Grants Awarded  (1998-2010)

All grants listed below were awarded by the Franklin Education Foundation entirely by funds raised from local businesses, organizations and individuals in the community. Since 1998, more than $255,000 has been awarded in grants to Franklin public school teachers and staff, thanks to the generosity of the community!

Elementary School Grants

Oak Street—to create multicultural, social studies units and to create a Web site for sharing those resources with teachers across the system. JoAnn Tavalone and Kristen Eickmann

Kennedy—to bring in an art historian to discuss works from different cultures throughout history. Interactive discussions include slides and artifacts. Kathleen Merten

Parmenter—to create a schoolyard habitat for local animal and plant life. Theresa D'Amato

Kennedy—to create a computerized writing center for students. Gary Mazzola, Ann Williams

Davis Thayer—to develop and implement an economics curriculum. Rena L. Heleniak

Jefferson—to design multiple intelligence science units, which meet the science curriculum frameworks. Charles Graham, Barbara Mitchell and Heather Murray

Kennedy—to purchase a video camera and digital camera to allow students and teachers to create multimedia presentations. Meredith Doherty

Oak Street—to create a multiple intelligence artistic and musical curriculum. Erika Hession, Janet Lettieri, Beth Melo and David Weiner

Davis Thayer—creation of an extended day math and reading program for at-risk students. Shirley Babcock

Jefferson—to create an audio learning center for learning disabled students. Susan Borchard

Jefferson—for materials and training to introduce fundamental algebraic concepts at the elementary school level. Ruthann Archibald

Oak Street—to implement Authors Circles with use of AlphaSmarts individual word processors. Students create and edit work easily, providing time for peer discussion/analysis. Jessica Wright-Mullin

Kennedy—create resource center to enhance poetry instruction. Includes audio & video equipment and a variety of books, anthologies, and other resources. Ann Williams and Jill Schreiber

Jefferson— "Kindergarten Classroom Supply Closet for Sensory and Motor Development" This project provides a variety of equipment and materials for fine motor development and sensory stimulation that support learning for all kindergarten students.  Beth Bohannon

Parmenter— "Poet-in-Residence" The poet-in-residence will work with all K-5 classes to enhance poetry instruction as part of an extended school-wide poetry initiative related to skills required by the Curriculum Frameworks. Judith Bassignani and Barbara Blake

Davis Thayer— "Lending Library for Before School Breakfast Book Club" Multiple copies of selected books will be purchased for 5th grade students participating in the Before School Breakfast Book Club. Program enhances love of good literature by expanding selections beyond standard curriculum. Melissa Cacciapaglia and Ellen Pierce

Early Childhood Development Center — "Franklin Resource Guide Family" This project will support the publication of a Family Resource Guide and enhance the Resource Center which benefits families in Franklin. An online version of Resource Guide will be accessible through a link on the Franklin Website. Bernadette M. Conroy

Kennedy – “World Book Online” World Book Online resources will be utilized by students and faculty for special projects.  Carol DiNatale and Linda Galasso

Kennedy – “Box City”  An all-school interdisciplinary unit will enable all students in grades K-5 to participate in creating an extensive scale model of the Town of Franklin. Charlene D’Onofrio

Jefferson – “Open Circle Curriculum” supports the acquisition of authentic literature for grades K- 5 that spotlights bullying and the strategies for dealing effectively with it. Don E. Cowart

Jefferson – “Multicultural Literature for Kindergarten Student” Multicultural books will expand kindergarten students’ view of the world and support them in considering how they are alike and different from others in such areas as physical attributes, family living arrangements, housing, cultures, and recreational activities. Deborah Winterroth

Parmenter -  “Fifth Grade After School Book Club” Books will be purchased to support an After School Book Club that will foster the love of reading and discussions related to good literature. Kathy Carlson

Oak Street –“Fourth Grade Social Studies Web Site” Online social studies/geography research projects for fourth grades across the district will be collaboratively developed and linked to the new Massachusetts fourth grade history standards. The project will incorporate an interactive WebQuest. Teachers will create an ever-growing database that supports the content-based inquiring method.  JoAnn Tavalone and Sean O’Shea

Jefferson - Multicultural read-aloud books will be used with first graders to challenge them to begin thinking critically about their world and their place in it. Nancy Rae

Oak Street – “In My Shoes – Disability Awareness” Fifth grade students will participate in an interactive program on disability awareness presented by Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. Mimi Feerick

Jefferson - “Firsthand” writing program will assist teachers in developing  writing goals and mini-lessons for students and provide students with the content and context to become good writers. Don Cowart

Parmenter – “First Grade Math Night” will assist parents in learning how to provide necessary problem-solving instruction and practice. A resource book of problem-solving activities will also be developed for teachers. Ellen Sabonosh and Maureen Frangioso

Jefferson – Kindergarten Literacy Centers will be established for four kindergarten classrooms to provide materials that enrich and support pre-reading skills. Cathy Clough

Parmenter - Books supporting Open Circle themes, such as understanding feelings, problem-solving, teasing, and bullying, will be purchased for K-5 students. Carol Staniunas

Oak Street – “Reading Prevention/Intervention Program” Scientifically based reading research will be used to develop an early intervention program for struggling second grade readers. The five building blocks of the program align with the district’s reading curriculum and state assessments. Shawn Connelly, Emily Laliberte, Kate LaRose, Shannon Novick, Tracy O’Brien

Kennedy – “Traveling Math Boxes” will be developed for grades K-5 so that students can practice math concepts at home with parents. Belinda Arnold and Charlene D’Onofrio

Davis Thayer – “Journey Through Genres”: Literature books will be purchased and curriculum revised to integrate subject matter at various reading levels in math, science and social studies. Keri Brown and Kristina MacRury

Oak – “Fifth Grade Investment Club” enables students to learn the fundamentals of investing in the stock market thought using an interdisciplinary approach that includes learning how current political, environmental and economic events can impact the outcomes of their investment decisions. Beth Buswell, Mary Doherty, Suzanne Grant, and Donna Reynolds

Davis Thayer, Kennedy and Parmenter  -  “Everyday Math Trade Books” enables school libraries to purchase math trade books to support the Everyday Math program in each school. Judi Bohall

Davis Thayer – “Modeling Mathematics Instruction” provides  teachers access to portable document cameras that will be used to support development of student mathematics skills, particularly as they relate to answering MCAS open response questions. Margaret Miller

Keller and Sullivan Middle School -  Hands-on Equations” supports the purchase of equation kits for grades 3-8 to provide students with a visual and kinesthetic approach to learning algebraic concepts.  Ruthann McHugh and Caryn Parnell

Davis Thayer – “Lucy Calkins Writing Program” produces competent writers using the Lucy Calkins approach and mentor texts to model writing skills being taught. Kristina MacRury, JoAnne Tavalone, Keri Siciliano

Jefferson – “Literature to Understand Disabilities” provides children’s and adult literature that increases awareness and knowledge of learning differences and supports children’s and staff’s understanding of the disabilities and learning needs of all children.  Freddi Faye Salden, Amy Cardin, Debi Montana, Rhonda Hevenor

Davis Thayer – “Starter Library for English Language Learners” supports the establishment of a resource and lending library of literature for the English Language Learners (ELL) program. Deb Ward and Alysa Buchanan

Parmenter – “Books to Support Readers Workshop Initiative,” through purchase of non-fiction books. Kathy Carlson, Tricia Capaldi, and Jolene Cronin

Jefferson – “Purchase of High Interest/Low Readability Texts” to supplement classroom libraries in upper elementary school grades. Sarah Klim

Kennedy – “Walking and Listening Recess Program,” a project to purchase of 20 MP3 players, pedometers, and free Boston Public Library card so students can download books and listen to them at recess while walking. Jeannine Perry and Judi Bohall

Davis Thayer; “Do the Math Intervention Modules”provides scaffolded modules that assists students who are falling behind in math. Margaret Miller

Parmenter – “Texts to Support Reading Instruction” through developing a school-wide collection of appropriate texts to reteach comprehension strategies to readers needing additional support. Jean Wolf

Remington – “Model Me Time DVDs” DVDs will be used to model and teach appropriate social skills in kindergarten classes.  Deborah  Winterroth

Middle School Grants

Horace Mann—"A Backyard History Project of Franklin" where students research a prominent founding family and trace his/her genealogy and significant events as they shaped Franklin history. Carolyn Fortuna and Chris Cleverdon

Horace Mann—to enhance the current Holocaust unit through the creation of a student memorial quilt and to fund a panel discussion with Holocaust survivors. Rob Vacca and Beth Powers

Horace Mann–"Project Adventure." To develop a physical hands-on learning activity kit that requires small groups of students to work collaboratively to solve problems. Sheila Schamber and Mardi Donovan

Horace Mann—"Enhancing communication and cultivating a more effective relationship between school and family." A psychotherapist and LICSW lead a yearlong series of monthly parent groups to increase involvement and enhance parenting skills. Roberta Oehley and Chandler Creedon, Jr.

Horace Mann—to continue parent workshops and establish a Parent Education Interactive Web site and Resource Center. Chandler Creedon, Jr. and Roberta J. Oehley

Remington—to develop and implement curriculum extensions that provide highly motivated students access to innovative alternative study units. Timothy Farmer

Horace Mann—"Women Mentoring Women." To develop a program that includes data collection and comparison between science and language arts to ascertain performance. The program targets a group of young women to ensure equity and excellence in the science classroom. Vicki Golburgh and Carolyn Fortuna

Horace Mann—"Primary Sources for Civil War Unit." To build a library of primary sources – visual, musical, art, novels and short stories – from Civil War time period. Primary sources are appealing and challenge students to use an open-ended learning approach. Jim d’Entremont

Horace Mann—to create a library of music and audio books to complement and supplement the World Language classes. Emily Hollembaek

Remington—to provide physical education instructors with the models and materials needed to provide cooperative activities that develop teamwork, leadership and self-confidence. Liane Jalette and Mardi Donovan

Horace Mann—to foster local student/business connections. K. Chris Cleverdon, Allyson Deguire, Carolyn Fortuna, Cece Gauthier, Vicki Golburgh and Mary Smith

Horace Mann—to establish video club that involves student representation from each cluster in every grade. The club will create a video yearbook. Joe Corey and Noreen Langmeyer

Horace Mann Middle School at Sullivan— "Deana’s Fund Educational Theatre Programs"  This program promotes healthy relationships among peers, and helps to prevent harassment, bullying, and relationship violence. Issues are presented to each grade level through a dramatic, interactive 3-person play. Curricula, classroom activity books and planning guide are provided to teachers prior to performances. Roberta Oehley

Horace Mann Middle School at Sullivan— "Top One Hundred Classic American Films" As an after-school activity, this project enables students to compare depictions of American society in film through viewing, analysis, and discussion. Carolyn Fortuna

Horace Mann Middle School at Sullivan— "Composer in Residence" A piece of music will be commissioned specifically for a middle school band, and the composer will serve as an artist-in-residence during the year to assist the students in interpreting and performing the composition. Vicki Garino

Horace Mann Middle School at Sullivan— "Costume Wardrobe for A Midsummer Night’s Dream" Costumes will be provided for use by 8th graders at both middle schools studying “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. Costume-based learning enhances student understanding of characters and content. Carolyn Fortuna

Remington— "Joseph Burchac, Native American Expert" This award-winning author and storyteller will perform and interact with 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students in their study of Native American culture through literature. Carol Lewenberg and Rhonda Havenor

Remington— "Vernal Pools as Outdoor Classrooms" Vernal pools will be used as outdoor classrooms. The vernal pool ecosystem will be a model for understanding other ecosystems, communities, and populations. The program also provides real world experience with environmental issues and their impact on the community. Jonathan Twining, Russ Holden and June Thall

Remington – “Expansion of Ecosystems Unit”  The ecosystems unit will be expanded to include a comparison  of a vernal pool ecosystem to a perennial stream ecosystem located near the school. Jonathan Twining, Russ Holden and June Thall

Remington – “Sumner McClain, Storyteller and Promoter for Cultural Diversity” Mr. McClain will perform an original narration commemorating the life of Martin Luther King.  Additional classroom work supplemented the performance. Carol Lewenberg and Rhonda Havenor

Remington – “Eight Grade Spanish Reading Program” A multi-level Spanish reading series, based on novels, will be offered to eighth grade students. Carol Martin

Horace Mann at Sullivan – “History Day Print and Video Resources for Students with Disabilities” New print and video resources will be available to students with disabilities so that they will be able to conduct meaningful research and create credible projects. James D’ Entremont and Leigh Young

Horace Mann at Sullivan – “Tolerance and Diversity Theme Books for Inclusion Students”  Special books with tolerance and diversity themes will be available to students, many of whom have significant reading difficulties, so that they will be able to participate in class discussions and related projects. Carolyn Fortuna

Horace Mann at Sullivan – “Hydrogen Fuel Project” A hydrogen fuel cell exploration project will be offered to students during an after-school engineering activity. Lauri McLeland and James Schliefke

Horace Mann – “Alternative Maps and Atlases for Middle School”  Alternative maps and atlases will be used by teachers across disciplines to offer opportunities for students to develop a better understanding of global demographics, cultures, and geography. Sarah Lane, Debra Grant, Cecelia Gauthier, Carolyn Fortuna

Horace Mann – “Enhanced Curricula Materials for Advanced Students” Provides high level, technology and inquiry-based science enrichment materials for advanced eighth grade science students.  Vicki Golburgh

Horace Mann – “Personal Fitness Program for High Risk Students” Provides a special fitness program for those students who are the highest risk for health problems and will supplement regular Physical Education classes. It aims to improve fitness levels, nutritional habits, and self-esteem. Sheila Schamber and Christine Mahan

Horace Mann –“ Health Snack Shop Operated by Special Needs Students” A snack stand and “healthy foods” will be purchased to enable special needs students to gain vocational and social skills through selling the snacks to middle school classmates, who will also benefit by being able to purchase nutritional snacks Marilee Gleason

Annie Sullivan - Art room walls will be transformed by permanent art work to be planned, designed and executed by 2005-2006 art classes. Tina Guarino

Horace Mann - An interdisciplinary unit will be developed to study the factors that influence settlement using geographic and scientific concepts. David McGovern and James Schliefke

Horace Mann - “Newsflash” Students will develop and present daily life broadcasts of school announcements, relevant news stories, and weather via classroom television. Brenda Lee Vanoyer

Remington – “Literacy Materials for Students with Reading Disabilities”: A classroom-based library of books, magazines, and other print materials will be established for students with reading disabilities to foster literacy skills, expand their general knowledge, and foster connections to other types of reading . Karen Lindblom

Horace Mann - The “Homestead” Platform and its surrounding area will be used as a cross-disciplinary, self-contained learning platform and will be made available to all departments in the school. Bruno Nosiglia

Annie Sullivan –“Composer-In-Residence”: Creation of an original instrumental and vocal musical composition for the student groups; composer will rehearse with students during the year. Meredith Smith

Remington – “Potato Hill Poetry Workshop”: Supports the development of poetry appreciation and writing skills through a one-day workshop and other pre- and post-activities. Denise Ghiloni

Annie Sullivan –“ Incredible Art Room – Part 2”: Students will research artists and then transform the ceiling tiles into paintings in the style of various artists. Tina Guarino

Remington – “Lights, Camera, Action”: Students will research and create film documentaries to address media production, an  often-overlooked standard from the English Language Arts curriculum frameworks. Mary Cotillo

Remington – “Enrichment Writing Workshop” with author Michael Tougias, who will work with interested student writers in an enrichment extension program to assist them in building their writing skills. Carol Lewenberg and Rhonda Hevenor

Horace Mann -  “Hands-On Learning Center” will enable at-risk students to work in the center to develop their academic abilities through woodworking and related activities. Bruno Nosiglia

Horace Mann – “Ecosystems and Nutrient Cycles,” an aquatic learning center will be created to allow students to conduct authentic research in the roles that organisms play in the ecosystem. Ellen Forman and James Schliefke

Horace Mann – “ A Manga-Anime Club” will be offered during the enrichment period to provide students with a place to learn and practice this art form, be exposed to appropriate novels and movies, and to explore different aspects of Japanese culture and customs. Christina Renaud

Remington  - “Classroom-based Library” continues the acquisition of  books, magazines, and other print materials tailored to the specific interests and abilities of students who have significant reading disabilities so that they may develop their literary skills. Karen Lindblom

Remington – “Using Technology to Study Plate Tectonics” project integrates new technologies and Internet-based multidisciplinary lessons to expose students to science, technology, engineering and mathematics concepts as they relate to studying the earth’s structure and history. Keith Turner

Sullivan – “Science Exploration Program” involves middle school seventh grade students in learning more than 30 hands-on science activities and then conducting them with grade five students to interest these students in science and also to assist them in transitioning to the middle school. Susan Fortin

Horace Mann – “Current Events Based Mapping Program” is a  program that intertwines with the current seventh grade world geography curriculum. David McGovern

Remington – “Jeff Yalden,” an internationally renowned lilfe coach will present to middle school students.  Dr. Joan Koss-Cole

Horace  Mann – “Kinesthetic, Problem-based Learning” supports purchase of  materials and equipment required to create and beta test a synergistic program to enhance core curriculum learning by the application of multidisciplinary knowledge in a kinesthetic (hands-on), authentic, problem-solving lesson. Bruno Nosiglia

Remington – “Geometer’s Sketchpad” supports the purchase of  software for all three middle school computer labs to support math studies. Jeffrrey Chafee, Colleen Donahue, Caryn Parnell

Horace Mann – “The Mosaic Project,” an interdisciplinary project involving history, arts, Latin, science and technology/engineering in the construction of mosaics for display. Jane Pichette, Andrew Carroll, and Bruno Nosiglia

Horace Mann – “Publication of “Advice from Young Women to Young Women,” a  book by eighth grade girls for seventh grade girls on relevant topics related to decisions young women are facing. Dr. Anne Bergen

Horace Mann – “Equipment and Entrance Fees for F.I.R.S. T. Lego League Team,” a project to support two lego teams – middle school and elementary school. Mark Brady

Horace Mann – “Enhancing Inquiry with Microscope and Video Camera,” will enable middle school science students to identify cells and more complex organisms. Ellen Forman, Jacquelyn Berger, Vicki Golburgh, James Schliefke, and Patricia Metrick

Remington – “Technology to Support Middle School Foreign Language Study,” a project to enhance learning and integrate multimedia into lessons for middle school students studying a foreign language. Carol Martin

Sullivan – “Family Astronomy Night” Seventh grade students will complete a science unit of astronomy and conduct related activities at a family night.  Colleen Ahearnl

Sullivan –“Flip Video Camcorders for Middle School Foreign Language Department” Four camcorders will be used to engage students in interactive initiatives related to foreign language study. Stephanie Perr

Remington – “Promoting Student Writing Through Use of Student Experiences” Author Loree Burns will speak to students about the writing process from the context of science fiction and as part of a multi-faceted writing project. Denise Ghiloni and June Thal

Remeington – “Training for Special Educators” Training for speech language pathologist, psychologist, school adjustment counselor, and special educator to complete training in social cognitive development and to implement program. Jennifer DeSanti, Frank Fitzgerald, and Karen Ingerman

Remington – “Laptop Computer to Support Digital Projector for Foreign Language Class” The laptop computer will provide capacity to utilize fully a digital projector to conduct foreign language instruction. Carol Martin

Remington – “Classroom Sustainability Ball Sets” Forty-eight sustainability ball sets will be purchased to encourage more active student learning. John Claypool

Horace Mann  - “Rocketry Club and Educational Program” Participation in a Rocketry Club will encourage an integratedunderstanding of information related to rocketry. Mark Brady

Horace Mann – “F.I.R.S.T. Lego Competition” Supports purchase of equipment and entrance fees for student participation in lego competitions. Mark Brady

 

High School Grants