What a Difference HFEE Grants Have Made
The Huntington Foundation has been making a noticeable difference in classroom education in the Huntington School District for the past 17 years. As the group's annual fundraising gala approaches on January 21, supporters say that community involvement in HFEE's efforts is more vital than ever.
The organization, which is dedicated to "excellence in education," has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars since its founding and plowed it all back into innovative programs and equipment not funded through regular district appropriations.
Maryann Daly, the district's SEARCH program chairperson-teacher, hasn't been shy about filing applications for the Huntington Foundation's Star and mini-grant programs. These grants have funded some intriguing initiatives that have carried a legitimate wallop educationally speaking.
"The SEARCH program has existed in our district for over 30 years," Mrs. Daly said. "Through the years, it has been expanded to offer many enrichment programs under its umbrella. These workshops and events have been purposely developed to reach as many children as possible in grades K-6."
The effort to "reach as many children as possible" has led Mrs. Daly to hunt for quality learning activities for youngsters on the elementary level. Such workshops carry a price tag that cannot always be addressed through the district budget. That's where the Huntington Foundation's grant programs come in.
Grants Jump-Start Initiatives
Some of the initiatives that were initially jump-started with a HFEE grant have continued to be offered through the SEARCH program budget. "Mad Science programs have become a mainstay for every second and third grade student since 2005," Mrs. Daly said. "This year, these in-class workshops have been scheduled for March."
Every third grader will participate in a one-hour hands-on lab session called "Mad Science Machines." All second graders will take part in a separate lab session called "The Science of Toys."
In addition to these workshops, the popular Science Spectacular "Fire and Ice" show will be presented in March to second and third graders across the district.
For the seventh consecutive year, fourth grade students will attend two one-hour labs called "All Charged Up" and "Float, Sink, Flink." The sessions are scheduled for May in each building. "These labs are specifically scheduled right before the state science test in order to prepare the children for the science performance part of this important test," Mrs. Daly said. "New York Hall of Science instructors will again bring in their materials, equipment and expertise, all to reinforce the curriculum the fourth grade teachers have taught their children all year."
Starlab Lessons in May
In May, all third and fifth graders will participate in Starlab lessons. "These lessons will be conducted by New York Hall of Science instructors," Mrs. Daly said. "Children look forward to experiencing this portable planetarium."
A HFEE-funded Star grant supported the purchase of a new planetarium and handcrafted cylinders to replace the 20-year old equipment that needed to be updated "to the tune of $15,500," Mrs. Daly said.
Another Huntington Foundation Star grant has funded public speaking workshops for first graders. Conducted by teaching artist Heather Thorgersen, these sessions are currently ongoing. A total of 64 classes have been scheduled for November, January, March and May across the district. Mrs. Thorgersen has worked with Mrs. Daly for many years, developing and conducting a variety of workshops for the SEARCH program as well as the general elementary grade level student population.
Video-conferencing science lessons with Woodhull School librarian Christine Amodeo's sixth grade classes and Anthony Negron from the New York Hall of Science will again be held this spring. A Huntington Foundation grant provided for the state-of-the-art technology that makes the video-conferencing initiative possible.
Huntington Foundation is Instrumental
"As you can see, HFEE has played an instrumental role in bringing the students of Huntington excellent programs throughout the years," Mrs. Daly said. "We need to support their goal of raising money to be able to bring innovative events to our student body. This is a win-win for all."
Tickets to the Friday, January 21 Huntington Foundation gala can be secured by sending a check payable to the Huntington Foundation for Excellence in Education to P.O. Box 552, Huntington, NY 11743.
The evening will include the presentation of the coveted Spirit Award to Barbara Cutrone, president of the Huntington Booster Club and a longtime district volunteer.