Wellesley Education Foundation Announces $224,000 in Grant Funding for 2018-2019
Wellesley Education Foundation is proud to announce that it has awarded nearly $224,000 in grants to WPS educators District-wide in the Wellesley Public Schools for the 2018-19 year. WEF’s mission is to advance innovation and excellence in the Wellesley Public Schools. The WEF grants program plays a pivotal role in fulfilling this important mission. All WPS educators are welcome to apply for a grant, either individually, or together with department or school colleagues.
A total of 29 grants were funded through this year’s grant cycle. These grants reflect WEF’s support of educator-led innovation in the classroom, professional development, leading-edge equipment, and advancement of District-wide priorities.
The allocation of funds by school level shows WEF's impact -- reaching all students in the District, from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade:
Highlights from this year’s grants include:
Professional Development funding to continue implementation of Project-Based Learning across elementary schools; support of a November District-wide Professional Day focused on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; education support for WHS teaching assistants and paraprofessionals to prepare for the MTEL certification; and funding of individual teacher program requests.
Promotion of literacy through a preschool reading program at PAWS, kindergarten take-home book bags, and a collection of graphic novels for WMS.
Support for STEM across all schools, ranging from elementary STEM activity kits and Makerspace supplies, to middle school robots, to high school computer-design kits. In addition, new equipment in the WHS Science Department will enrich biology, chemistry and anatomy/physiology classes.
Flexible furniture solutions to support 21st century learning needs—including pilot elementary classroom configurations to support project-based learning, as well as adjustable seating arrangements at WHS.
Replacement of the speaker system in the WMS Auditorium, improving student and audience experience in this town-wide resource.
For a full listing of grants awarded, visit our grant history database.
WPS Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning, Joan Dabrowski, expressed the District’s gratitude for WEF’s ongoing support. “WPS is incredibly fortunate to have the Wellesley Education Foundation as a key partner. This year’s WEF grant-winning proposals will advance many of WPS’ teaching and learning areas, particularly with STEM, project-based learning, diversity, equity and inclusion, and World Languages. We are thankful for WEF’s ongoing commitment to district priorities and appreciate all WEF does to advocate on behalf of WPS students and teachers.”
With the generous support of the Wellesley community, WEF has awarded grants of over $2.15 million to the District in the last 10 years. To learn more about WEF’s impact, visit wellesleyeducationfoundation.org.
