Spaulding Educational Fund

"Essex Elementary students love the Lego Robotics kits supported by a 2005 SEF grant. Students design their own structures, test them, and redesign as needed based on their test results. This program is still going strong. Hands-on science was never like this when I was in elementary school!"

Dr. Bodmer-Turner
Computer Integration Specialist
Essex Elementary School

Grants: 2005-2006

Memorial School

Elementary School Technology Suites - equipment that projects the internet and digital video onto large screens for daily classroom lessons

24 Midi Digital Keyboards – the purchase of 24 portable “midi” (digital) piano keyboards, headphones, and support equipment allows students to work at their own keyboard/computer station to learn basic piano keyboarding skills, basic music theory, and many other elements of music.

50 Digiwalkers – These pedometers are used to have kids at Memorial walk and measure their distance traveled. Teachers use them, too. It’s a great tool that encourages exercise, and motivates movement.

Kindergarten American Sign Language Program – An instructor provides an overview of American Sign Language and deaf culture to the Kindergarten program. Classes include games that teach signs of animals, colors and feelings. Sign language will be taught to accompany songs that the children are learning in class. Research has shown that sign language helps strengthen skills in reading, math and other academic pursuits.

Essex Elementary

Integrated Preschool Playground Equipment - MERSD integrated preschool program serves young children in both communities. This grant funded an age appropriate playground that provides opportunities for sensory stimulation and gross motor development.

Participation in Massachusetts Children’s Book Awards- This grant gave 6ths graders the opportunity to read and critique literature that had been submitted for review and nomination as winners of this award. By participating in this program student’s interests in reading are encouraged and excitement in literature results by being a registered voter of this Award program.

Mad About Math Kits - Kits developed by teachers that improve math instruction and math homework study skills.

“Wordmaker” Software- This software develops student’s skills in phonemic awareness and phonics - two important components of a balanced literacy program identified by the National Reading Panel.

Middle and High School

Library Smartboard/Projector- The SMARTBoard interactive whiteboard is a large, touch-sensitive display. It is an exciting, innovative and effective tool that brings sight, sound, and scale to a student’s learning.

Foreign Language Software – this software develops and strengthens vocabulary and basic and intermediate foreign language speaking skills

DECA Funding and new SmartBoard- DECA, is an organization of high school marketing students who learn how to apply general marketing concepts in a realistic and competitive scenario. The high school’s DECA team has been phenomenally successful over the years – often traveling and winning in national competitions. Spaulding has been a consistent supporter of this important MERSD organization so that they have the resources necessary to travel and compete. Also, this year, a new SmartBoard was purchased for their classroom.

Debate Team Funding – The Spaulding Education Fund has been a long time supporter of the Manchester/Essex Debate Team. The team has been consistently ranked as one of the top 100 debate teams in the country. Over the past 35 years, Manchester/Essex Debate has continued to give unparalleled opportunities to our students. The team travels to over 30 tournaments a year, competing both locally and nationally.
Art Foundations Workbook Guide - This grant funded the research, design and production of a workbook/guide to enhance the study of the Elements and Principles of Design. This provides all students in the 7th & 8th grade an individual booklet of instruction, helping them to understand the fundamentals of design.

Fine Arts Director Certification - This certificate is being earned by art teacher, Marion Powers. It is for a 2 year program that focuses on the integration of the arts in education, the K-12 fine arts curriculum, and the study of the role of the creative process in education and the arts.

Technology Suites for Middle & High School - equipment that projects the internet and digital video onto large screens for daily classroom lessons

Wellness Program – this grant purchased treadmills, elliptical machines and other fitness equipment that is used by students and faculty – turning a tired old weight lifting room into a very busy and popular fitness center.