Applicant: Ashley Raven, Emily Nunes, and Kayla McAlister

Schools: NECP

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $2,487.40

Futuring: Developing the Next Strategic Plan for the Newton Public Schools

After a 4-part session to develop a Profile of a Newton Graduate, the district and stakeholder groups will work to develop a 3-5 year strategic plan for the district. The entire school community would be …

READ MORE

Futuring: Developing the Next Strategic Plan for the Newton Public Schools

After a 4-part session to develop a Profile of a Newton Graduate, the district and stakeholder groups will work to develop a 3-5 year strategic plan for the district. The entire school community would be affected and enhanced by a new strategic plan, but we aspire to 50 community members participating in the stakenolder engagement part of strategic planning.

Applicant: Anna Nolin

Schools: District Wide

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $16,800

Igniting a Writing Revolution

We will conduct a book-study on “The Writing Revolution 2.0,” with the aim of developing consistent writing scaffolds that can be explicitly taught in the special ed. classroom and generalized to the general ed. setting. 

Igniting a Writing Revolution

We will conduct a book-study on “The Writing Revolution 2.0,” with the aim of developing consistent writing scaffolds that can be explicitly taught in the special ed. classroom and generalized to the general ed. setting. 

Applicant: Caitlin Irwin

Schools: Oak Hill & District Special Ed. Programs

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $245

National Council of Teachers of English Annual Convention

The NCTE Convention is an annual event for ELA and literacy educators held all over the country. This November it will be in Boston, providing an excellent opportunity for NPS literacy educators to attend a …

READ MORE

National Council of Teachers of English Annual Convention

The NCTE Convention is an annual event for ELA and literacy educators held all over the country. This November it will be in Boston, providing an excellent opportunity for NPS literacy educators to attend a national conference without traveling.  

  • Literacy experts, researchers, & practitioners lead sessions in these strands:
  • Early Literacy - situated in social, historical, & cultural contexts.
  • Professional Development
  • LGBTQIA - critical pedagogy, and democratic teaching practices. Sessions encourage a broad definition of diversity and creation of safer, more inclusive schools
  • National Writing Project writing strand
  • Strand on issues, strategies regarding teaching and affirming BIPOC & ELL students
  • Research Strand - original research studies

Applicant: Deana Lew

Schools: Elementary

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $8,250

Professional Development- Keys to Literacy

I would like to bring Keys to Literacy, a PD program, to the science department at NNHS. I have taken PD through them in my previous district and believe they would be helpful to teachers.…

READ MORE

Professional Development- Keys to Literacy

I would like to bring Keys to Literacy, a PD program, to the science department at NNHS. I have taken PD through them in my previous district and believe they would be helpful to teachers. The Keys to Literacy program is Professional Development that provide a framework for teaching comprehension strategies and vocabulary routines. I think these strategies would be particularly helpful for our multilevel teachers in the North science department. We have a wide range of skills in the ML classrooms, including ELs and students with disabilities. Many of the techniques shown in the PD show scaffolding that would help a teacher in the multilevel setting. achers in multilevel classes. 

Applicant: Melanie Pennison

Schools: NNHS

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $1,950

SEL Preschool Pals

For this project, I am asking for access to Al’s Pals SEL curriculum for use with my afternoon inclusion preschool students who are specifically working on social skills and emotion regulation. I plan to use …

READ MORE

SEL Preschool Pals

For this project, I am asking for access to Al’s Pals SEL curriculum for use with my afternoon inclusion preschool students who are specifically working on social skills and emotion regulation. I plan to use Al’s Pals with my afternoon preschool students, who particularly struggle with emotion regulation and social conflicts. As a school, NECP has begun examining SEL curriculum with an anti-ableist lens. Al’s Pals is an innovative curriculum that directly addresses Adverse Childhood Experiences, student diversity, and aligns with neurodiversity affirming practices. These are the areas my students are struggling with the most and where many other curriculum fails to address.

Applicant: Darcy Howell

Schools: NECP

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $1,225.70

SEL Tools for Lincoln Eliot

This project aims to obtain materials to support “Take a Break” spaces and to provide students with sensory tools to help them self-regulate to better be able to attend to classroom lessons and work. Though …

READ MORE

SEL Tools for Lincoln Eliot

This project aims to obtain materials to support “Take a Break” spaces and to provide students with sensory tools to help them self-regulate to better be able to attend to classroom lessons and work. Though many classroom teachers are open to implementing SEL tools, there has never been a budget for these materials. Many teachers have not been trained in tools that may help students exhibiting certain behaviors. Implementing tools to help students self-regulate is both a recent innovation in education, as well as an avenue to promote equity in that all students will have access to what they need to help them do their best learning.

Applicant: Jen Terrazzino

Schools: Lincoln Eliot

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $693

Strengthening Inclusion and SEL: In-class Break Spaces 2 (expansion)

The project aims to obtain additional materials to already successful “Calm Corner” spaces. The current project has been hugely successful and the team recognizes the need for additional materials. “Calm Corners” allow students to remain …

READ MORE

Strengthening Inclusion and SEL: In-class Break Spaces 2 (expansion)

The project aims to obtain additional materials to already successful “Calm Corner” spaces. The current project has been hugely successful and the team recognizes the need for additional materials. "Calm Corners" allow students to remain in their learning environment while they are regulating their bodies and emotions. Seeing other students using the same space and tools allows students to recognize feelings are universal--we all need a calm corner sometimes. This program is innovative in its approach and in the fact that these corners are available in every classroom as well as every special. No matter who you are or where you are, the tools are available to everyone.

Applicant: Emily Josephsohn

Schools: Burr

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $ 1501.54

Teachers As Scholars

Teachers participate in small, 2 day seminars led by university staff in the arts, humanities, math, and science, and are thus reconnected to the world of scholarship. Participants will explore a niche area of content …

READ MORE

Teachers As Scholars

Teachers participate in small, 2 day seminars led by university staff in the arts, humanities, math, and science, and are thus reconnected to the world of scholarship. Participants will explore a niche area of content to progress their own learning.

Applicant: Dani Johnson

Schools: NNHS

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $3,375

The L

The L is a system of subway lines, markers, and signage. Designed to be developmentally appropriate for students and ADA compliant, this UDL supports the science of wayfinding which increases independence, reduces anxiety, and improves …

READ MORE

The L

The L is a system of subway lines, markers, and signage. Designed to be developmentally appropriate for students and ADA compliant, this UDL supports the science of wayfinding which increases independence, reduces anxiety, and improves library usage. As part of my professional goal, I’m to visit public and school libraries to learn about the impact of wayfinding. A design for The L has been made and supplies must be ordered. Collaboration with NNHS Ed Tech program and Graphics Department will result in signage that allows students to navigate their space, meeting the required library outcomes for research and reading for leisure in NPS. By March, the system should be in place and lessons K-5 will be taught to introduce their new environment.

Applicant: Liz Donovan

Schools: Angier

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $2,400

Tier 1 SEL Take a Break Spaces, SEL Reboot Part 2

The project aims to obtain materials to create “Take a Break” spaces. This structure provides students with a developmentally appropriate space in the classroom where they can learn to recognize and react to emotions in …

READ MORE

Tier 1 SEL Take a Break Spaces, SEL Reboot Part 2

The project aims to obtain materials to create “Take a Break” spaces. This structure provides students with a developmentally appropriate space in the classroom where they can learn to recognize and react to emotions in a healthy & productive way. In order for students to be engaged in learning, self-regulation, a sense of belonging and safety is crucial. “Take a Break” spaces are designated areas in classrooms that help facilitate a safe learning environment for all students. This Tier 1 classroom structure is part of the puzzle that promotes belonging and connectedness for all students. Having an organized binder and bin of materials & explicitly teaching how to use this calming, regulating space is key to its effectiveness.

Applicant: Lisa LaCava

Schools: Mason Rice

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $ 780.92

Tier 2 & 3 Intervention & Progress Monitoring for Students in the ACHIEVE program

We want to purchase 17 licenses for Freckle Math & Read Live so that students in our ACHIEVE program (students with dyslexia) have access to rigorous, research-based, scaffolded reading & math intervention that also provides …

READ MORE

Tier 2 & 3 Intervention & Progress Monitoring for Students in the ACHIEVE program

We want to purchase 17 licenses for Freckle Math & Read Live so that students in our ACHIEVE program (students with dyslexia) have access to rigorous, research-based, scaffolded reading & math intervention that also provides actionable progress data. Read Naturally is used in NPS for reading assessment & fluency intervention. Read Live is the online extension of Read Naturally. Read Live is particularly helpful for students who have reading disabilities because it reads content to students and provides actionable progress data for teachers. Freckle Math provides scaffolded standards-based math intervention to students, with problems read aloud if needed for students with dyslexia, and provides actionable progress data to teachers.

Applicant: Suzanne Griffin & Orla Higgins Averill

Schools: Angier

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $760.75

Using a Trauma Informed and Culturally Responsive Approach for Behavioral Interventions

This project will extend training provided through a 2023 NSF grant to increase the knowledge and skills of staff in selecting and implementing behavior interventions that are Trauma Informed, Culturally Responsive, and Neurodivergent positive. Many …

READ MORE

Using a Trauma Informed and Culturally Responsive Approach for Behavioral Interventions

This project will extend training provided through a 2023 NSF grant to increase the knowledge and skills of staff in selecting and implementing behavior interventions that are Trauma Informed, Culturally Responsive, and Neurodivergent positive. Many practices used to address students’ behavioral challenges are no longer appropriate because they do not consider the cultural variables, cognitive variations, or potential trauma histories of students. This project will allow NPS to target professional training and support to specific staff (with a focus on Unit C staff) to ensure that they have the skills and knowledge to select and implement interventions that are Trauma Informed, Culturally Responsive, and Neurodivergent positive.

Applicant: James Ellis

Schools: District Wide

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $8,350

Classroom Take a Break Spaces

The project aims to obtain materials to update “Take a Break” spaces. The spaces help to promote emotional regulation in a developmentally appropriate way. In order for students to be highly engaged in academic content …

READ MORE

Classroom Take a Break Spaces

The project aims to obtain materials to update “Take a Break” spaces. The spaces help to promote emotional regulation in a developmentally appropriate way. In order for students to be highly engaged in academic content and instruction in their classrooms, self-regulation and a sense of belonging and safety is crucial. “Take a Break” spaces are a small, designated area in classrooms that help to facilitate a safe learning environment for all students. This tier one classroom structure is part of the puzzle that promotes strong belonging and connectedness for all students in our elementary classrooms. 

Applicant: Melissa Vigliotti

Schools: Williams

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $1,000

Digital Citizenship Tech Cards and Literature

We request culturally diverse picture books to address digital citizenship/wellness & online safety. We will select 2 books/grade level & visit classes. We will create grade level digital citizenship conversation cards for teachers to use …

READ MORE

Digital Citizenship Tech Cards and Literature

We request culturally diverse picture books to address digital citizenship/wellness & online safety. We will select 2 books/grade level & visit classes. We will create grade level digital citizenship conversation cards for teachers to use weekly. This project closely aligns with NSF's strategic goals of innovative classroom approaches and equitable education. By introducing digital citizenship concepts consistently across grade levels through discussion cards and engaging picture books, we are trying a new approach to empower teachers to confidently discuss these vital topics, contributing to the professional growth of Newton educators and the social emotional growth and digital wellness of all elementary students.

Applicant: Donna Busa

Schools: Elementary

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $4,000

Elementary Adaptive Art Planning and Professional Development

Elementary schools with a citywide program will offer adaptive art in the 2024-25 school year. Visual Art teachers and Occupational Therapists require summer professional development and consultation to prepare for the launch of this initiative.…

READ MORE

Elementary Adaptive Art Planning and Professional Development

Elementary schools with a citywide program will offer adaptive art in the 2024-25 school year. Visual Art teachers and Occupational Therapists require summer professional development and consultation to prepare for the launch of this initiative. The summer curriculum writing and professional development will include the Bowen art teacher sharing the work documented during the pilot and the adaptations created by the Cabot visual art teacher where no adaptive art experience occurred. Liz Loya is a consultant from CAST with expertise in Universal Design for Learning and adaptive art She will assist the art teachers and OTs design approaches for implementing an adaptive art program that will meet the needs of diverse learners.

Applicant: Richard King

Schools: Elementary

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $5,650

Futuring: Developing the Next Strategic Plan for the Newton Public Schools

After a 4-part session to develop a Profile of a Newton Graduate, the district and stakeholder groups will work to develop a 3-5 year strategic plan for the district. The entire school community would be …

READ MORE

Futuring: Developing the Next Strategic Plan for the Newton Public Schools

After a 4-part session to develop a Profile of a Newton Graduate, the district and stakeholder groups will work to develop a 3-5 year strategic plan for the district. The entire school community would be affected and enhanced by a new strategic plan, but we aspire to 50 community members participating in the stakenolder engagement part of strategic planning.

Applicant: Anna Nolin

Schools: District Wide

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $16,800

National Council of Teachers of English Annual Convention

The NCTE Convention is an annual event for ELA and literacy educators held all over the country. This November it will be in Boston, providing an excellent opportunity for NPS literacy educators to attend a …

READ MORE

National Council of Teachers of English Annual Convention

The NCTE Convention is an annual event for ELA and literacy educators held all over the country. This November it will be in Boston, providing an excellent opportunity for NPS literacy educators to attend a national conference without traveling.  

  • Literacy experts, researchers, & practitioners lead sessions in these strands:
  • Early Literacy - situated in social, historical, & cultural contexts.
  • Professional Development
  • LGBTQIA - critical pedagogy, and democratic teaching practices. Sessions encourage a broad definition of diversity and creation of safer, more inclusive schools
  • National Writing Project writing strand
  • Strand on issues, strategies regarding teaching and affirming BIPOC & ELL students
  • Research Strand - original research studies

Applicant: Deana Lew

Schools: Elementary

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $8,250

SEL Tools for Lincoln Eliot

This project aims to obtain materials to support “Take a Break” spaces and to provide students with sensory tools to help them self-regulate to better be able to attend to classroom lessons and work. Though …

READ MORE

SEL Tools for Lincoln Eliot

This project aims to obtain materials to support “Take a Break” spaces and to provide students with sensory tools to help them self-regulate to better be able to attend to classroom lessons and work. Though many classroom teachers are open to implementing SEL tools, there has never been a budget for these materials. Many teachers have not been trained in tools that may help students exhibiting certain behaviors. Implementing tools to help students self-regulate is both a recent innovation in education, as well as an avenue to promote equity in that all students will have access to what they need to help them do their best learning.

Applicant: Jen Terrazzino

Schools: Lincoln Eliot

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $693

Strengthening Inclusion and SEL: In-class Break Spaces 2 (expansion)

The project aims to obtain additional materials to already successful “Calm Corner” spaces. The current project has been hugely successful and the team recognizes the need for additional materials. “Calm Corners” allow students to remain …

READ MORE

Strengthening Inclusion and SEL: In-class Break Spaces 2 (expansion)

The project aims to obtain additional materials to already successful “Calm Corner” spaces. The current project has been hugely successful and the team recognizes the need for additional materials. "Calm Corners" allow students to remain in their learning environment while they are regulating their bodies and emotions. Seeing other students using the same space and tools allows students to recognize feelings are universal--we all need a calm corner sometimes. This program is innovative in its approach and in the fact that these corners are available in every classroom as well as every special. No matter who you are or where you are, the tools are available to everyone.

Applicant: Emily Josephsohn

Schools: Burr

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $ 1501.54

The L

The L is a system of subway lines, markers, and signage. Designed to be developmentally appropriate for students and ADA compliant, this UDL supports the science of wayfinding which increases independence, reduces anxiety, and improves …

READ MORE

The L

The L is a system of subway lines, markers, and signage. Designed to be developmentally appropriate for students and ADA compliant, this UDL supports the science of wayfinding which increases independence, reduces anxiety, and improves library usage. As part of my professional goal, I’m to visit public and school libraries to learn about the impact of wayfinding. A design for The L has been made and supplies must be ordered. Collaboration with NNHS Ed Tech program and Graphics Department will result in signage that allows students to navigate their space, meeting the required library outcomes for research and reading for leisure in NPS. By March, the system should be in place and lessons K-5 will be taught to introduce their new environment.

Applicant: Liz Donovan

Schools: Angier

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $2,400

Tier 1 SEL Take a Break Spaces, SEL Reboot Part 2

The project aims to obtain materials to create “Take a Break” spaces. This structure provides students with a developmentally appropriate space in the classroom where they can learn to recognize and react to emotions in …

READ MORE

Tier 1 SEL Take a Break Spaces, SEL Reboot Part 2

The project aims to obtain materials to create “Take a Break” spaces. This structure provides students with a developmentally appropriate space in the classroom where they can learn to recognize and react to emotions in a healthy & productive way. In order for students to be engaged in learning, self-regulation, a sense of belonging and safety is crucial. “Take a Break” spaces are designated areas in classrooms that help facilitate a safe learning environment for all students. This Tier 1 classroom structure is part of the puzzle that promotes belonging and connectedness for all students. Having an organized binder and bin of materials & explicitly teaching how to use this calming, regulating space is key to its effectiveness.

Applicant: Lisa LaCava

Schools: Mason Rice

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $ 780.92

Tier 2 & 3 Intervention & Progress Monitoring for Students in the ACHIEVE program

We want to purchase 17 licenses for Freckle Math & Read Live so that students in our ACHIEVE program (students with dyslexia) have access to rigorous, research-based, scaffolded reading & math intervention that also provides …

READ MORE

Tier 2 & 3 Intervention & Progress Monitoring for Students in the ACHIEVE program

We want to purchase 17 licenses for Freckle Math & Read Live so that students in our ACHIEVE program (students with dyslexia) have access to rigorous, research-based, scaffolded reading & math intervention that also provides actionable progress data. Read Naturally is used in NPS for reading assessment & fluency intervention. Read Live is the online extension of Read Naturally. Read Live is particularly helpful for students who have reading disabilities because it reads content to students and provides actionable progress data for teachers. Freckle Math provides scaffolded standards-based math intervention to students, with problems read aloud if needed for students with dyslexia, and provides actionable progress data to teachers.

Applicant: Suzanne Griffin & Orla Higgins Averill

Schools: Angier

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $760.75

Using a Trauma Informed and Culturally Responsive Approach for Behavioral Interventions

This project will extend training provided through a 2023 NSF grant to increase the knowledge and skills of staff in selecting and implementing behavior interventions that are Trauma Informed, Culturally Responsive, and Neurodivergent positive. Many …

READ MORE

Using a Trauma Informed and Culturally Responsive Approach for Behavioral Interventions

This project will extend training provided through a 2023 NSF grant to increase the knowledge and skills of staff in selecting and implementing behavior interventions that are Trauma Informed, Culturally Responsive, and Neurodivergent positive. Many practices used to address students’ behavioral challenges are no longer appropriate because they do not consider the cultural variables, cognitive variations, or potential trauma histories of students. This project will allow NPS to target professional training and support to specific staff (with a focus on Unit C staff) to ensure that they have the skills and knowledge to select and implement interventions that are Trauma Informed, Culturally Responsive, and Neurodivergent positive.

Applicant: James Ellis

Schools: District Wide

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $8,350

Comprehensible Input Library for Middle School Spanish Learners – District Pilot

I would like to create a library of comprehensible books written for Spanish language learners so that all of my Spanish students will be able to select and read novels that interest them and are …

READ MORE

Comprehensible Input Library for Middle School Spanish Learners – District Pilot

I would like to create a library of comprehensible books written for Spanish language learners so that all of my Spanish students will be able to select and read novels that interest them and are at their appropriate reading level.   The world language department has been using methods of comprehensible input (CI) in order for our students to be able to acquire language. One very effective CI method, which has yet to be implemented in this district, is to have students select and read comprehensible books that interest them from a CI library (Innovations in the Classroom). Research shows that this helps every student in the class to be successful, not just the top learners (Programs that promote Equity for all).

Applicant: Laura Brady

Schools: Oak Hill

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $600

Diversifying the 6th Grade Novel Study Unit

A committee of MS ELA teachers, literacy specialists, library teachers, and a member of the DEI department, will revise and update the current 6th grade novel study unit to center around a text that is …

READ MORE

Diversifying the 6th Grade Novel Study Unit

A committee of MS ELA teachers, literacy specialists, library teachers, and a member of the DEI department, will revise and update the current 6th grade novel study unit to center around a text that is engaging, culturally responsive, and rigorous.   Bringing a new novel study into 6th grade classrooms reflects innovation by incorporating a text that would be more engaging and culturally responsive. Creating curriculum as a grade level is excellent, job-embedded professional development, supporting collaboration and professional learning in a meaningful context. It also promotes equity in the sense of ensuring that all 6th grade students have a common reading experience and are held to common expectations across buildings.

Applicant: Joelle Pederson

Schools: Middle School

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $7,189.20

Futuring: Developing the Next Strategic Plan for the Newton Public Schools

After a 4-part session to develop a Profile of a Newton Graduate, the district and stakeholder groups will work to develop a 3-5 year strategic plan for the district. The entire school community would be …

READ MORE

Futuring: Developing the Next Strategic Plan for the Newton Public Schools

After a 4-part session to develop a Profile of a Newton Graduate, the district and stakeholder groups will work to develop a 3-5 year strategic plan for the district. The entire school community would be affected and enhanced by a new strategic plan, but we aspire to 50 community members participating in the stakenolder engagement part of strategic planning.

Applicant: Anna Nolin

Schools: District Wide

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $16,800

Igniting a Writing Revolution

We will conduct a book-study on “The Writing Revolution 2.0,” with the aim of developing consistent writing scaffolds that can be explicitly taught in the special ed. classroom and generalized to the general ed. setting. 

Igniting a Writing Revolution

We will conduct a book-study on “The Writing Revolution 2.0,” with the aim of developing consistent writing scaffolds that can be explicitly taught in the special ed. classroom and generalized to the general ed. setting. 

Applicant: Caitlin Irwin

Schools: Oak Hill & District Special Ed. Programs

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $245

Using a Trauma Informed and Culturally Responsive Approach for Behavioral Interventions

This project will extend training provided through a 2023 NSF grant to increase the knowledge and skills of staff in selecting and implementing behavior interventions that are Trauma Informed, Culturally Responsive, and Neurodivergent positive. Many …

READ MORE

Using a Trauma Informed and Culturally Responsive Approach for Behavioral Interventions

This project will extend training provided through a 2023 NSF grant to increase the knowledge and skills of staff in selecting and implementing behavior interventions that are Trauma Informed, Culturally Responsive, and Neurodivergent positive. Many practices used to address students’ behavioral challenges are no longer appropriate because they do not consider the cultural variables, cognitive variations, or potential trauma histories of students. This project will allow NPS to target professional training and support to specific staff (with a focus on Unit C staff) to ensure that they have the skills and knowledge to select and implement interventions that are Trauma Informed, Culturally Responsive, and Neurodivergent positive.

Applicant: James Ellis

Schools: District Wide

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $8,350

Co-Teacher Development Pilot Program

We are piloting a program for co-teachers to improve practices. We aim to shift the culture to one that increases parity in co-teaching relationships and provides opportunities for collaboration, collective resources and professional development.  While …

READ MORE

Co-Teacher Development Pilot Program

We are piloting a program for co-teachers to improve practices. We aim to shift the culture to one that increases parity in co-teaching relationships and provides opportunities for collaboration, collective resources and professional development.  While co-teaching is not a new model, approaching co-teaching holistically and collaboratively will give educators opportunities to approach their pedagogy differently. By piloting different models of co-teaching, teachers and Unit C staff will use their strengths in tandem, further developing professional skills. Refining the co-teaching dynamic will add to the educational experience for students. Effective collaboration will increase equity and accessibility for students.

Applicant: Emily Shire and Lillian Robinson

Schools: NSHS

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $9,247.08

Digital Tools for Targeted Speaking Practice

I would like to purchase an online application called Extempore for speaking practice to pilot for the WL Dept. I am looking at different applications that will more easily allow students to record and practice …

READ MORE

Digital Tools for Targeted Speaking Practice

I would like to purchase an online application called Extempore for speaking practice to pilot for the WL Dept. I am looking at different applications that will more easily allow students to record and practice synchronous and asynch conversations. Students at North take the MA Seal of Biliteracy in increasing numbers. Many of them pass on the first try; some need to retake one skill. This area is often speaking. Extempore increases fluency in speaking by mimicking AP and Seal structures and allowing visual, audio, or written prompts with no prep time so that students have to show what they know. If we can get more students to pass on a first attempt, the better. Students can leave North with digital portfolio of progress over 4 years.

Applicant: Denise Cremin

Schools: Newton North

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $2,967

Futuring: Developing the Next Strategic Plan for the Newton Public Schools

After a 4-part session to develop a Profile of a Newton Graduate, the district and stakeholder groups will work to develop a 3-5 year strategic plan for the district. The entire school community would be …

READ MORE

Futuring: Developing the Next Strategic Plan for the Newton Public Schools

After a 4-part session to develop a Profile of a Newton Graduate, the district and stakeholder groups will work to develop a 3-5 year strategic plan for the district. The entire school community would be affected and enhanced by a new strategic plan, but we aspire to 50 community members participating in the stakenolder engagement part of strategic planning.

Applicant: Anna Nolin

Schools: District Wide

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $16,800

Professional Development- Keys to Literacy

I would like to bring Keys to Literacy, a PD program, to the science department at NNHS. I have taken PD through them in my previous district and believe they would be helpful to teachers.…

READ MORE

Professional Development- Keys to Literacy

I would like to bring Keys to Literacy, a PD program, to the science department at NNHS. I have taken PD through them in my previous district and believe they would be helpful to teachers. The Keys to Literacy program is Professional Development that provide a framework for teaching comprehension strategies and vocabulary routines. I think these strategies would be particularly helpful for our multilevel teachers in the North science department. We have a wide range of skills in the ML classrooms, including ELs and students with disabilities. Many of the techniques shown in the PD show scaffolding that would help a teacher in the multilevel setting. achers in multilevel classes. 

Applicant: Melanie Pennison

Schools: NNHS

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $1,950

Teachers As Scholars

Teachers participate in small, 2 day seminars led by university staff in the arts, humanities, math, and science, and are thus reconnected to the world of scholarship. Participants will explore a niche area of content …

READ MORE

Teachers As Scholars

Teachers participate in small, 2 day seminars led by university staff in the arts, humanities, math, and science, and are thus reconnected to the world of scholarship. Participants will explore a niche area of content to progress their own learning.

Applicant: Dani Johnson

Schools: NNHS

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $3,375

Using a Trauma Informed and Culturally Responsive Approach for Behavioral Interventions

This project will extend training provided through a 2023 NSF grant to increase the knowledge and skills of staff in selecting and implementing behavior interventions that are Trauma Informed, Culturally Responsive, and Neurodivergent positive. Many …

READ MORE

Using a Trauma Informed and Culturally Responsive Approach for Behavioral Interventions

This project will extend training provided through a 2023 NSF grant to increase the knowledge and skills of staff in selecting and implementing behavior interventions that are Trauma Informed, Culturally Responsive, and Neurodivergent positive. Many practices used to address students’ behavioral challenges are no longer appropriate because they do not consider the cultural variables, cognitive variations, or potential trauma histories of students. This project will allow NPS to target professional training and support to specific staff (with a focus on Unit C staff) to ensure that they have the skills and knowledge to select and implement interventions that are Trauma Informed, Culturally Responsive, and Neurodivergent positive.

Applicant: James Ellis

Schools: District Wide

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $8,350

Professional Development for Teachers

Choose Your Own Adventure: Districtwide K-8 Literacy Professional Development Opportunities

Choose Your Own Adventure: Districtwide K-8 Literacy Professional Development Opportunities

Applicant: Deana Lew and Joelle Pedersen

Schools: K-8

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $17,726.98

Co-Teacher Development Pilot Program

We are piloting a program for co-teachers to improve practices. We aim to shift the culture to one that increases parity in co-teaching relationships and provides opportunities for collaboration, collective resources and professional development.  While …

READ MORE

Co-Teacher Development Pilot Program

We are piloting a program for co-teachers to improve practices. We aim to shift the culture to one that increases parity in co-teaching relationships and provides opportunities for collaboration, collective resources and professional development.  While co-teaching is not a new model, approaching co-teaching holistically and collaboratively will give educators opportunities to approach their pedagogy differently. By piloting different models of co-teaching, teachers and Unit C staff will use their strengths in tandem, further developing professional skills. Refining the co-teaching dynamic will add to the educational experience for students. Effective collaboration will increase equity and accessibility for students.

Applicant: Emily Shire and Lillian Robinson

Schools: NSHS

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $9,247.08

Deepening Teachers’ Math Content Knowledge

Teachers will work on math activities and examine case studies. Teachers will develop skills to identify the next step for each student and be able to formulate effective questions to push students of all levels …

READ MORE

Deepening Teachers’ Math Content Knowledge

Teachers will work on math activities and examine case studies. Teachers will develop skills to identify the next step for each student and be able to formulate effective questions to push students of all levels to a deeper understanding. This will provide a meaningful professional development opportunity for teachers. Engaging in math with other adults and deepening one’s understanding of math concepts helps teachers to be prepared to challenge the range of learners in their class.

Applicant: Kelly Gartside

Schools: Memorial-Spaulding

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $4,536.28

Digital Citizenship Tech Cards and Literature

We request culturally diverse picture books to address digital citizenship/wellness & online safety. We will select 2 books/grade level & visit classes. We will create grade level digital citizenship conversation cards for teachers to use …

READ MORE

Digital Citizenship Tech Cards and Literature

We request culturally diverse picture books to address digital citizenship/wellness & online safety. We will select 2 books/grade level & visit classes. We will create grade level digital citizenship conversation cards for teachers to use weekly. This project closely aligns with NSF's strategic goals of innovative classroom approaches and equitable education. By introducing digital citizenship concepts consistently across grade levels through discussion cards and engaging picture books, we are trying a new approach to empower teachers to confidently discuss these vital topics, contributing to the professional growth of Newton educators and the social emotional growth and digital wellness of all elementary students.

Applicant: Donna Busa

Schools: Elementary

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $4,000

Digital Tools for Targeted Speaking Practice

I would like to purchase an online application called Extempore for speaking practice to pilot for the WL Dept. I am looking at different applications that will more easily allow students to record and practice …

READ MORE

Digital Tools for Targeted Speaking Practice

I would like to purchase an online application called Extempore for speaking practice to pilot for the WL Dept. I am looking at different applications that will more easily allow students to record and practice synchronous and asynch conversations. Students at North take the MA Seal of Biliteracy in increasing numbers. Many of them pass on the first try; some need to retake one skill. This area is often speaking. Extempore increases fluency in speaking by mimicking AP and Seal structures and allowing visual, audio, or written prompts with no prep time so that students have to show what they know. If we can get more students to pass on a first attempt, the better. Students can leave North with digital portfolio of progress over 4 years.

Applicant: Denise Cremin

Schools: Newton North

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $2,967

Diversifying the 6th Grade Novel Study Unit

A committee of MS ELA teachers, literacy specialists, library teachers, and a member of the DEI department, will revise and update the current 6th grade novel study unit to center around a text that is …

READ MORE

Diversifying the 6th Grade Novel Study Unit

A committee of MS ELA teachers, literacy specialists, library teachers, and a member of the DEI department, will revise and update the current 6th grade novel study unit to center around a text that is engaging, culturally responsive, and rigorous.   Bringing a new novel study into 6th grade classrooms reflects innovation by incorporating a text that would be more engaging and culturally responsive. Creating curriculum as a grade level is excellent, job-embedded professional development, supporting collaboration and professional learning in a meaningful context. It also promotes equity in the sense of ensuring that all 6th grade students have a common reading experience and are held to common expectations across buildings.

Applicant: Joelle Pederson

Schools: Middle School

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $7,189.20

Elementary Adaptive Art Planning and Professional Development

Elementary schools with a citywide program will offer adaptive art in the 2024-25 school year. Visual Art teachers and Occupational Therapists require summer professional development and consultation to prepare for the launch of this initiative.…

READ MORE

Elementary Adaptive Art Planning and Professional Development

Elementary schools with a citywide program will offer adaptive art in the 2024-25 school year. Visual Art teachers and Occupational Therapists require summer professional development and consultation to prepare for the launch of this initiative. The summer curriculum writing and professional development will include the Bowen art teacher sharing the work documented during the pilot and the adaptations created by the Cabot visual art teacher where no adaptive art experience occurred. Liz Loya is a consultant from CAST with expertise in Universal Design for Learning and adaptive art She will assist the art teachers and OTs design approaches for implementing an adaptive art program that will meet the needs of diverse learners.

Applicant: Richard King

Schools: Elementary

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $5,650

Futuring: Developing the Next Strategic Plan for the Newton Public Schools

After a 4-part session to develop a Profile of a Newton Graduate, the district and stakeholder groups will work to develop a 3-5 year strategic plan for the district. The entire school community would be …

READ MORE

Futuring: Developing the Next Strategic Plan for the Newton Public Schools

After a 4-part session to develop a Profile of a Newton Graduate, the district and stakeholder groups will work to develop a 3-5 year strategic plan for the district. The entire school community would be affected and enhanced by a new strategic plan, but we aspire to 50 community members participating in the stakenolder engagement part of strategic planning.

Applicant: Anna Nolin

Schools: District Wide

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $16,800

Igniting a Writing Revolution

We will conduct a book-study on “The Writing Revolution 2.0,” with the aim of developing consistent writing scaffolds that can be explicitly taught in the special ed. classroom and generalized to the general ed. setting. 

Igniting a Writing Revolution

We will conduct a book-study on “The Writing Revolution 2.0,” with the aim of developing consistent writing scaffolds that can be explicitly taught in the special ed. classroom and generalized to the general ed. setting. 

Applicant: Caitlin Irwin

Schools: Oak Hill & District Special Ed. Programs

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $245

Instructional Coaching Impact Cycle Professional Development

The goal of the workshop is for our team to learn how to leverage Jim Knight’s “Impact Cycle” model to grow student achievement. It aligns with the NPS goal of Academic Excellence by impacting Tier …

READ MORE

Instructional Coaching Impact Cycle Professional Development

The goal of the workshop is for our team to learn how to leverage Jim Knight’s “Impact Cycle” model to grow student achievement. It aligns with the NPS goal of Academic Excellence by impacting Tier 1 instruction, improving student learning for all students, aligning with Educational Equity. The coaching model is dialogical, emphasizing CRI moves, trauma-Informed practices, and SEI tools. This workshop will increase our ability to collaborate and create a culture of learning in a meaningful way.

Applicant: Jen Terrazzino

Schools: Lincoln Eliot

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $1,884

National Council of Teachers of English Annual Convention

The NCTE Convention is an annual event for ELA and literacy educators held all over the country. This November it will be in Boston, providing an excellent opportunity for NPS literacy educators to attend a …

READ MORE

National Council of Teachers of English Annual Convention

The NCTE Convention is an annual event for ELA and literacy educators held all over the country. This November it will be in Boston, providing an excellent opportunity for NPS literacy educators to attend a national conference without traveling.  

  • Literacy experts, researchers, & practitioners lead sessions in these strands:
  • Early Literacy - situated in social, historical, & cultural contexts.
  • Professional Development
  • LGBTQIA - critical pedagogy, and democratic teaching practices. Sessions encourage a broad definition of diversity and creation of safer, more inclusive schools
  • National Writing Project writing strand
  • Strand on issues, strategies regarding teaching and affirming BIPOC & ELL students
  • Research Strand - original research studies

Applicant: Deana Lew

Schools: Elementary

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $8,250

NPS Mental Health Summit

We held a district-wide Summit on 10/17, which was well-received. Feedback was so strong that we are looking to provide another SEL Summit in Spring 2024 based upon the significant and consistent needs of both …

READ MORE

NPS Mental Health Summit

We held a district-wide Summit on 10/17, which was well-received. Feedback was so strong that we are looking to provide another SEL Summit in Spring 2024 based upon the significant and consistent needs of both students and staff. During a particularly tough landscape with ongoing contract negotiations and work stoppage, over 100 (that’s almost 90%) mental health professionals attended the Summit. The feedback received was they wanted to come for their own development professionally but also their own emotional health. Post-pandemic support has been very hard on our providers.

Applicant: Casey Ngo-Miller

Schools: Districtwide

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $6,000

Professional Development and Alignment in Anti-Biased, Culturally Responsive Assessment for Psychologists

Book study of Systemic Racism and Educational Measurement Confronting Injustice in Testing, Assessment, and Beyond, by Dr. Michael Russell, culminating in meeting with the author in the spring and application of what is learned in …

READ MORE

Professional Development and Alignment in Anti-Biased, Culturally Responsive Assessment for Psychologists

Book study of Systemic Racism and Educational Measurement Confronting Injustice in Testing, Assessment, and Beyond, by Dr. Michael Russell, culminating in meeting with the author in the spring and application of what is learned in future years. Over the course of the spring of 2024 and the 2024-25 school year, the psychologists will read Dr. Russell’s book, participate in book groups designed to apply the learning to their own work, and will discuss as a department additional measures, statements, and methods to be added or changed in order to reduce the inherent systemic and build-in bias in assessment. The department will invite Dr. Russell to join for some part of the discussion.

Applicant: Laurie Paul, Jordanna L’Esperance, Toni-Marie Kelly

Schools: District Wide

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $4,037

Professional Development- Keys to Literacy

I would like to bring Keys to Literacy, a PD program, to the science department at NNHS. I have taken PD through them in my previous district and believe they would be helpful to teachers.…

READ MORE

Professional Development- Keys to Literacy

I would like to bring Keys to Literacy, a PD program, to the science department at NNHS. I have taken PD through them in my previous district and believe they would be helpful to teachers. The Keys to Literacy program is Professional Development that provide a framework for teaching comprehension strategies and vocabulary routines. I think these strategies would be particularly helpful for our multilevel teachers in the North science department. We have a wide range of skills in the ML classrooms, including ELs and students with disabilities. Many of the techniques shown in the PD show scaffolding that would help a teacher in the multilevel setting. achers in multilevel classes. 

Applicant: Melanie Pennison

Schools: NNHS

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $1,950

Psychology Department Book Study

Psychologists will continue our goal of reducing bias in assessment & counseling by reading over the summer and meeting in the fall to discuss and apply learnings in order to design more inclusive comprehensive evaluation …

READ MORE

Psychology Department Book Study

Psychologists will continue our goal of reducing bias in assessment & counseling by reading over the summer and meeting in the fall to discuss and apply learnings in order to design more inclusive comprehensive evaluation and counseling processes. Earlier this year we read Systemic Racism and Educational Measurement: Confronting Injustice in Testing, Assessment, and Beyond, and met with the author for discussion. This led to additional thoughtful departmental discussions about bias in psychological assessments, and allowed us to review our practices and to collaborate on best practices for inclusive, comprehensive assessment and counseling practices which creates more educational equity for all students. We want to continue this work.

Applicant: Jordanna L'Esperance & Toni-Marie Kelly

Schools: District Wide

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: 1,000

Social Emotional Learning & Promoting Equity

SEL implementation through teaching specific strategies and tools to facilitate equity of learning. Utilizing the different trainings I have received, I am developing new models to implement SEL. In 30 minute daily lessons, I will …

READ MORE

Social Emotional Learning & Promoting Equity

SEL implementation through teaching specific strategies and tools to facilitate equity of learning. Utilizing the different trainings I have received, I am developing new models to implement SEL. In 30 minute daily lessons, I will teach the Zones of Regulation paired with a book and a calming tool. Each student will develop an individual toolbox to identify their feelings and strategies that have been model in lessons/books. This will help maintain regulation and increase resilience. When all students persevere through academic challenges this creates equity among students.

Applicant: Jennifer Mead

Schools: Peirce

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $550

Supporting the Development of Executive Functioning Skills

We’d like to partner with Cognitive Connections to have a school-wide PD for all educators to learn about strategies to support executive functioning skill development, including Get Ready, Do, Done (GRDD). By receiving professional development …

READ MORE

Supporting the Development of Executive Functioning Skills

We’d like to partner with Cognitive Connections to have a school-wide PD for all educators to learn about strategies to support executive functioning skill development, including Get Ready, Do, Done (GRDD). By receiving professional development around executive functioning strategies like Get Ready Do Done (GRDD), Angier educators will be able to expand their practice and better support ALL students, in particular those with executive functioning challenges and/or language-based learning disabilities

Applicant: Orla Higgins Averill

Schools: Angier

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $1,500

Teachers As Scholars

Teachers participate in small, 2 day seminars led by university staff in the arts, humanities, math, and science, and are thus reconnected to the world of scholarship. Participants will explore a niche area of content …

READ MORE

Teachers As Scholars

Teachers participate in small, 2 day seminars led by university staff in the arts, humanities, math, and science, and are thus reconnected to the world of scholarship. Participants will explore a niche area of content to progress their own learning.

Applicant: Dani Johnson

Schools: NNHS

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $3,375

Williams School and Newton South Student Affinity Space

Newton South students will work with Cierra Brown, a former Williams Student and Harvard student to run an affinity space / cultural activities for Black/African-American and Latinx students at Williams School. Led by Cierra Brown, …

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Williams School and Newton South Student Affinity Space

Newton South students will work with Cierra Brown, a former Williams Student and Harvard student to run an affinity space / cultural activities for Black/African-American and Latinx students at Williams School. Led by Cierra Brown, and supervised by Monica Matrisciano and Katani Sumner, Legacy Scholars at South will go to Williams once a month and engage in cultural activities with Black/African-American and LatinX students at Williams Elementary School.

Applicant: Monica Matrisciano and Katani Sumner

Schools: Williams and South

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $2,900

Choose Your Own Adventure: Districtwide K-8 Literacy Professional Development Opportunities

Choose Your Own Adventure: Districtwide K-8 Literacy Professional Development Opportunities

Applicant: Deana Lew and Joelle Pedersen

Schools: K-8

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $17,726.98

Deepening Teachers’ Math Content Knowledge

Teachers will work on math activities and examine case studies. Teachers will develop skills to identify the next step for each student and be able to formulate effective questions to push students of all levels …

READ MORE

Deepening Teachers’ Math Content Knowledge

Teachers will work on math activities and examine case studies. Teachers will develop skills to identify the next step for each student and be able to formulate effective questions to push students of all levels to a deeper understanding. This will provide a meaningful professional development opportunity for teachers. Engaging in math with other adults and deepening one’s understanding of math concepts helps teachers to be prepared to challenge the range of learners in their class.

Applicant: Kelly Gartside

Schools: Memorial-Spaulding

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $4,536.28

Digital Citizenship Tech Cards and Literature

We request culturally diverse picture books to address digital citizenship/wellness & online safety. We will select 2 books/grade level & visit classes. We will create grade level digital citizenship conversation cards for teachers to use …

READ MORE

Digital Citizenship Tech Cards and Literature

We request culturally diverse picture books to address digital citizenship/wellness & online safety. We will select 2 books/grade level & visit classes. We will create grade level digital citizenship conversation cards for teachers to use weekly. This project closely aligns with NSF's strategic goals of innovative classroom approaches and equitable education. By introducing digital citizenship concepts consistently across grade levels through discussion cards and engaging picture books, we are trying a new approach to empower teachers to confidently discuss these vital topics, contributing to the professional growth of Newton educators and the social emotional growth and digital wellness of all elementary students.

Applicant: Donna Busa

Schools: Elementary

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $4,000

Elementary Adaptive Art Planning and Professional Development

Elementary schools with a citywide program will offer adaptive art in the 2024-25 school year. Visual Art teachers and Occupational Therapists require summer professional development and consultation to prepare for the launch of this initiative.…

READ MORE

Elementary Adaptive Art Planning and Professional Development

Elementary schools with a citywide program will offer adaptive art in the 2024-25 school year. Visual Art teachers and Occupational Therapists require summer professional development and consultation to prepare for the launch of this initiative. The summer curriculum writing and professional development will include the Bowen art teacher sharing the work documented during the pilot and the adaptations created by the Cabot visual art teacher where no adaptive art experience occurred. Liz Loya is a consultant from CAST with expertise in Universal Design for Learning and adaptive art She will assist the art teachers and OTs design approaches for implementing an adaptive art program that will meet the needs of diverse learners.

Applicant: Richard King

Schools: Elementary

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $5,650

Futuring: Developing the Next Strategic Plan for the Newton Public Schools

After a 4-part session to develop a Profile of a Newton Graduate, the district and stakeholder groups will work to develop a 3-5 year strategic plan for the district. The entire school community would be …

READ MORE

Futuring: Developing the Next Strategic Plan for the Newton Public Schools

After a 4-part session to develop a Profile of a Newton Graduate, the district and stakeholder groups will work to develop a 3-5 year strategic plan for the district. The entire school community would be affected and enhanced by a new strategic plan, but we aspire to 50 community members participating in the stakenolder engagement part of strategic planning.

Applicant: Anna Nolin

Schools: District Wide

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $16,800

Instructional Coaching Impact Cycle Professional Development

The goal of the workshop is for our team to learn how to leverage Jim Knight’s “Impact Cycle” model to grow student achievement. It aligns with the NPS goal of Academic Excellence by impacting Tier …

READ MORE

Instructional Coaching Impact Cycle Professional Development

The goal of the workshop is for our team to learn how to leverage Jim Knight’s “Impact Cycle” model to grow student achievement. It aligns with the NPS goal of Academic Excellence by impacting Tier 1 instruction, improving student learning for all students, aligning with Educational Equity. The coaching model is dialogical, emphasizing CRI moves, trauma-Informed practices, and SEI tools. This workshop will increase our ability to collaborate and create a culture of learning in a meaningful way.

Applicant: Jen Terrazzino

Schools: Lincoln Eliot

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $1,884

National Council of Teachers of English Annual Convention

The NCTE Convention is an annual event for ELA and literacy educators held all over the country. This November it will be in Boston, providing an excellent opportunity for NPS literacy educators to attend a …

READ MORE

National Council of Teachers of English Annual Convention

The NCTE Convention is an annual event for ELA and literacy educators held all over the country. This November it will be in Boston, providing an excellent opportunity for NPS literacy educators to attend a national conference without traveling.  

  • Literacy experts, researchers, & practitioners lead sessions in these strands:
  • Early Literacy - situated in social, historical, & cultural contexts.
  • Professional Development
  • LGBTQIA - critical pedagogy, and democratic teaching practices. Sessions encourage a broad definition of diversity and creation of safer, more inclusive schools
  • National Writing Project writing strand
  • Strand on issues, strategies regarding teaching and affirming BIPOC & ELL students
  • Research Strand - original research studies

Applicant: Deana Lew

Schools: Elementary

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $8,250

NPS Mental Health Summit

We held a district-wide Summit on 10/17, which was well-received. Feedback was so strong that we are looking to provide another SEL Summit in Spring 2024 based upon the significant and consistent needs of both …

READ MORE

NPS Mental Health Summit

We held a district-wide Summit on 10/17, which was well-received. Feedback was so strong that we are looking to provide another SEL Summit in Spring 2024 based upon the significant and consistent needs of both students and staff. During a particularly tough landscape with ongoing contract negotiations and work stoppage, over 100 (that’s almost 90%) mental health professionals attended the Summit. The feedback received was they wanted to come for their own development professionally but also their own emotional health. Post-pandemic support has been very hard on our providers.

Applicant: Casey Ngo-Miller

Schools: Districtwide

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $6,000

Professional Development and Alignment in Anti-Biased, Culturally Responsive Assessment for Psychologists

Book study of Systemic Racism and Educational Measurement Confronting Injustice in Testing, Assessment, and Beyond, by Dr. Michael Russell, culminating in meeting with the author in the spring and application of what is learned in …

READ MORE

Professional Development and Alignment in Anti-Biased, Culturally Responsive Assessment for Psychologists

Book study of Systemic Racism and Educational Measurement Confronting Injustice in Testing, Assessment, and Beyond, by Dr. Michael Russell, culminating in meeting with the author in the spring and application of what is learned in future years. Over the course of the spring of 2024 and the 2024-25 school year, the psychologists will read Dr. Russell’s book, participate in book groups designed to apply the learning to their own work, and will discuss as a department additional measures, statements, and methods to be added or changed in order to reduce the inherent systemic and build-in bias in assessment. The department will invite Dr. Russell to join for some part of the discussion.

Applicant: Laurie Paul, Jordanna L’Esperance, Toni-Marie Kelly

Schools: District Wide

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $4,037

Psychology Department Book Study

Psychologists will continue our goal of reducing bias in assessment & counseling by reading over the summer and meeting in the fall to discuss and apply learnings in order to design more inclusive comprehensive evaluation …

READ MORE

Psychology Department Book Study

Psychologists will continue our goal of reducing bias in assessment & counseling by reading over the summer and meeting in the fall to discuss and apply learnings in order to design more inclusive comprehensive evaluation and counseling processes. Earlier this year we read Systemic Racism and Educational Measurement: Confronting Injustice in Testing, Assessment, and Beyond, and met with the author for discussion. This led to additional thoughtful departmental discussions about bias in psychological assessments, and allowed us to review our practices and to collaborate on best practices for inclusive, comprehensive assessment and counseling practices which creates more educational equity for all students. We want to continue this work.

Applicant: Jordanna L'Esperance & Toni-Marie Kelly

Schools: District Wide

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: 1,000

Social Emotional Learning & Promoting Equity

SEL implementation through teaching specific strategies and tools to facilitate equity of learning. Utilizing the different trainings I have received, I am developing new models to implement SEL. In 30 minute daily lessons, I will …

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Social Emotional Learning & Promoting Equity

SEL implementation through teaching specific strategies and tools to facilitate equity of learning. Utilizing the different trainings I have received, I am developing new models to implement SEL. In 30 minute daily lessons, I will teach the Zones of Regulation paired with a book and a calming tool. Each student will develop an individual toolbox to identify their feelings and strategies that have been model in lessons/books. This will help maintain regulation and increase resilience. When all students persevere through academic challenges this creates equity among students.

Applicant: Jennifer Mead

Schools: Peirce

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $550

Supporting the Development of Executive Functioning Skills

We’d like to partner with Cognitive Connections to have a school-wide PD for all educators to learn about strategies to support executive functioning skill development, including Get Ready, Do, Done (GRDD). By receiving professional development …

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Supporting the Development of Executive Functioning Skills

We’d like to partner with Cognitive Connections to have a school-wide PD for all educators to learn about strategies to support executive functioning skill development, including Get Ready, Do, Done (GRDD). By receiving professional development around executive functioning strategies like Get Ready Do Done (GRDD), Angier educators will be able to expand their practice and better support ALL students, in particular those with executive functioning challenges and/or language-based learning disabilities

Applicant: Orla Higgins Averill

Schools: Angier

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $1,500

Williams School and Newton South Student Affinity Space

Newton South students will work with Cierra Brown, a former Williams Student and Harvard student to run an affinity space / cultural activities for Black/African-American and Latinx students at Williams School. Led by Cierra Brown, …

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Williams School and Newton South Student Affinity Space

Newton South students will work with Cierra Brown, a former Williams Student and Harvard student to run an affinity space / cultural activities for Black/African-American and Latinx students at Williams School. Led by Cierra Brown, and supervised by Monica Matrisciano and Katani Sumner, Legacy Scholars at South will go to Williams once a month and engage in cultural activities with Black/African-American and LatinX students at Williams Elementary School.

Applicant: Monica Matrisciano and Katani Sumner

Schools: Williams and South

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $2,900

Choose Your Own Adventure: Districtwide K-8 Literacy Professional Development Opportunities

Choose Your Own Adventure: Districtwide K-8 Literacy Professional Development Opportunities

Applicant: Deana Lew and Joelle Pedersen

Schools: K-8

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $17,726.98

Diversifying the 6th Grade Novel Study Unit

A committee of MS ELA teachers, literacy specialists, library teachers, and a member of the DEI department, will revise and update the current 6th grade novel study unit to center around a text that is …

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Diversifying the 6th Grade Novel Study Unit

A committee of MS ELA teachers, literacy specialists, library teachers, and a member of the DEI department, will revise and update the current 6th grade novel study unit to center around a text that is engaging, culturally responsive, and rigorous.   Bringing a new novel study into 6th grade classrooms reflects innovation by incorporating a text that would be more engaging and culturally responsive. Creating curriculum as a grade level is excellent, job-embedded professional development, supporting collaboration and professional learning in a meaningful context. It also promotes equity in the sense of ensuring that all 6th grade students have a common reading experience and are held to common expectations across buildings.

Applicant: Joelle Pederson

Schools: Middle School

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $7,189.20

Futuring: Developing the Next Strategic Plan for the Newton Public Schools

After a 4-part session to develop a Profile of a Newton Graduate, the district and stakeholder groups will work to develop a 3-5 year strategic plan for the district. The entire school community would be …

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Futuring: Developing the Next Strategic Plan for the Newton Public Schools

After a 4-part session to develop a Profile of a Newton Graduate, the district and stakeholder groups will work to develop a 3-5 year strategic plan for the district. The entire school community would be affected and enhanced by a new strategic plan, but we aspire to 50 community members participating in the stakenolder engagement part of strategic planning.

Applicant: Anna Nolin

Schools: District Wide

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $16,800

Igniting a Writing Revolution

We will conduct a book-study on “The Writing Revolution 2.0,” with the aim of developing consistent writing scaffolds that can be explicitly taught in the special ed. classroom and generalized to the general ed. setting. 

Igniting a Writing Revolution

We will conduct a book-study on “The Writing Revolution 2.0,” with the aim of developing consistent writing scaffolds that can be explicitly taught in the special ed. classroom and generalized to the general ed. setting. 

Applicant: Caitlin Irwin

Schools: Oak Hill & District Special Ed. Programs

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $245

NPS Mental Health Summit

We held a district-wide Summit on 10/17, which was well-received. Feedback was so strong that we are looking to provide another SEL Summit in Spring 2024 based upon the significant and consistent needs of both …

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NPS Mental Health Summit

We held a district-wide Summit on 10/17, which was well-received. Feedback was so strong that we are looking to provide another SEL Summit in Spring 2024 based upon the significant and consistent needs of both students and staff. During a particularly tough landscape with ongoing contract negotiations and work stoppage, over 100 (that’s almost 90%) mental health professionals attended the Summit. The feedback received was they wanted to come for their own development professionally but also their own emotional health. Post-pandemic support has been very hard on our providers.

Applicant: Casey Ngo-Miller

Schools: Districtwide

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $6,000

Professional Development and Alignment in Anti-Biased, Culturally Responsive Assessment for Psychologists

Book study of Systemic Racism and Educational Measurement Confronting Injustice in Testing, Assessment, and Beyond, by Dr. Michael Russell, culminating in meeting with the author in the spring and application of what is learned in …

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Professional Development and Alignment in Anti-Biased, Culturally Responsive Assessment for Psychologists

Book study of Systemic Racism and Educational Measurement Confronting Injustice in Testing, Assessment, and Beyond, by Dr. Michael Russell, culminating in meeting with the author in the spring and application of what is learned in future years. Over the course of the spring of 2024 and the 2024-25 school year, the psychologists will read Dr. Russell’s book, participate in book groups designed to apply the learning to their own work, and will discuss as a department additional measures, statements, and methods to be added or changed in order to reduce the inherent systemic and build-in bias in assessment. The department will invite Dr. Russell to join for some part of the discussion.

Applicant: Laurie Paul, Jordanna L’Esperance, Toni-Marie Kelly

Schools: District Wide

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $4,037

Psychology Department Book Study

Psychologists will continue our goal of reducing bias in assessment & counseling by reading over the summer and meeting in the fall to discuss and apply learnings in order to design more inclusive comprehensive evaluation …

READ MORE

Psychology Department Book Study

Psychologists will continue our goal of reducing bias in assessment & counseling by reading over the summer and meeting in the fall to discuss and apply learnings in order to design more inclusive comprehensive evaluation and counseling processes. Earlier this year we read Systemic Racism and Educational Measurement: Confronting Injustice in Testing, Assessment, and Beyond, and met with the author for discussion. This led to additional thoughtful departmental discussions about bias in psychological assessments, and allowed us to review our practices and to collaborate on best practices for inclusive, comprehensive assessment and counseling practices which creates more educational equity for all students. We want to continue this work.

Applicant: Jordanna L'Esperance & Toni-Marie Kelly

Schools: District Wide

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: 1,000

Co-Teacher Development Pilot Program

We are piloting a program for co-teachers to improve practices. We aim to shift the culture to one that increases parity in co-teaching relationships and provides opportunities for collaboration, collective resources and professional development.  While …

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Co-Teacher Development Pilot Program

We are piloting a program for co-teachers to improve practices. We aim to shift the culture to one that increases parity in co-teaching relationships and provides opportunities for collaboration, collective resources and professional development.  While co-teaching is not a new model, approaching co-teaching holistically and collaboratively will give educators opportunities to approach their pedagogy differently. By piloting different models of co-teaching, teachers and Unit C staff will use their strengths in tandem, further developing professional skills. Refining the co-teaching dynamic will add to the educational experience for students. Effective collaboration will increase equity and accessibility for students.

Applicant: Emily Shire and Lillian Robinson

Schools: NSHS

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $9,247.08

Digital Tools for Targeted Speaking Practice

I would like to purchase an online application called Extempore for speaking practice to pilot for the WL Dept. I am looking at different applications that will more easily allow students to record and practice …

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Digital Tools for Targeted Speaking Practice

I would like to purchase an online application called Extempore for speaking practice to pilot for the WL Dept. I am looking at different applications that will more easily allow students to record and practice synchronous and asynch conversations. Students at North take the MA Seal of Biliteracy in increasing numbers. Many of them pass on the first try; some need to retake one skill. This area is often speaking. Extempore increases fluency in speaking by mimicking AP and Seal structures and allowing visual, audio, or written prompts with no prep time so that students have to show what they know. If we can get more students to pass on a first attempt, the better. Students can leave North with digital portfolio of progress over 4 years.

Applicant: Denise Cremin

Schools: Newton North

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $2,967

Futuring: Developing the Next Strategic Plan for the Newton Public Schools

After a 4-part session to develop a Profile of a Newton Graduate, the district and stakeholder groups will work to develop a 3-5 year strategic plan for the district. The entire school community would be …

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Futuring: Developing the Next Strategic Plan for the Newton Public Schools

After a 4-part session to develop a Profile of a Newton Graduate, the district and stakeholder groups will work to develop a 3-5 year strategic plan for the district. The entire school community would be affected and enhanced by a new strategic plan, but we aspire to 50 community members participating in the stakenolder engagement part of strategic planning.

Applicant: Anna Nolin

Schools: District Wide

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $16,800

NPS Mental Health Summit

We held a district-wide Summit on 10/17, which was well-received. Feedback was so strong that we are looking to provide another SEL Summit in Spring 2024 based upon the significant and consistent needs of both …

READ MORE

NPS Mental Health Summit

We held a district-wide Summit on 10/17, which was well-received. Feedback was so strong that we are looking to provide another SEL Summit in Spring 2024 based upon the significant and consistent needs of both students and staff. During a particularly tough landscape with ongoing contract negotiations and work stoppage, over 100 (that’s almost 90%) mental health professionals attended the Summit. The feedback received was they wanted to come for their own development professionally but also their own emotional health. Post-pandemic support has been very hard on our providers.

Applicant: Casey Ngo-Miller

Schools: Districtwide

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $6,000

Professional Development and Alignment in Anti-Biased, Culturally Responsive Assessment for Psychologists

Book study of Systemic Racism and Educational Measurement Confronting Injustice in Testing, Assessment, and Beyond, by Dr. Michael Russell, culminating in meeting with the author in the spring and application of what is learned in …

READ MORE

Professional Development and Alignment in Anti-Biased, Culturally Responsive Assessment for Psychologists

Book study of Systemic Racism and Educational Measurement Confronting Injustice in Testing, Assessment, and Beyond, by Dr. Michael Russell, culminating in meeting with the author in the spring and application of what is learned in future years. Over the course of the spring of 2024 and the 2024-25 school year, the psychologists will read Dr. Russell’s book, participate in book groups designed to apply the learning to their own work, and will discuss as a department additional measures, statements, and methods to be added or changed in order to reduce the inherent systemic and build-in bias in assessment. The department will invite Dr. Russell to join for some part of the discussion.

Applicant: Laurie Paul, Jordanna L’Esperance, Toni-Marie Kelly

Schools: District Wide

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $4,037

Professional Development- Keys to Literacy

I would like to bring Keys to Literacy, a PD program, to the science department at NNHS. I have taken PD through them in my previous district and believe they would be helpful to teachers.…

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Professional Development- Keys to Literacy

I would like to bring Keys to Literacy, a PD program, to the science department at NNHS. I have taken PD through them in my previous district and believe they would be helpful to teachers. The Keys to Literacy program is Professional Development that provide a framework for teaching comprehension strategies and vocabulary routines. I think these strategies would be particularly helpful for our multilevel teachers in the North science department. We have a wide range of skills in the ML classrooms, including ELs and students with disabilities. Many of the techniques shown in the PD show scaffolding that would help a teacher in the multilevel setting. achers in multilevel classes. 

Applicant: Melanie Pennison

Schools: NNHS

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $1,950

Psychology Department Book Study

Psychologists will continue our goal of reducing bias in assessment & counseling by reading over the summer and meeting in the fall to discuss and apply learnings in order to design more inclusive comprehensive evaluation …

READ MORE

Psychology Department Book Study

Psychologists will continue our goal of reducing bias in assessment & counseling by reading over the summer and meeting in the fall to discuss and apply learnings in order to design more inclusive comprehensive evaluation and counseling processes. Earlier this year we read Systemic Racism and Educational Measurement: Confronting Injustice in Testing, Assessment, and Beyond, and met with the author for discussion. This led to additional thoughtful departmental discussions about bias in psychological assessments, and allowed us to review our practices and to collaborate on best practices for inclusive, comprehensive assessment and counseling practices which creates more educational equity for all students. We want to continue this work.

Applicant: Jordanna L'Esperance & Toni-Marie Kelly

Schools: District Wide

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: 1,000

Teachers As Scholars

Teachers participate in small, 2 day seminars led by university staff in the arts, humanities, math, and science, and are thus reconnected to the world of scholarship. Participants will explore a niche area of content …

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Teachers As Scholars

Teachers participate in small, 2 day seminars led by university staff in the arts, humanities, math, and science, and are thus reconnected to the world of scholarship. Participants will explore a niche area of content to progress their own learning.

Applicant: Dani Johnson

Schools: NNHS

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $3,375

Williams School and Newton South Student Affinity Space

Newton South students will work with Cierra Brown, a former Williams Student and Harvard student to run an affinity space / cultural activities for Black/African-American and Latinx students at Williams School. Led by Cierra Brown, …

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Williams School and Newton South Student Affinity Space

Newton South students will work with Cierra Brown, a former Williams Student and Harvard student to run an affinity space / cultural activities for Black/African-American and Latinx students at Williams School. Led by Cierra Brown, and supervised by Monica Matrisciano and Katani Sumner, Legacy Scholars at South will go to Williams once a month and engage in cultural activities with Black/African-American and LatinX students at Williams Elementary School.

Applicant: Monica Matrisciano and Katani Sumner

Schools: Williams and South

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $2,900

Programs that Promote Equity for all Students

Career Day

This is a preventive mental health and community engagement event. Community members volunteer to speak about their career field. Students are surveyed about their fields of interest and then scheduled to hear from the most …

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Career Day

This is a preventive mental health and community engagement event. Community members volunteer to speak about their career field. Students are surveyed about their fields of interest and then scheduled to hear from the most relevant speakers.   This is a preventive mental health  program designed to give students a  hopeful and an optimistic outlook of their own futures, which has been identified as one of the 40 Developmental Assets. By  ensuring a diverse range of speaker backgrounds, we are aiming to have professional mentors that represent  the diversity of our student body. This is also a community engagement opportunity for middle school students to connect in a meaningful way with positive role models.

Applicant: Jackie Mann

Schools: Day MS

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $2,000

Classroom Take a Break Space

To obtain materials to create “take a break” spaces. This structure provides students with developmentally appropriate space within their classroom where they can learn to recognize and react to emotions in a healthy and productive …

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Classroom Take a Break Space

To obtain materials to create "take a break" spaces. This structure provides students with developmentally appropriate space within their classroom where they can learn to recognize and react to emotions in a healthy and productive way.  In order for students to be highly engaged in academic content and instruction in their classrooms, self-regulation and a sense of belonging and safety is crucial. “Take a Break” spaces are a small, designated area in classrooms that help to facilitate a safe learning environment for all students. This tier one classroom structure is part of the puzzle that promotes strong belonging and connectedness for all students in our elementary classrooms

Applicant: Suzanne Rothenberg

Schools: Underwood

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $500

Classroom Take a Break Spaces

The project aims to obtain materials to update “Take a Break” spaces. The spaces help to promote emotional regulation in a developmentally appropriate way. In order for students to be highly engaged in academic content …

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Classroom Take a Break Spaces

The project aims to obtain materials to update “Take a Break” spaces. The spaces help to promote emotional regulation in a developmentally appropriate way. In order for students to be highly engaged in academic content and instruction in their classrooms, self-regulation and a sense of belonging and safety is crucial. “Take a Break” spaces are a small, designated area in classrooms that help to facilitate a safe learning environment for all students. This tier one classroom structure is part of the puzzle that promotes strong belonging and connectedness for all students in our elementary classrooms. 

Applicant: Melissa Vigliotti

Schools: Williams

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $1,000

Classroom Take a Break Spaces

The project aims to obtain materials to create “Take a Break” spaces. This structure provides students w/ a developmentally appropriate space w/in their classroom where they can learn to recognize/react to emotions in a healthy …

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Classroom Take a Break Spaces

The project aims to obtain materials to create “Take a Break” spaces. This structure provides students w/ a developmentally appropriate space w/in their classroom where they can learn to recognize/react to emotions in a healthy and productive way. In order for students to be highly engaged in academic content and instruction in their classrooms, self-regulation and a sense of belonging and safety is crucial. “Take a Break” spaces are a small, designated area in classrooms that help to facilitate a safe learning environment for all students. This tier one classroom structure is part of the puzzle that promotes strong belonging and connectedness for all students in our elementary classrooms. 

Applicant: Michelle Ellis

Schools: Angier

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $293

Co-Teacher Development Pilot Program

We are piloting a program for co-teachers to improve practices. We aim to shift the culture to one that increases parity in co-teaching relationships and provides opportunities for collaboration, collective resources and professional development.  While …

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Co-Teacher Development Pilot Program

We are piloting a program for co-teachers to improve practices. We aim to shift the culture to one that increases parity in co-teaching relationships and provides opportunities for collaboration, collective resources and professional development.  While co-teaching is not a new model, approaching co-teaching holistically and collaboratively will give educators opportunities to approach their pedagogy differently. By piloting different models of co-teaching, teachers and Unit C staff will use their strengths in tandem, further developing professional skills. Refining the co-teaching dynamic will add to the educational experience for students. Effective collaboration will increase equity and accessibility for students.

Applicant: Emily Shire and Lillian Robinson

Schools: NSHS

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $9,247.08

Comprehensible Input Library for Middle School Spanish Learners – District Pilot

I would like to create a library of comprehensible books written for Spanish language learners so that all of my Spanish students will be able to select and read novels that interest them and are …

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Comprehensible Input Library for Middle School Spanish Learners – District Pilot

I would like to create a library of comprehensible books written for Spanish language learners so that all of my Spanish students will be able to select and read novels that interest them and are at their appropriate reading level.   The world language department has been using methods of comprehensible input (CI) in order for our students to be able to acquire language. One very effective CI method, which has yet to be implemented in this district, is to have students select and read comprehensible books that interest them from a CI library (Innovations in the Classroom). Research shows that this helps every student in the class to be successful, not just the top learners (Programs that promote Equity for all).

Applicant: Laura Brady

Schools: Oak Hill

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $600

Consultant on Anti-Ableism Work

Bring on regional expert to support w. engagement w. the district to leverage work of developing anti-ableist lens across district. Betsy Johnson would engage with the district in developing a critical lens through which to …

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Consultant on Anti-Ableism Work

Bring on regional expert to support w. engagement w. the district to leverage work of developing anti-ableist lens across district. Betsy Johnson would engage with the district in developing a critical lens through which to examine our current practices for evidence of ableism. Once we can root ableism, we can work to dismantle it so we eliminate/minimize impact of unintended discrimination caused by implicit biases. This would lead to more equitable educational experiences for all students.

Applicant: Casey Ngo-Miller

Schools: District Wide

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $1,170

Cultivating Library Researchers: Fueling Research Skills with PearDeck for K-5 Library Teachers

This application requests funding for PearDeck access for four K-5 library teachers with the aim of enhancing students’ research skills and facilitating data comparison across their four schools while implementing a new research curriculum. Integrating …

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Cultivating Library Researchers: Fueling Research Skills with PearDeck for K-5 Library Teachers

This application requests funding for PearDeck access for four K-5 library teachers with the aim of enhancing students' research skills and facilitating data comparison across their four schools while implementing a new research curriculum. Integrating a digital tool like PearDeck offers added support, aiding library teachers in tracking student progress and making personalized adjustments. Implementing common assessments at specific points in research units will enable modifications. Furthermore, in our PLC meetings, we will analyze the data and develop RTI activities to ensure all students meet their objectives. Finally, we will share with our Department best practices and newly updated lessons for teaching research.  

Applicant: Eileen Keane

Schools: Elementary

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $600

Cultural Kaleidoscope: Researching, Designing, and Promoting the District’s Monthly Heritage Celebration Resource

A few years ago, DEI began the Monthly Heritage Celebration document, and going forward, I’ll expand it for the District. This resource helps educators, students, and families as they look for ways to celebrate and …

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Cultural Kaleidoscope: Researching, Designing, and Promoting the District’s Monthly Heritage Celebration Resource

A few years ago, DEI began the Monthly Heritage Celebration document, and going forward, I'll expand it for the District. This resource helps educators, students, and families as they look for ways to celebrate and learn about different heritages. Activities I will engage in include: evaluating needs assessment, setting a timeline, researching and curating resources, evaluating for quality and inclusivity, organizing the document, managing copyrights, designing layout, gathering feedback, promoting awareness, evaluating impact, and planning for long-term sustainability and growth.

Applicant: Eileen Keane

Schools: District Wide

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $1,600

Deepening Teachers’ Math Content Knowledge

Teachers will work on math activities and examine case studies. Teachers will develop skills to identify the next step for each student and be able to formulate effective questions to push students of all levels …

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Deepening Teachers’ Math Content Knowledge

Teachers will work on math activities and examine case studies. Teachers will develop skills to identify the next step for each student and be able to formulate effective questions to push students of all levels to a deeper understanding. This will provide a meaningful professional development opportunity for teachers. Engaging in math with other adults and deepening one’s understanding of math concepts helps teachers to be prepared to challenge the range of learners in their class.

Applicant: Kelly Gartside

Schools: Memorial-Spaulding

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $4,536.28

Digital Citizenship Tech Cards and Literature

We request culturally diverse picture books to address digital citizenship/wellness & online safety. We will select 2 books/grade level & visit classes. We will create grade level digital citizenship conversation cards for teachers to use …

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Digital Citizenship Tech Cards and Literature

We request culturally diverse picture books to address digital citizenship/wellness & online safety. We will select 2 books/grade level & visit classes. We will create grade level digital citizenship conversation cards for teachers to use weekly. This project closely aligns with NSF's strategic goals of innovative classroom approaches and equitable education. By introducing digital citizenship concepts consistently across grade levels through discussion cards and engaging picture books, we are trying a new approach to empower teachers to confidently discuss these vital topics, contributing to the professional growth of Newton educators and the social emotional growth and digital wellness of all elementary students.

Applicant: Donna Busa

Schools: Elementary

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $4,000

Diversifying the 6th Grade Novel Study Unit

A committee of MS ELA teachers, literacy specialists, library teachers, and a member of the DEI department, will revise and update the current 6th grade novel study unit to center around a text that is …

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Diversifying the 6th Grade Novel Study Unit

A committee of MS ELA teachers, literacy specialists, library teachers, and a member of the DEI department, will revise and update the current 6th grade novel study unit to center around a text that is engaging, culturally responsive, and rigorous.   Bringing a new novel study into 6th grade classrooms reflects innovation by incorporating a text that would be more engaging and culturally responsive. Creating curriculum as a grade level is excellent, job-embedded professional development, supporting collaboration and professional learning in a meaningful context. It also promotes equity in the sense of ensuring that all 6th grade students have a common reading experience and are held to common expectations across buildings.

Applicant: Joelle Pederson

Schools: Middle School

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $7,189.20

Dreamfar – Helping Students Build Wellness, Purpose, and Community Through a Mentor Supported Distance Running Program

Providing equitable access for NNHS/NSHS students of diverse backgrounds and abilities to participate in Dreamfar—a free, mentor-supported, running program that helps students build physical/mental wellness, purpose, academic focus, and community. NNHS and NSHS staff help …

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Dreamfar – Helping Students Build Wellness, Purpose, and Community Through a Mentor Supported Distance Running Program

Providing equitable access for NNHS/NSHS students of diverse backgrounds and abilities to participate in Dreamfar—a free, mentor-supported, running program that helps students build physical/mental wellness, purpose, academic focus, and community. NNHS and NSHS staff help Dreamfar reach out to diverse students, promoting equity for ALL students. Last year, 50% of Dreamfar youth were diverse in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, mental health diagnosis, disability status, or socioeconomic differences. Many Dreamfar teens are not engaged in school sports/activities, while others do participate in school sports/activities. The result is an inclusive program where all can benefit physically, academically, and emotionally.

Applicant: Ethan Peritz

Schools: Newton North / Newton South

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $7,000

Elementary Adaptive Art Planning and Professional Development

Elementary schools with a citywide program will offer adaptive art in the 2024-25 school year. Visual Art teachers and Occupational Therapists require summer professional development and consultation to prepare for the launch of this initiative.…

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Elementary Adaptive Art Planning and Professional Development

Elementary schools with a citywide program will offer adaptive art in the 2024-25 school year. Visual Art teachers and Occupational Therapists require summer professional development and consultation to prepare for the launch of this initiative. The summer curriculum writing and professional development will include the Bowen art teacher sharing the work documented during the pilot and the adaptations created by the Cabot visual art teacher where no adaptive art experience occurred. Liz Loya is a consultant from CAST with expertise in Universal Design for Learning and adaptive art She will assist the art teachers and OTs design approaches for implementing an adaptive art program that will meet the needs of diverse learners.

Applicant: Richard King

Schools: Elementary

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $5,650

Family Conversations: A Home and School Partnership

Countryside and Burr Elementary Schools and Newton South Preschool will host site-based racial literacy programming for students ages 3-8 years old and their caregivers in Fall 2024 in partnership with Story Starters Research shows that …

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Family Conversations: A Home and School Partnership

Countryside and Burr Elementary Schools and Newton South Preschool will host site-based racial literacy programming for students ages 3-8 years old and their caregivers in Fall 2024 in partnership with Story Starters Research shows that educational equity in younger ages is most likely to be successful when parents are involved and community norms are strong. This project would target the critical developmental window -- ages 3-8 -- when parents have a significant impact on their children's beliefs about race. All children benefit from belonging to anti-racist communities, since they acquire racial knowledge from community standards and conventions. (Hirschfeld, 2012). , a Newton nonprofit.

Applicant: Mindy Johal & Beth Herlihy

Schools: Burr & Countryside & Preschool

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $4,350.80

Fine Arts for All

In 2021 we applied for and were approve for a grant that allowed us to expand our inventory of adapted musical equipment to be used at NECP. We want to expand on that project by …

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Fine Arts for All

In 2021 we applied for and were approve for a grant that allowed us to expand our inventory of adapted musical equipment to be used at NECP. We want to expand on that project by acquiring accessible art materials to ensure access for all learners. In preschool, the bulk of curriculum is delivered through art and music. For students with limited motor movement, they often lack the ability to participate independently in curriculum activities because of the lack of adaptive equipment. By acquiring adapted art and music equipment, students with significant disabilities will have the opportunity to be able to participate independently with their peers, ensuring social-emotional wellbeing, educational equity, and academic excellence.

Applicant: Ashley Raven, Emily Nunes, and Kayla McAlister

Schools: NECP

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $2,487.40

Futuring: Developing the Next Strategic Plan for the Newton Public Schools

After a 4-part session to develop a Profile of a Newton Graduate, the district and stakeholder groups will work to develop a 3-5 year strategic plan for the district. The entire school community would be …

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Futuring: Developing the Next Strategic Plan for the Newton Public Schools

After a 4-part session to develop a Profile of a Newton Graduate, the district and stakeholder groups will work to develop a 3-5 year strategic plan for the district. The entire school community would be affected and enhanced by a new strategic plan, but we aspire to 50 community members participating in the stakenolder engagement part of strategic planning.

Applicant: Anna Nolin

Schools: District Wide

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $16,800

I’m Amazing, Now Where Am I Going?

Career exploration program focused on increasing opportunities for Black, Latinx, and/or low-income students in NPS. It enlists high school students to facilitate middle school students, and pairs each high schooler with an adult mentor.  …

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I’m Amazing, Now Where Am I Going?

Career exploration program focused on increasing opportunities for Black, Latinx, and/or low-income students in NPS. It enlists high school students to facilitate middle school students, and pairs each high schooler with an adult mentor.   The NYSC and METCO endeavor to provide more opportunities for Black, Latinx, and/or low-income students to engage in career exploration leading to successful college completion. The program equips students with resources, support, and skills in 6 weeks with “near-peer” and 1:1 mentoring and opportunities to develop interviewing and leadership

Applicant: Lisa Gilbert-Smith

Schools: 6-12

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $12,240

Igniting a Writing Revolution

We will conduct a book-study on “The Writing Revolution 2.0,” with the aim of developing consistent writing scaffolds that can be explicitly taught in the special ed. classroom and generalized to the general ed. setting. 

Igniting a Writing Revolution

We will conduct a book-study on “The Writing Revolution 2.0,” with the aim of developing consistent writing scaffolds that can be explicitly taught in the special ed. classroom and generalized to the general ed. setting. 

Applicant: Caitlin Irwin

Schools: Oak Hill & District Special Ed. Programs

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $245

Including Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students in Middle School General Music

DHH students in the general music classroom pose a unique challenge. All activities related to listening need to have additional visual and tactile components. We want to provide more percussion activities and instruction. We are …

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Including Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students in Middle School General Music

DHH students in the general music classroom pose a unique challenge. All activities related to listening need to have additional visual and tactile components. We want to provide more percussion activities and instruction. We are bringing music education- a historically hearing based activity- to deaf and hard of hearing students through visualization, vibration, and physicality. Like all adaptive lessons, these adaptations will also benefit hearing students by being more multisensory and multimodal learning activities.

Applicant: Jaime Alberts

Schools: Bigelow

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $1,225

Interactive SEL Games for Small Group Intervention

Building stronger relationships & increasing peer engagement during small group targeted SEL skill intervention groups through the use of hands-on, interactive and fun SEL focused games. Working to strengthen small group intervention in ways that …

READ MORE

Interactive SEL Games for Small Group Intervention

Building stronger relationships & increasing peer engagement during small group targeted SEL skill intervention groups through the use of hands-on, interactive and fun SEL focused games. Working to strengthen small group intervention in ways that make it more accessible, engaging, fun, and focused for students in need will really help students further their peer and teacher connections and gain essential SEL skills needed to be successful in their general education classrooms and throughout the school day with peers. Opportunities to learn and gain these skills in a focused small group setting has potential to really beneficially impacts students across their entire school day. 

Applicant: Anna Coly

Schools: Franklin

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $347.43

Middle School Students MakeMusic

Supporting student subscriptions to MakeMusic, a web-based instructional technology that fosters the musical growth of students enrolled in middle school choral & instrumental ensembles and aids teachers in leading more efficient ensemble rehearsals. Beyond the …

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Middle School Students MakeMusic

Supporting student subscriptions to MakeMusic, a web-based instructional technology that fosters the musical growth of students enrolled in middle school choral & instrumental ensembles and aids teachers in leading more efficient ensemble rehearsals. Beyond the original NSF grant in 2019-20, MakeMusic was funded by the district, cut from the FY24 budget due to budget cuts. The current subscriptions end on November 9th. This request is intended as a stopgap measure to maintain access to the student subscriptions for all students enrolled in music ensembles at each middle school. The timeline would mean a temporary pause in student subscriptions until NSF funding decisions are made in December. No other funding sources have been identified.

Applicant: Richard King

Schools: Middle School

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $14,578

National Council of Teachers of English Annual Convention

The NCTE Convention is an annual event for ELA and literacy educators held all over the country. This November it will be in Boston, providing an excellent opportunity for NPS literacy educators to attend a …

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National Council of Teachers of English Annual Convention

The NCTE Convention is an annual event for ELA and literacy educators held all over the country. This November it will be in Boston, providing an excellent opportunity for NPS literacy educators to attend a national conference without traveling.  

  • Literacy experts, researchers, & practitioners lead sessions in these strands:
  • Early Literacy - situated in social, historical, & cultural contexts.
  • Professional Development
  • LGBTQIA - critical pedagogy, and democratic teaching practices. Sessions encourage a broad definition of diversity and creation of safer, more inclusive schools
  • National Writing Project writing strand
  • Strand on issues, strategies regarding teaching and affirming BIPOC & ELL students
  • Research Strand - original research studies

Applicant: Deana Lew

Schools: Elementary

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $8,250

No Red Ink: Personalized Grammar Instruction

No Red Ink is an engaging and pedagogically valuable tool for Grade 8 grammar instruction. It allows for differentiated grammar instruction and evaluation. We have seen its utility first hand for the past six months, …

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No Red Ink: Personalized Grammar Instruction

No Red Ink is an engaging and pedagogically valuable tool for Grade 8 grammar instruction. It allows for differentiated grammar instruction and evaluation. We have seen its utility first hand for the past six months, and want to renew the license. Students' English grammar skills are widely varied, and with historically large class sizes in this year's 8th grade, providing targeted instruction for all students is quite a challenge, even for our veteran ELA team. Some families afford tutors to boost skills, and/or have native English family members at home, while others rely solely upon our instruction. No Red Ink allows us to tailor grammar instruction, which helps with engagement and skills growth overall.

Applicant: Becky Cohen

Schools: Brown

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $3,500

Professional Development and Alignment in Anti-Biased, Culturally Responsive Assessment for Psychologists

Book study of Systemic Racism and Educational Measurement Confronting Injustice in Testing, Assessment, and Beyond, by Dr. Michael Russell, culminating in meeting with the author in the spring and application of what is learned in …

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Professional Development and Alignment in Anti-Biased, Culturally Responsive Assessment for Psychologists

Book study of Systemic Racism and Educational Measurement Confronting Injustice in Testing, Assessment, and Beyond, by Dr. Michael Russell, culminating in meeting with the author in the spring and application of what is learned in future years. Over the course of the spring of 2024 and the 2024-25 school year, the psychologists will read Dr. Russell’s book, participate in book groups designed to apply the learning to their own work, and will discuss as a department additional measures, statements, and methods to be added or changed in order to reduce the inherent systemic and build-in bias in assessment. The department will invite Dr. Russell to join for some part of the discussion.

Applicant: Laurie Paul, Jordanna L’Esperance, Toni-Marie Kelly

Schools: District Wide

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $4,037

Professional Development- Keys to Literacy

I would like to bring Keys to Literacy, a PD program, to the science department at NNHS. I have taken PD through them in my previous district and believe they would be helpful to teachers.…

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Professional Development- Keys to Literacy

I would like to bring Keys to Literacy, a PD program, to the science department at NNHS. I have taken PD through them in my previous district and believe they would be helpful to teachers. The Keys to Literacy program is Professional Development that provide a framework for teaching comprehension strategies and vocabulary routines. I think these strategies would be particularly helpful for our multilevel teachers in the North science department. We have a wide range of skills in the ML classrooms, including ELs and students with disabilities. Many of the techniques shown in the PD show scaffolding that would help a teacher in the multilevel setting. achers in multilevel classes. 

Applicant: Melanie Pennison

Schools: NNHS

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $1,950

Psychology Department Book Study

Psychologists will continue our goal of reducing bias in assessment & counseling by reading over the summer and meeting in the fall to discuss and apply learnings in order to design more inclusive comprehensive evaluation …

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Psychology Department Book Study

Psychologists will continue our goal of reducing bias in assessment & counseling by reading over the summer and meeting in the fall to discuss and apply learnings in order to design more inclusive comprehensive evaluation and counseling processes. Earlier this year we read Systemic Racism and Educational Measurement: Confronting Injustice in Testing, Assessment, and Beyond, and met with the author for discussion. This led to additional thoughtful departmental discussions about bias in psychological assessments, and allowed us to review our practices and to collaborate on best practices for inclusive, comprehensive assessment and counseling practices which creates more educational equity for all students. We want to continue this work.

Applicant: Jordanna L'Esperance & Toni-Marie Kelly

Schools: District Wide

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: 1,000

SEL Tools for Lincoln Eliot

This project aims to obtain materials to support “Take a Break” spaces and to provide students with sensory tools to help them self-regulate to better be able to attend to classroom lessons and work. Though …

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SEL Tools for Lincoln Eliot

This project aims to obtain materials to support “Take a Break” spaces and to provide students with sensory tools to help them self-regulate to better be able to attend to classroom lessons and work. Though many classroom teachers are open to implementing SEL tools, there has never been a budget for these materials. Many teachers have not been trained in tools that may help students exhibiting certain behaviors. Implementing tools to help students self-regulate is both a recent innovation in education, as well as an avenue to promote equity in that all students will have access to what they need to help them do their best learning.

Applicant: Jen Terrazzino

Schools: Lincoln Eliot

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $693

Social Emotional Learning & Promoting Equity

SEL implementation through teaching specific strategies and tools to facilitate equity of learning. Utilizing the different trainings I have received, I am developing new models to implement SEL. In 30 minute daily lessons, I will …

READ MORE

Social Emotional Learning & Promoting Equity

SEL implementation through teaching specific strategies and tools to facilitate equity of learning. Utilizing the different trainings I have received, I am developing new models to implement SEL. In 30 minute daily lessons, I will teach the Zones of Regulation paired with a book and a calming tool. Each student will develop an individual toolbox to identify their feelings and strategies that have been model in lessons/books. This will help maintain regulation and increase resilience. When all students persevere through academic challenges this creates equity among students.

Applicant: Jennifer Mead

Schools: Peirce

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $550

Strengthening Inclusion and SEL: In-class Break Spaces 2 (expansion)

The project aims to obtain additional materials to already successful “Calm Corner” spaces. The current project has been hugely successful and the team recognizes the need for additional materials. “Calm Corners” allow students to remain …

READ MORE

Strengthening Inclusion and SEL: In-class Break Spaces 2 (expansion)

The project aims to obtain additional materials to already successful “Calm Corner” spaces. The current project has been hugely successful and the team recognizes the need for additional materials. "Calm Corners" allow students to remain in their learning environment while they are regulating their bodies and emotions. Seeing other students using the same space and tools allows students to recognize feelings are universal--we all need a calm corner sometimes. This program is innovative in its approach and in the fact that these corners are available in every classroom as well as every special. No matter who you are or where you are, the tools are available to everyone.

Applicant: Emily Josephsohn

Schools: Burr

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $ 1501.54

Teachers As Scholars

Teachers participate in small, 2 day seminars led by university staff in the arts, humanities, math, and science, and are thus reconnected to the world of scholarship. Participants will explore a niche area of content …

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Teachers As Scholars

Teachers participate in small, 2 day seminars led by university staff in the arts, humanities, math, and science, and are thus reconnected to the world of scholarship. Participants will explore a niche area of content to progress their own learning.

Applicant: Dani Johnson

Schools: NNHS

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $3,375

The L

The L is a system of subway lines, markers, and signage. Designed to be developmentally appropriate for students and ADA compliant, this UDL supports the science of wayfinding which increases independence, reduces anxiety, and improves …

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The L

The L is a system of subway lines, markers, and signage. Designed to be developmentally appropriate for students and ADA compliant, this UDL supports the science of wayfinding which increases independence, reduces anxiety, and improves library usage. As part of my professional goal, I’m to visit public and school libraries to learn about the impact of wayfinding. A design for The L has been made and supplies must be ordered. Collaboration with NNHS Ed Tech program and Graphics Department will result in signage that allows students to navigate their space, meeting the required library outcomes for research and reading for leisure in NPS. By March, the system should be in place and lessons K-5 will be taught to introduce their new environment.

Applicant: Liz Donovan

Schools: Angier

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $2,400

Tier 1 SEL Take a Break Spaces, SEL Reboot Part 2

The project aims to obtain materials to create “Take a Break” spaces. This structure provides students with a developmentally appropriate space in the classroom where they can learn to recognize and react to emotions in …

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Tier 1 SEL Take a Break Spaces, SEL Reboot Part 2

The project aims to obtain materials to create “Take a Break” spaces. This structure provides students with a developmentally appropriate space in the classroom where they can learn to recognize and react to emotions in a healthy & productive way. In order for students to be engaged in learning, self-regulation, a sense of belonging and safety is crucial. “Take a Break” spaces are designated areas in classrooms that help facilitate a safe learning environment for all students. This Tier 1 classroom structure is part of the puzzle that promotes belonging and connectedness for all students. Having an organized binder and bin of materials & explicitly teaching how to use this calming, regulating space is key to its effectiveness.

Applicant: Lisa LaCava

Schools: Mason Rice

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $ 780.92

Tier 2 & 3 Intervention & Progress Monitoring for Students in the ACHIEVE program

We want to purchase 17 licenses for Freckle Math & Read Live so that students in our ACHIEVE program (students with dyslexia) have access to rigorous, research-based, scaffolded reading & math intervention that also provides …

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Tier 2 & 3 Intervention & Progress Monitoring for Students in the ACHIEVE program

We want to purchase 17 licenses for Freckle Math & Read Live so that students in our ACHIEVE program (students with dyslexia) have access to rigorous, research-based, scaffolded reading & math intervention that also provides actionable progress data. Read Naturally is used in NPS for reading assessment & fluency intervention. Read Live is the online extension of Read Naturally. Read Live is particularly helpful for students who have reading disabilities because it reads content to students and provides actionable progress data for teachers. Freckle Math provides scaffolded standards-based math intervention to students, with problems read aloud if needed for students with dyslexia, and provides actionable progress data to teachers.

Applicant: Suzanne Griffin & Orla Higgins Averill

Schools: Angier

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $760.75

Classroom Take a Break Space

To obtain materials to create “take a break” spaces. This structure provides students with developmentally appropriate space within their classroom where they can learn to recognize and react to emotions in a healthy and productive …

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Classroom Take a Break Space

To obtain materials to create "take a break" spaces. This structure provides students with developmentally appropriate space within their classroom where they can learn to recognize and react to emotions in a healthy and productive way.  In order for students to be highly engaged in academic content and instruction in their classrooms, self-regulation and a sense of belonging and safety is crucial. “Take a Break” spaces are a small, designated area in classrooms that help to facilitate a safe learning environment for all students. This tier one classroom structure is part of the puzzle that promotes strong belonging and connectedness for all students in our elementary classrooms

Applicant: Suzanne Rothenberg

Schools: Underwood

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $500

Classroom Take a Break Spaces

The project aims to obtain materials to update “Take a Break” spaces. The spaces help to promote emotional regulation in a developmentally appropriate way. In order for students to be highly engaged in academic content …

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Classroom Take a Break Spaces

The project aims to obtain materials to update “Take a Break” spaces. The spaces help to promote emotional regulation in a developmentally appropriate way. In order for students to be highly engaged in academic content and instruction in their classrooms, self-regulation and a sense of belonging and safety is crucial. “Take a Break” spaces are a small, designated area in classrooms that help to facilitate a safe learning environment for all students. This tier one classroom structure is part of the puzzle that promotes strong belonging and connectedness for all students in our elementary classrooms. 

Applicant: Melissa Vigliotti

Schools: Williams

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $1,000

Classroom Take a Break Spaces

The project aims to obtain materials to create “Take a Break” spaces. This structure provides students w/ a developmentally appropriate space w/in their classroom where they can learn to recognize/react to emotions in a healthy …

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Classroom Take a Break Spaces

The project aims to obtain materials to create “Take a Break” spaces. This structure provides students w/ a developmentally appropriate space w/in their classroom where they can learn to recognize/react to emotions in a healthy and productive way. In order for students to be highly engaged in academic content and instruction in their classrooms, self-regulation and a sense of belonging and safety is crucial. “Take a Break” spaces are a small, designated area in classrooms that help to facilitate a safe learning environment for all students. This tier one classroom structure is part of the puzzle that promotes strong belonging and connectedness for all students in our elementary classrooms. 

Applicant: Michelle Ellis

Schools: Angier

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $293

Consultant on Anti-Ableism Work

Bring on regional expert to support w. engagement w. the district to leverage work of developing anti-ableist lens across district. Betsy Johnson would engage with the district in developing a critical lens through which to …

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Consultant on Anti-Ableism Work

Bring on regional expert to support w. engagement w. the district to leverage work of developing anti-ableist lens across district. Betsy Johnson would engage with the district in developing a critical lens through which to examine our current practices for evidence of ableism. Once we can root ableism, we can work to dismantle it so we eliminate/minimize impact of unintended discrimination caused by implicit biases. This would lead to more equitable educational experiences for all students.

Applicant: Casey Ngo-Miller

Schools: District Wide

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $1,170

Cultural Kaleidoscope: Researching, Designing, and Promoting the District’s Monthly Heritage Celebration Resource

A few years ago, DEI began the Monthly Heritage Celebration document, and going forward, I’ll expand it for the District. This resource helps educators, students, and families as they look for ways to celebrate and …

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Cultural Kaleidoscope: Researching, Designing, and Promoting the District’s Monthly Heritage Celebration Resource

A few years ago, DEI began the Monthly Heritage Celebration document, and going forward, I'll expand it for the District. This resource helps educators, students, and families as they look for ways to celebrate and learn about different heritages. Activities I will engage in include: evaluating needs assessment, setting a timeline, researching and curating resources, evaluating for quality and inclusivity, organizing the document, managing copyrights, designing layout, gathering feedback, promoting awareness, evaluating impact, and planning for long-term sustainability and growth.

Applicant: Eileen Keane

Schools: District Wide

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $1,600

Deepening Teachers’ Math Content Knowledge

Teachers will work on math activities and examine case studies. Teachers will develop skills to identify the next step for each student and be able to formulate effective questions to push students of all levels …

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Deepening Teachers’ Math Content Knowledge

Teachers will work on math activities and examine case studies. Teachers will develop skills to identify the next step for each student and be able to formulate effective questions to push students of all levels to a deeper understanding. This will provide a meaningful professional development opportunity for teachers. Engaging in math with other adults and deepening one’s understanding of math concepts helps teachers to be prepared to challenge the range of learners in their class.

Applicant: Kelly Gartside

Schools: Memorial-Spaulding

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $4,536.28

Digital Citizenship Tech Cards and Literature

We request culturally diverse picture books to address digital citizenship/wellness & online safety. We will select 2 books/grade level & visit classes. We will create grade level digital citizenship conversation cards for teachers to use …

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Digital Citizenship Tech Cards and Literature

We request culturally diverse picture books to address digital citizenship/wellness & online safety. We will select 2 books/grade level & visit classes. We will create grade level digital citizenship conversation cards for teachers to use weekly. This project closely aligns with NSF's strategic goals of innovative classroom approaches and equitable education. By introducing digital citizenship concepts consistently across grade levels through discussion cards and engaging picture books, we are trying a new approach to empower teachers to confidently discuss these vital topics, contributing to the professional growth of Newton educators and the social emotional growth and digital wellness of all elementary students.

Applicant: Donna Busa

Schools: Elementary

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $4,000

Elementary Adaptive Art Planning and Professional Development

Elementary schools with a citywide program will offer adaptive art in the 2024-25 school year. Visual Art teachers and Occupational Therapists require summer professional development and consultation to prepare for the launch of this initiative.…

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Elementary Adaptive Art Planning and Professional Development

Elementary schools with a citywide program will offer adaptive art in the 2024-25 school year. Visual Art teachers and Occupational Therapists require summer professional development and consultation to prepare for the launch of this initiative. The summer curriculum writing and professional development will include the Bowen art teacher sharing the work documented during the pilot and the adaptations created by the Cabot visual art teacher where no adaptive art experience occurred. Liz Loya is a consultant from CAST with expertise in Universal Design for Learning and adaptive art She will assist the art teachers and OTs design approaches for implementing an adaptive art program that will meet the needs of diverse learners.

Applicant: Richard King

Schools: Elementary

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $5,650

Family Conversations: A Home and School Partnership

Countryside and Burr Elementary Schools and Newton South Preschool will host site-based racial literacy programming for students ages 3-8 years old and their caregivers in Fall 2024 in partnership with Story Starters Research shows that …

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Family Conversations: A Home and School Partnership

Countryside and Burr Elementary Schools and Newton South Preschool will host site-based racial literacy programming for students ages 3-8 years old and their caregivers in Fall 2024 in partnership with Story Starters Research shows that educational equity in younger ages is most likely to be successful when parents are involved and community norms are strong. This project would target the critical developmental window -- ages 3-8 -- when parents have a significant impact on their children's beliefs about race. All children benefit from belonging to anti-racist communities, since they acquire racial knowledge from community standards and conventions. (Hirschfeld, 2012). , a Newton nonprofit.

Applicant: Mindy Johal & Beth Herlihy

Schools: Burr & Countryside & Preschool

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $4,350.80

Futuring: Developing the Next Strategic Plan for the Newton Public Schools

After a 4-part session to develop a Profile of a Newton Graduate, the district and stakeholder groups will work to develop a 3-5 year strategic plan for the district. The entire school community would be …

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Futuring: Developing the Next Strategic Plan for the Newton Public Schools

After a 4-part session to develop a Profile of a Newton Graduate, the district and stakeholder groups will work to develop a 3-5 year strategic plan for the district. The entire school community would be affected and enhanced by a new strategic plan, but we aspire to 50 community members participating in the stakenolder engagement part of strategic planning.

Applicant: Anna Nolin

Schools: District Wide

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $16,800

Interactive SEL Games for Small Group Intervention

Building stronger relationships & increasing peer engagement during small group targeted SEL skill intervention groups through the use of hands-on, interactive and fun SEL focused games. Working to strengthen small group intervention in ways that …

READ MORE

Interactive SEL Games for Small Group Intervention

Building stronger relationships & increasing peer engagement during small group targeted SEL skill intervention groups through the use of hands-on, interactive and fun SEL focused games. Working to strengthen small group intervention in ways that make it more accessible, engaging, fun, and focused for students in need will really help students further their peer and teacher connections and gain essential SEL skills needed to be successful in their general education classrooms and throughout the school day with peers. Opportunities to learn and gain these skills in a focused small group setting has potential to really beneficially impacts students across their entire school day. 

Applicant: Anna Coly

Schools: Franklin

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $347.43

National Council of Teachers of English Annual Convention

The NCTE Convention is an annual event for ELA and literacy educators held all over the country. This November it will be in Boston, providing an excellent opportunity for NPS literacy educators to attend a …

READ MORE

National Council of Teachers of English Annual Convention

The NCTE Convention is an annual event for ELA and literacy educators held all over the country. This November it will be in Boston, providing an excellent opportunity for NPS literacy educators to attend a national conference without traveling.  

  • Literacy experts, researchers, & practitioners lead sessions in these strands:
  • Early Literacy - situated in social, historical, & cultural contexts.
  • Professional Development
  • LGBTQIA - critical pedagogy, and democratic teaching practices. Sessions encourage a broad definition of diversity and creation of safer, more inclusive schools
  • National Writing Project writing strand
  • Strand on issues, strategies regarding teaching and affirming BIPOC & ELL students
  • Research Strand - original research studies

Applicant: Deana Lew

Schools: Elementary

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $8,250

Professional Development and Alignment in Anti-Biased, Culturally Responsive Assessment for Psychologists

Book study of Systemic Racism and Educational Measurement Confronting Injustice in Testing, Assessment, and Beyond, by Dr. Michael Russell, culminating in meeting with the author in the spring and application of what is learned in …

READ MORE

Professional Development and Alignment in Anti-Biased, Culturally Responsive Assessment for Psychologists

Book study of Systemic Racism and Educational Measurement Confronting Injustice in Testing, Assessment, and Beyond, by Dr. Michael Russell, culminating in meeting with the author in the spring and application of what is learned in future years. Over the course of the spring of 2024 and the 2024-25 school year, the psychologists will read Dr. Russell’s book, participate in book groups designed to apply the learning to their own work, and will discuss as a department additional measures, statements, and methods to be added or changed in order to reduce the inherent systemic and build-in bias in assessment. The department will invite Dr. Russell to join for some part of the discussion.

Applicant: Laurie Paul, Jordanna L’Esperance, Toni-Marie Kelly

Schools: District Wide

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $4,037

Psychology Department Book Study

Psychologists will continue our goal of reducing bias in assessment & counseling by reading over the summer and meeting in the fall to discuss and apply learnings in order to design more inclusive comprehensive evaluation …

READ MORE

Psychology Department Book Study

Psychologists will continue our goal of reducing bias in assessment & counseling by reading over the summer and meeting in the fall to discuss and apply learnings in order to design more inclusive comprehensive evaluation and counseling processes. Earlier this year we read Systemic Racism and Educational Measurement: Confronting Injustice in Testing, Assessment, and Beyond, and met with the author for discussion. This led to additional thoughtful departmental discussions about bias in psychological assessments, and allowed us to review our practices and to collaborate on best practices for inclusive, comprehensive assessment and counseling practices which creates more educational equity for all students. We want to continue this work.

Applicant: Jordanna L'Esperance & Toni-Marie Kelly

Schools: District Wide

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: 1,000

SEL Tools for Lincoln Eliot

This project aims to obtain materials to support “Take a Break” spaces and to provide students with sensory tools to help them self-regulate to better be able to attend to classroom lessons and work. Though …

READ MORE

SEL Tools for Lincoln Eliot

This project aims to obtain materials to support “Take a Break” spaces and to provide students with sensory tools to help them self-regulate to better be able to attend to classroom lessons and work. Though many classroom teachers are open to implementing SEL tools, there has never been a budget for these materials. Many teachers have not been trained in tools that may help students exhibiting certain behaviors. Implementing tools to help students self-regulate is both a recent innovation in education, as well as an avenue to promote equity in that all students will have access to what they need to help them do their best learning.

Applicant: Jen Terrazzino

Schools: Lincoln Eliot

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $693

Social Emotional Learning & Promoting Equity

SEL implementation through teaching specific strategies and tools to facilitate equity of learning. Utilizing the different trainings I have received, I am developing new models to implement SEL. In 30 minute daily lessons, I will …

READ MORE

Social Emotional Learning & Promoting Equity

SEL implementation through teaching specific strategies and tools to facilitate equity of learning. Utilizing the different trainings I have received, I am developing new models to implement SEL. In 30 minute daily lessons, I will teach the Zones of Regulation paired with a book and a calming tool. Each student will develop an individual toolbox to identify their feelings and strategies that have been model in lessons/books. This will help maintain regulation and increase resilience. When all students persevere through academic challenges this creates equity among students.

Applicant: Jennifer Mead

Schools: Peirce

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $550

Strengthening Inclusion and SEL: In-class Break Spaces 2 (expansion)

The project aims to obtain additional materials to already successful “Calm Corner” spaces. The current project has been hugely successful and the team recognizes the need for additional materials. “Calm Corners” allow students to remain …

READ MORE

Strengthening Inclusion and SEL: In-class Break Spaces 2 (expansion)

The project aims to obtain additional materials to already successful “Calm Corner” spaces. The current project has been hugely successful and the team recognizes the need for additional materials. "Calm Corners" allow students to remain in their learning environment while they are regulating their bodies and emotions. Seeing other students using the same space and tools allows students to recognize feelings are universal--we all need a calm corner sometimes. This program is innovative in its approach and in the fact that these corners are available in every classroom as well as every special. No matter who you are or where you are, the tools are available to everyone.

Applicant: Emily Josephsohn

Schools: Burr

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $ 1501.54

The L

The L is a system of subway lines, markers, and signage. Designed to be developmentally appropriate for students and ADA compliant, this UDL supports the science of wayfinding which increases independence, reduces anxiety, and improves …

READ MORE

The L

The L is a system of subway lines, markers, and signage. Designed to be developmentally appropriate for students and ADA compliant, this UDL supports the science of wayfinding which increases independence, reduces anxiety, and improves library usage. As part of my professional goal, I’m to visit public and school libraries to learn about the impact of wayfinding. A design for The L has been made and supplies must be ordered. Collaboration with NNHS Ed Tech program and Graphics Department will result in signage that allows students to navigate their space, meeting the required library outcomes for research and reading for leisure in NPS. By March, the system should be in place and lessons K-5 will be taught to introduce their new environment.

Applicant: Liz Donovan

Schools: Angier

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $2,400

Tier 1 SEL Take a Break Spaces, SEL Reboot Part 2

The project aims to obtain materials to create “Take a Break” spaces. This structure provides students with a developmentally appropriate space in the classroom where they can learn to recognize and react to emotions in …

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Tier 1 SEL Take a Break Spaces, SEL Reboot Part 2

The project aims to obtain materials to create “Take a Break” spaces. This structure provides students with a developmentally appropriate space in the classroom where they can learn to recognize and react to emotions in a healthy & productive way. In order for students to be engaged in learning, self-regulation, a sense of belonging and safety is crucial. “Take a Break” spaces are designated areas in classrooms that help facilitate a safe learning environment for all students. This Tier 1 classroom structure is part of the puzzle that promotes belonging and connectedness for all students. Having an organized binder and bin of materials & explicitly teaching how to use this calming, regulating space is key to its effectiveness.

Applicant: Lisa LaCava

Schools: Mason Rice

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $ 780.92

Tier 2 & 3 Intervention & Progress Monitoring for Students in the ACHIEVE program

We want to purchase 17 licenses for Freckle Math & Read Live so that students in our ACHIEVE program (students with dyslexia) have access to rigorous, research-based, scaffolded reading & math intervention that also provides …

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Tier 2 & 3 Intervention & Progress Monitoring for Students in the ACHIEVE program

We want to purchase 17 licenses for Freckle Math & Read Live so that students in our ACHIEVE program (students with dyslexia) have access to rigorous, research-based, scaffolded reading & math intervention that also provides actionable progress data. Read Naturally is used in NPS for reading assessment & fluency intervention. Read Live is the online extension of Read Naturally. Read Live is particularly helpful for students who have reading disabilities because it reads content to students and provides actionable progress data for teachers. Freckle Math provides scaffolded standards-based math intervention to students, with problems read aloud if needed for students with dyslexia, and provides actionable progress data to teachers.

Applicant: Suzanne Griffin & Orla Higgins Averill

Schools: Angier

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $760.75

Career Day

This is a preventive mental health and community engagement event. Community members volunteer to speak about their career field. Students are surveyed about their fields of interest and then scheduled to hear from the most …

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Career Day

This is a preventive mental health and community engagement event. Community members volunteer to speak about their career field. Students are surveyed about their fields of interest and then scheduled to hear from the most relevant speakers.   This is a preventive mental health  program designed to give students a  hopeful and an optimistic outlook of their own futures, which has been identified as one of the 40 Developmental Assets. By  ensuring a diverse range of speaker backgrounds, we are aiming to have professional mentors that represent  the diversity of our student body. This is also a community engagement opportunity for middle school students to connect in a meaningful way with positive role models.

Applicant: Jackie Mann

Schools: Day MS

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $2,000

Comprehensible Input Library for Middle School Spanish Learners – District Pilot

I would like to create a library of comprehensible books written for Spanish language learners so that all of my Spanish students will be able to select and read novels that interest them and are …

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Comprehensible Input Library for Middle School Spanish Learners – District Pilot

I would like to create a library of comprehensible books written for Spanish language learners so that all of my Spanish students will be able to select and read novels that interest them and are at their appropriate reading level.   The world language department has been using methods of comprehensible input (CI) in order for our students to be able to acquire language. One very effective CI method, which has yet to be implemented in this district, is to have students select and read comprehensible books that interest them from a CI library (Innovations in the Classroom). Research shows that this helps every student in the class to be successful, not just the top learners (Programs that promote Equity for all).

Applicant: Laura Brady

Schools: Oak Hill

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $600

Consultant on Anti-Ableism Work

Bring on regional expert to support w. engagement w. the district to leverage work of developing anti-ableist lens across district. Betsy Johnson would engage with the district in developing a critical lens through which to …

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Consultant on Anti-Ableism Work

Bring on regional expert to support w. engagement w. the district to leverage work of developing anti-ableist lens across district. Betsy Johnson would engage with the district in developing a critical lens through which to examine our current practices for evidence of ableism. Once we can root ableism, we can work to dismantle it so we eliminate/minimize impact of unintended discrimination caused by implicit biases. This would lead to more equitable educational experiences for all students.

Applicant: Casey Ngo-Miller

Schools: District Wide

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $1,170

Cultural Kaleidoscope: Researching, Designing, and Promoting the District’s Monthly Heritage Celebration Resource

A few years ago, DEI began the Monthly Heritage Celebration document, and going forward, I’ll expand it for the District. This resource helps educators, students, and families as they look for ways to celebrate and …

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Cultural Kaleidoscope: Researching, Designing, and Promoting the District’s Monthly Heritage Celebration Resource

A few years ago, DEI began the Monthly Heritage Celebration document, and going forward, I'll expand it for the District. This resource helps educators, students, and families as they look for ways to celebrate and learn about different heritages. Activities I will engage in include: evaluating needs assessment, setting a timeline, researching and curating resources, evaluating for quality and inclusivity, organizing the document, managing copyrights, designing layout, gathering feedback, promoting awareness, evaluating impact, and planning for long-term sustainability and growth.

Applicant: Eileen Keane

Schools: District Wide

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $1,600

Diversifying the 6th Grade Novel Study Unit

A committee of MS ELA teachers, literacy specialists, library teachers, and a member of the DEI department, will revise and update the current 6th grade novel study unit to center around a text that is …

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Diversifying the 6th Grade Novel Study Unit

A committee of MS ELA teachers, literacy specialists, library teachers, and a member of the DEI department, will revise and update the current 6th grade novel study unit to center around a text that is engaging, culturally responsive, and rigorous.   Bringing a new novel study into 6th grade classrooms reflects innovation by incorporating a text that would be more engaging and culturally responsive. Creating curriculum as a grade level is excellent, job-embedded professional development, supporting collaboration and professional learning in a meaningful context. It also promotes equity in the sense of ensuring that all 6th grade students have a common reading experience and are held to common expectations across buildings.

Applicant: Joelle Pederson

Schools: Middle School

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $7,189.20

Futuring: Developing the Next Strategic Plan for the Newton Public Schools

After a 4-part session to develop a Profile of a Newton Graduate, the district and stakeholder groups will work to develop a 3-5 year strategic plan for the district. The entire school community would be …

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Futuring: Developing the Next Strategic Plan for the Newton Public Schools

After a 4-part session to develop a Profile of a Newton Graduate, the district and stakeholder groups will work to develop a 3-5 year strategic plan for the district. The entire school community would be affected and enhanced by a new strategic plan, but we aspire to 50 community members participating in the stakenolder engagement part of strategic planning.

Applicant: Anna Nolin

Schools: District Wide

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $16,800

I’m Amazing, Now Where Am I Going?

Career exploration program focused on increasing opportunities for Black, Latinx, and/or low-income students in NPS. It enlists high school students to facilitate middle school students, and pairs each high schooler with an adult mentor.  …

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I’m Amazing, Now Where Am I Going?

Career exploration program focused on increasing opportunities for Black, Latinx, and/or low-income students in NPS. It enlists high school students to facilitate middle school students, and pairs each high schooler with an adult mentor.   The NYSC and METCO endeavor to provide more opportunities for Black, Latinx, and/or low-income students to engage in career exploration leading to successful college completion. The program equips students with resources, support, and skills in 6 weeks with “near-peer” and 1:1 mentoring and opportunities to develop interviewing and leadership

Applicant: Lisa Gilbert-Smith

Schools: 6-12

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $12,240

Igniting a Writing Revolution

We will conduct a book-study on “The Writing Revolution 2.0,” with the aim of developing consistent writing scaffolds that can be explicitly taught in the special ed. classroom and generalized to the general ed. setting. 

Igniting a Writing Revolution

We will conduct a book-study on “The Writing Revolution 2.0,” with the aim of developing consistent writing scaffolds that can be explicitly taught in the special ed. classroom and generalized to the general ed. setting. 

Applicant: Caitlin Irwin

Schools: Oak Hill & District Special Ed. Programs

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $245

Including Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students in Middle School General Music

DHH students in the general music classroom pose a unique challenge. All activities related to listening need to have additional visual and tactile components. We want to provide more percussion activities and instruction. We are …

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Including Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students in Middle School General Music

DHH students in the general music classroom pose a unique challenge. All activities related to listening need to have additional visual and tactile components. We want to provide more percussion activities and instruction. We are bringing music education- a historically hearing based activity- to deaf and hard of hearing students through visualization, vibration, and physicality. Like all adaptive lessons, these adaptations will also benefit hearing students by being more multisensory and multimodal learning activities.

Applicant: Jaime Alberts

Schools: Bigelow

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $1,225

Middle School Students MakeMusic

Supporting student subscriptions to MakeMusic, a web-based instructional technology that fosters the musical growth of students enrolled in middle school choral & instrumental ensembles and aids teachers in leading more efficient ensemble rehearsals. Beyond the …

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Middle School Students MakeMusic

Supporting student subscriptions to MakeMusic, a web-based instructional technology that fosters the musical growth of students enrolled in middle school choral & instrumental ensembles and aids teachers in leading more efficient ensemble rehearsals. Beyond the original NSF grant in 2019-20, MakeMusic was funded by the district, cut from the FY24 budget due to budget cuts. The current subscriptions end on November 9th. This request is intended as a stopgap measure to maintain access to the student subscriptions for all students enrolled in music ensembles at each middle school. The timeline would mean a temporary pause in student subscriptions until NSF funding decisions are made in December. No other funding sources have been identified.

Applicant: Richard King

Schools: Middle School

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $14,578

No Red Ink: Personalized Grammar Instruction

No Red Ink is an engaging and pedagogically valuable tool for Grade 8 grammar instruction. It allows for differentiated grammar instruction and evaluation. We have seen its utility first hand for the past six months, …

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No Red Ink: Personalized Grammar Instruction

No Red Ink is an engaging and pedagogically valuable tool for Grade 8 grammar instruction. It allows for differentiated grammar instruction and evaluation. We have seen its utility first hand for the past six months, and want to renew the license. Students' English grammar skills are widely varied, and with historically large class sizes in this year's 8th grade, providing targeted instruction for all students is quite a challenge, even for our veteran ELA team. Some families afford tutors to boost skills, and/or have native English family members at home, while others rely solely upon our instruction. No Red Ink allows us to tailor grammar instruction, which helps with engagement and skills growth overall.

Applicant: Becky Cohen

Schools: Brown

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $3,500

Professional Development and Alignment in Anti-Biased, Culturally Responsive Assessment for Psychologists

Book study of Systemic Racism and Educational Measurement Confronting Injustice in Testing, Assessment, and Beyond, by Dr. Michael Russell, culminating in meeting with the author in the spring and application of what is learned in …

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Professional Development and Alignment in Anti-Biased, Culturally Responsive Assessment for Psychologists

Book study of Systemic Racism and Educational Measurement Confronting Injustice in Testing, Assessment, and Beyond, by Dr. Michael Russell, culminating in meeting with the author in the spring and application of what is learned in future years. Over the course of the spring of 2024 and the 2024-25 school year, the psychologists will read Dr. Russell’s book, participate in book groups designed to apply the learning to their own work, and will discuss as a department additional measures, statements, and methods to be added or changed in order to reduce the inherent systemic and build-in bias in assessment. The department will invite Dr. Russell to join for some part of the discussion.

Applicant: Laurie Paul, Jordanna L’Esperance, Toni-Marie Kelly

Schools: District Wide

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $4,037

Psychology Department Book Study

Psychologists will continue our goal of reducing bias in assessment & counseling by reading over the summer and meeting in the fall to discuss and apply learnings in order to design more inclusive comprehensive evaluation …

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Psychology Department Book Study

Psychologists will continue our goal of reducing bias in assessment & counseling by reading over the summer and meeting in the fall to discuss and apply learnings in order to design more inclusive comprehensive evaluation and counseling processes. Earlier this year we read Systemic Racism and Educational Measurement: Confronting Injustice in Testing, Assessment, and Beyond, and met with the author for discussion. This led to additional thoughtful departmental discussions about bias in psychological assessments, and allowed us to review our practices and to collaborate on best practices for inclusive, comprehensive assessment and counseling practices which creates more educational equity for all students. We want to continue this work.

Applicant: Jordanna L'Esperance & Toni-Marie Kelly

Schools: District Wide

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: 1,000

Co-Teacher Development Pilot Program

We are piloting a program for co-teachers to improve practices. We aim to shift the culture to one that increases parity in co-teaching relationships and provides opportunities for collaboration, collective resources and professional development.  While …

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Co-Teacher Development Pilot Program

We are piloting a program for co-teachers to improve practices. We aim to shift the culture to one that increases parity in co-teaching relationships and provides opportunities for collaboration, collective resources and professional development.  While co-teaching is not a new model, approaching co-teaching holistically and collaboratively will give educators opportunities to approach their pedagogy differently. By piloting different models of co-teaching, teachers and Unit C staff will use their strengths in tandem, further developing professional skills. Refining the co-teaching dynamic will add to the educational experience for students. Effective collaboration will increase equity and accessibility for students.

Applicant: Emily Shire and Lillian Robinson

Schools: NSHS

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $9,247.08

Consultant on Anti-Ableism Work

Bring on regional expert to support w. engagement w. the district to leverage work of developing anti-ableist lens across district. Betsy Johnson would engage with the district in developing a critical lens through which to …

READ MORE

Consultant on Anti-Ableism Work

Bring on regional expert to support w. engagement w. the district to leverage work of developing anti-ableist lens across district. Betsy Johnson would engage with the district in developing a critical lens through which to examine our current practices for evidence of ableism. Once we can root ableism, we can work to dismantle it so we eliminate/minimize impact of unintended discrimination caused by implicit biases. This would lead to more equitable educational experiences for all students.

Applicant: Casey Ngo-Miller

Schools: District Wide

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $1,170

Cultural Kaleidoscope: Researching, Designing, and Promoting the District’s Monthly Heritage Celebration Resource

A few years ago, DEI began the Monthly Heritage Celebration document, and going forward, I’ll expand it for the District. This resource helps educators, students, and families as they look for ways to celebrate and …

READ MORE

Cultural Kaleidoscope: Researching, Designing, and Promoting the District’s Monthly Heritage Celebration Resource

A few years ago, DEI began the Monthly Heritage Celebration document, and going forward, I'll expand it for the District. This resource helps educators, students, and families as they look for ways to celebrate and learn about different heritages. Activities I will engage in include: evaluating needs assessment, setting a timeline, researching and curating resources, evaluating for quality and inclusivity, organizing the document, managing copyrights, designing layout, gathering feedback, promoting awareness, evaluating impact, and planning for long-term sustainability and growth.

Applicant: Eileen Keane

Schools: District Wide

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $1,600

Dreamfar – Helping Students Build Wellness, Purpose, and Community Through a Mentor Supported Distance Running Program

Providing equitable access for NNHS/NSHS students of diverse backgrounds and abilities to participate in Dreamfar—a free, mentor-supported, running program that helps students build physical/mental wellness, purpose, academic focus, and community. NNHS and NSHS staff help …

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Dreamfar – Helping Students Build Wellness, Purpose, and Community Through a Mentor Supported Distance Running Program

Providing equitable access for NNHS/NSHS students of diverse backgrounds and abilities to participate in Dreamfar—a free, mentor-supported, running program that helps students build physical/mental wellness, purpose, academic focus, and community. NNHS and NSHS staff help Dreamfar reach out to diverse students, promoting equity for ALL students. Last year, 50% of Dreamfar youth were diverse in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, mental health diagnosis, disability status, or socioeconomic differences. Many Dreamfar teens are not engaged in school sports/activities, while others do participate in school sports/activities. The result is an inclusive program where all can benefit physically, academically, and emotionally.

Applicant: Ethan Peritz

Schools: Newton North / Newton South

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $7,000

Futuring: Developing the Next Strategic Plan for the Newton Public Schools

After a 4-part session to develop a Profile of a Newton Graduate, the district and stakeholder groups will work to develop a 3-5 year strategic plan for the district. The entire school community would be …

READ MORE

Futuring: Developing the Next Strategic Plan for the Newton Public Schools

After a 4-part session to develop a Profile of a Newton Graduate, the district and stakeholder groups will work to develop a 3-5 year strategic plan for the district. The entire school community would be affected and enhanced by a new strategic plan, but we aspire to 50 community members participating in the stakenolder engagement part of strategic planning.

Applicant: Anna Nolin

Schools: District Wide

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $16,800

I’m Amazing, Now Where Am I Going?

Career exploration program focused on increasing opportunities for Black, Latinx, and/or low-income students in NPS. It enlists high school students to facilitate middle school students, and pairs each high schooler with an adult mentor.  …

READ MORE

I’m Amazing, Now Where Am I Going?

Career exploration program focused on increasing opportunities for Black, Latinx, and/or low-income students in NPS. It enlists high school students to facilitate middle school students, and pairs each high schooler with an adult mentor.   The NYSC and METCO endeavor to provide more opportunities for Black, Latinx, and/or low-income students to engage in career exploration leading to successful college completion. The program equips students with resources, support, and skills in 6 weeks with “near-peer” and 1:1 mentoring and opportunities to develop interviewing and leadership

Applicant: Lisa Gilbert-Smith

Schools: 6-12

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $12,240

Professional Development and Alignment in Anti-Biased, Culturally Responsive Assessment for Psychologists

Book study of Systemic Racism and Educational Measurement Confronting Injustice in Testing, Assessment, and Beyond, by Dr. Michael Russell, culminating in meeting with the author in the spring and application of what is learned in …

READ MORE

Professional Development and Alignment in Anti-Biased, Culturally Responsive Assessment for Psychologists

Book study of Systemic Racism and Educational Measurement Confronting Injustice in Testing, Assessment, and Beyond, by Dr. Michael Russell, culminating in meeting with the author in the spring and application of what is learned in future years. Over the course of the spring of 2024 and the 2024-25 school year, the psychologists will read Dr. Russell’s book, participate in book groups designed to apply the learning to their own work, and will discuss as a department additional measures, statements, and methods to be added or changed in order to reduce the inherent systemic and build-in bias in assessment. The department will invite Dr. Russell to join for some part of the discussion.

Applicant: Laurie Paul, Jordanna L’Esperance, Toni-Marie Kelly

Schools: District Wide

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $4,037

Professional Development- Keys to Literacy

I would like to bring Keys to Literacy, a PD program, to the science department at NNHS. I have taken PD through them in my previous district and believe they would be helpful to teachers.…

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Professional Development- Keys to Literacy

I would like to bring Keys to Literacy, a PD program, to the science department at NNHS. I have taken PD through them in my previous district and believe they would be helpful to teachers. The Keys to Literacy program is Professional Development that provide a framework for teaching comprehension strategies and vocabulary routines. I think these strategies would be particularly helpful for our multilevel teachers in the North science department. We have a wide range of skills in the ML classrooms, including ELs and students with disabilities. Many of the techniques shown in the PD show scaffolding that would help a teacher in the multilevel setting. achers in multilevel classes. 

Applicant: Melanie Pennison

Schools: NNHS

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: $1,950

Psychology Department Book Study

Psychologists will continue our goal of reducing bias in assessment & counseling by reading over the summer and meeting in the fall to discuss and apply learnings in order to design more inclusive comprehensive evaluation …

READ MORE

Psychology Department Book Study

Psychologists will continue our goal of reducing bias in assessment & counseling by reading over the summer and meeting in the fall to discuss and apply learnings in order to design more inclusive comprehensive evaluation and counseling processes. Earlier this year we read Systemic Racism and Educational Measurement: Confronting Injustice in Testing, Assessment, and Beyond, and met with the author for discussion. This led to additional thoughtful departmental discussions about bias in psychological assessments, and allowed us to review our practices and to collaborate on best practices for inclusive, comprehensive assessment and counseling practices which creates more educational equity for all students. We want to continue this work.

Applicant: Jordanna L'Esperance & Toni-Marie Kelly

Schools: District Wide

Date Approved: Spring 2024

Amount: 1,000

Teachers As Scholars

Teachers participate in small, 2 day seminars led by university staff in the arts, humanities, math, and science, and are thus reconnected to the world of scholarship. Participants will explore a niche area of content …

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Teachers As Scholars

Teachers participate in small, 2 day seminars led by university staff in the arts, humanities, math, and science, and are thus reconnected to the world of scholarship. Participants will explore a niche area of content to progress their own learning.

Applicant: Dani Johnson

Schools: NNHS

Date Approved: Fall 2023

Amount: $3,375

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.

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