Marshwood Education Foundation

Marshwood Education Foundation Awards Spring Grants

June 2, 2011 - The Marshwood Education Foundation (MEF) announced the recipients of its spring grants at the June 1st MSAD 35 Board meeting. The grants, totaling $6702.22, were awarded to three recipients whose proposals bring creative and fun opportunities to Marshwood students.

"The Marshwood Great Works School is the big winner this spring," said Rachel Martin, MEF President. "Of the applications we received this time around, there were three that shined through with definitive goals for education and wellness. The grants will allow our students to experience technology through the use of robots, explore creativity through writing and illustration, and reach new heights on the Fitness Trail at the Great Works School," added Martin.

The Marshwood Education Foundation was established in 2009 and raises funds solely through community events and private donations. MEF is committed to supporting public education in Eliot and South Berwick through funding innovative educational opportunities that fall outside of the responsibility of the school budget. Grants are awarded twice annually, in the spring and fall.

MEF spring grants awarded June 1st, 2011:
Grace Jacobs, Gifted & Talented Program Coordinator, and parent David Whelan were awarded $2,438.85 to jumpstart the MGWS Robotics Program. This program, organized in three 10-week sessions, offers 36 students each year a chance to work cooperatively to assemble and program LEGO Mindstorm robots. Exposing students to this type of program teaches them the relationship between hardware and software. Students will use Lego Mindstorm kits to construct the robots and laptop computers to program their robots. This activity will be open to all MGWS students by a student/parent application.

Susan Goettlich, Reading Specialist, and Librarian Cynthia Moloney of MGWS were awarded $3125.00 for their program Small Moments Travel Great Distances. MGWS will bring author/illustrator Jane Cowen Fletcher to the school to help implement the Lucy Calkins writing program. All students and teachers will participate in this creative writing and illustrating project. Each child will have the opportunity to produce a picture book and then share his or her book with students at Central Elementary School and Eliot Elementary School.

Lori Girouard, Fifth Grade Teacher, was awarded $1138.37 for her application to enhance the MGWS Fitness Trail. The funding will allow the school to add three workout stations -- a balance beam, parallel bars, and pull-up bars, as well as distance markers along the trail. These stations will be welcome additions to the already popular fitness area, and will enhance the school's Physical Education program.

Annual Garage Dance to Benefit the Marshwood Education Foundation

March 1 , 2011 - The Kittery Autoworks will hold its 16th annual Garage Dance featuring Ben Baldwin and the Big Note on Saturday, May 14th from 8 p.m. to midnight. The proceeds from this year's event will benefit the Marshwood Education Foundation (MEF).

The Autoworks Garage Dance is a well-known neighborhood affair where the garage is transformed into a place of festivity. People celebrate friendship and community, and enjoy a night out with dancing in this unique setting. "The Garage Dance is a popular annual event, and we hope people from all over the seacoast come out to support MEF," said Rachel Martin, MEF President. "The Garage Dance will be the place to be on May 14th, so bring your dancing shoes!"

"We are pleased to be working with Steve Kosacz, President of Autoworks," added Martin. Other sponsors include Marshall Rental, Kennebunk Savings Bank, and Lisa Glidden, Realtor, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.

The Garage Dance is a BYOB event and it is always a sell-out, so get your tickets in advance. Tickets are $30 and will be available at the following locations beginning March 1st:

Autoworks in Kittery
P. Gagnon and Son in South Berwick
Bull Moose Music in Portsmouth

You can also contact Mimi Abell at mabell.mef@gmail.com or 603-969-9650.

Make checks payable to Marshwood Education Foundation.
Mailing address:
MEF
PO Box 582
South Berwick, ME 03908

Marshwood Announces Recipients of Fall 2010 Grant Cycle

December 1 , 2010 - The Marshwood Education Foundation (MEF) announced the recipients of its fall 2010 grant cycle tonight at the Maine School Administrative District (MSAD) # 35 Board meeting. The MEF awarded four grants totaling $8,593.00.

“These days, financial resources for educators are limited, and teachers sometimes have to rely on outside funds to fuel their creativity,” said Rachel Martin, MEF President. “We are pleased to offer support for programs and projects that might otherwise go unfunded in our schools.”

The MEF, founded in 2009, raises money primarily through community fundraising events and private donations. The organization has awarded over $26,000 to date and offers two grant cycles annually, in the fall and spring of each school year.

MEF grants awarded December 1, 2010:

Kate Smith, music teacher at Central School ($4,000) for her Outdoor Classroom and Hoop House Project. The landscape restoration at Central School will give the students an opportunity to learn about the joy of interacting with nature. This project also gives the students a chance to work with the high school Garden Club in planting, caring for, and harvesting vegetables in a hoop house. The grant will fund a portion of what is over a $25,000 project.

Kristina Schultz, art teacher at Central School ($593) for her project Wild Things! for Fine Arts Week 2011. Designed to compliment the Outdoor Classroom project, this week-long program will give all students at Central School an opportunity to work with artist-in-residence Cynthia Robinson. Ms. Robinson will work with students on art projects centered around the school landscape and wildlife. Along with a $1,500 donation from the PTO, the grant covers the costs of the week.

Tami Schoff, literacy coach at Marshwood Middle School ($2,000) for her project One School, One Book. The project seeks to improve reading achievements by providing a carefully selected book to each middle school student's family and the entire MMS staff. Each participant will follow a calendar of reading, answer trivia questions, and be encouraged to participate in open discussions about the book. The goal of this shared reading experience is to increase literacy awareness and promote the benefits of reading at home.

Keith Barron and Lynn Walker, teachers at Marshwood Middle School ($2,000) for their project entitled Six Purple Empowerment. Promoting team building, self-confidence, and positive relationships with peers are among the goals of a trip to Camp Merrowvista in New Hampshire’s Ossipee Mountains. All members of the sixth grade Purple team at MMS will have the opportunity to take part in this trip, as well as attend follow-up events in school that will reinforce skills learned at the camp.

The MEF will be accepting grant applications for its spring cycle early next year with a deadline of April 15, 2011.

Auction raises $15k for Marshwood schools

by David Ramsay, Seacoastonline.com, October 18, 2010 - In only its second year, the Marshwood Education Foundation raised $14,750 at its annual Oktoberfest dinner and auction Friday, Oct. 15 at the Spring Hill Restaurant in an event attended by more than 200 people.

"This doubles the amount raised last year," said MEF President Rachel Martin. "We're thrilled, and it warms your heart to see everybody here and it being sold out. There's such support from the community, it's fabulous."

Like many at the event, Martin became involved because she has kids in the schools and wants to ensure that creative programs in the arts, music and sciences continue to play an important role, especially during tough economic times.

"I know budgets are tight so it's a way to get teachers to expand their knowledge," said Susan Wellhofer, while her husband, Dan Kelsey, likes that the foundation supports the arts and may well help prevent programs from being eliminated.

"I think this is fabulous," said parent Paul Stanley. Paul and his wife, Heather, have two children in the Marshwood schools, one in fifth grade and one in second grade. "We're friends with some of the people who organized it and they put a ton of work into it. They did a great job, a great turnout."
"It's a great school system and if I didn't think they were doing all the right things, I'd be more hesitant about donating my money," said parent Randy Carey. "I have one son who graduated from Marshwood and another son starting 1st grade at Eliot Elementary...;we have a vested interest: at least you see where your money's going."

"I like our community and that there are so many people involved in the school. I have four children who are at different levels — a third-, a fifth-, a seventh- and a ninth-grader at four different schools," said parent Diana Flynn. "Each child has found a niche at the schools — there are so many opportunities. I like that our parents are involved and care about our kids education. It's a great thing that they've started and I'm here to learn more about it."

MEF grants are available to teachers or students within the district, which includes both Eliot and South Berwick, for innovative and creative projects that fall outside the funding priorities of the regular school budget, Martin said. In the past, these grants have funded projects such as an athletic trail at Marshwood Great Works School, Yoga in the classroom, and solar panels at the high school.

"We're so grateful and thankful for all the volunteers who've helped and all the donations from individuals, businesses and organizations," she said.

Spring Grant Recipients Announced

May 6, 2010 -- The Marshwood Education Foundation (MEF) announced the recipients of its spring 2010 grants cycle at the MSAD 35 Board meeting last evening. The grants, totaling $8,850, were awarded to four recipients whose proposals covered a wide array of creative and innovative educational opportunities for Marshwood kids.

“We believe that the intrinsic value of these grants will sustain the strong community support we have received from citizens of Eliot and South Berwick. Each of these recipients has designed a unique, innovative educational project that enhances MSAD 35’s curriculum. These grants will allow our students to experience extraordinary exposure to marine science in a partnership with the Seacoast Science Center; physical education and wellness along a fitness trail; yoga as a method to enhance learning readiness; and a timely song writing project tied to Eliot’s August bicentennial celebration,” Mr. Leathe said.

“The teacher, community and student response to our initial grant projects has been wonderful. We hope many people will come celebrate our second year at MEF’s Oktoberfest at Spring Hill, Friday, October 15, 2010. Later this spring we will launch a direct mail fund raising campaign to help fund future grants," Mr. Leathe said.

“Finally, everything MEF does is rooted in and grows from innovative, imaginative applications submitted from all our schools. We expect to receive another group of terrific applications during our next grant cycle that will culminate on October 15, 2010. We look forward to being here again in December 2010 to announce those grants,” Mr. Leathe said.

MEF grants awarded tonight:

Rhonda Mann, art teacher at Marshwood Great Works School ($3,000) for her project entitled “A Whale of an Integrated Arts/Marine Science/Community Partnership.” The project uses ocean literacy as the context for teaching 5th grade science, and integrates fine arts, language arts and social studies in a curriculum built on a partnership with the Seacoast Science Center;

Colleen Beausoleil, kindergarten teacher at Eliot Elementary School ($2,250) for her Yoga 4 Classrooms project. The school-wide program uses yoga-based practices to enhance learning readiness, fitness and productivity, and focuses on wellness for both students and teachers;

Mark Taggart, 4th grade teacher at Marshwood Great Works School ($3,000) for his fitness trail project. The funds will be used to build a 2,000-foot long fitness path which will support the school’s physical education program, wellness goals, and community-building initiatives;

Ann Shisler, 2nd grade teacher at Eliot Elementary School ($600) for her Happy Birthday Eliot project. The money will support the school’s local history curriculum by funding a song-writing residency with local musician Sammie Haynes, and creating an opportunity for all students to be involved in the town’s bicentennial celebration in August 2010.

About the Marshwood Education Foundation (MEF)
The MEF is a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt corporation and functions as an independent, non-profit organization of dedicated community members. Two successful fund raising events were held in 2009. The foundation relies on charitable gifts, donations and events to fund two grants cycles each year. Additional information can be viewed at our website: www.marshwood-education-foundation.org.

Editorial contact:
Keri Tice, Secretary-MEF 207-439-6131
mailboxmef@gmail.com

Fall Grant Recipients Announced

December 2, 2009 - The Marshwood Education Foundation (MEF) announced the recipients of its fall 2009 grant cycle Wednesday, December 2, at the MSAD 35 Board meeting. The foundation, which was formed a year ago, awarded $9,400 to seven recipients.

"Tonight's awards represent the initial fulfillment of MEF's mission to fund creative and innovative education projects within the Eliot and South Berwick schools," said Jeff Leathe, MEF president.

"These initial grants focus on energy, life sciences, music and fitness. The funding will enable our educators and students to enhance ongoing projects and reach beyond their daily curriculum to implement new programs," Mr. Leathe said.

"Barely a year ago a committed group of people came together to establish the Marshwood Education Foundation. The MEF quickly gained momentum with tremendous business and artisan support and launched its initial grant application cycle. We received 18 applications. The seven grants announced tonight provide the most clarity of goals and objectives, along with uniqueness, number of students and faculty impacted and alignment with MSAD 35's curriculum and plans. While not all applicants earned grants, the range and quality we have seen in this - our first grant cycle - is a satisfying compliment to the hard work of our members and excellent community support," Mr. Leathe said.

"While tonight's grants culminate a great first year, we are only beginning and we encourage those who were not selected to resubmit applications and we will continue to work to generate future interest throughout the district," Mr. Leathe said.

MEF grants awarded tonight:

Jeff Gardiner, science teacher at Marshwood High School ($1,500) for his Solar Panel Demonstration Project. The funds will allow Gardner and the school's Recycling Club to purchase three 80W photo voltaic panels for the school's greenhouse, enhancing the energy curriculum as well as feeding electricity to three science classrooms;

Kate Smith, music teacher at Central Elementary School ($1,500) for her "Junk 2 Funk" Residency Project for Fine Arts Week in April 2010. The funds will bring local artist and educator Jeff Erwin to the school for a six-day residency in which all students will create and play original music using instruments made from recycled materials, learning about the creative and technological aspects of performance art, environmental science, and the science of sound;

Shelley Smith, health and physical education teacher at Marshwood High School ($1,000), for her Personal Fitness Expansion Project. The funds will be used to purchase two Wii Fit systems in order to provide alternative, individualized exercise activities;

Emily Stauffer, science teacher at Marshwood Middle School ($1,000) for her School Garden Project. The funds will be used for tools and a greenhouse, enhancing the life science curriculum, and cultivating awareness, skills and values relating to personal health, community and the environment;

David Graichen, instrumental director at Marshwood High School ($2,600) for his Smart Music Computer Project. The money will fund the purchase of two iMac computers that provide on-screen feedback to students, and audio recordings to teachers, to improve student performance and assessment in the music program;

Nina D'Aran, guidance counselor at Central School ($870) for her Geocaching Club Project. The funds will support the purchase of four GPSs, assisting the Club's mission to enhance third grade mapping skills, and promote outdoor education;

Katie Gilpatrick, language arts teacher at Marshwood Middle School ($930), for her Document Reader Project. The funds will be used to purchase a document camera and projector, allowing teachers to share instructional materials and student work more effectively and efficiently.

The MEF is a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt corporation and functions as an independent, non-profit organization of dedicated community members. Two successful fundraising events were held in 2009 - a May kickoff dinner and auction and MEF's first annual Oktoberfest. The foundation intends to launch a corporate and large donor campaign and continue with its annual Oktoberfest celebration and fundraiser on October 15, 2010.

The MEF will be accepting grant applications for its spring cycle early next year with a March 26, 2010 deadline.

October 23, 2009 - Oktoberfest
A German buffet, beer and wine tasting, live music and a silent auction for Bob Marley dinner/show tickets, UNH hockey, restaurants, theatres, tennis, yoga and guitar lessons, a tuna fishing excursion, and many more donated items will make a festive Friday night, October 23 at Spring Hill when the Marshwood Education Foundation (MEF) hosts its 1st Oktoberfest!

“We have had wonderful, broad based community support during our first year as a new education foundation,” said Jeff Leathe, MEF president. “We are now accepting initial grant applications from MSAD35 students, teachers and administrators and are eager to announce our first grant winners in December.

The Oktoberfest will be an all inclusive event with hor’doerves, beer and wine tasting; great German buffet prepared by Spring Hill’s chef and live music courtesy of the PB&J band. It will also give us a chance to update supporters about MEF.”

More than 200 Eliot and South Berwick residents gathered in May at MEF’s kickoff auction and dinner. “Many people commented how uniquely broad based the event was and how great it was to reacquaint with people. We hope to see many of those same folks at the Oktoberfest event along with many of their friends and neighbors,” Mr. Leathe said.

Advance tickets are available from Hilda Howell for $35 per person. Please e-mail her at jimhilda@msn.com and provide the number of tickets desired and your return mail address. You will be billed when tickets are mailed.

June 17, 2009 - The Marshwood Education Foundation hosted a very lively dinner/auction on May 30th at the Regatta Banquet and Conference Center in Eliot, ME. The new foundation netted over $10,000 after expenses and has a great start to begin funding grants to MSAD35 staff.

“These grants will be used for innovative educational opportunities. MEF would again like to thank all of the businesses and individuals who so generously contributed to making our first event such a success,” said Jeff Leathe, MEF president. “We had very favorable comments. We’re on a roll and have more events planned. We intend to sustain a long term commitment to Eliot and South Berwick schools,” he said.

July 11, 2009 – MEF collaborated with the Hackmatack Playhouse, hosting the musical ‘’Anything Goes” on a beautiful summer evening. A portion of the box office was directed to MEF to fund the educational grants that will start to be awarded in December 2009.