Voices from the Classroom
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The Sparta Education Foundation is dedicated to enriching the educational experience for students in Sparta's public schools. Below are some quotes from the Teachers, Students and Administrators that illustrate just how much the grants are appreciated.
2015
Ipad STEM Grant, Alpine Elementary School
October 15, 2015I just wanted to take a moment to, again, thank you for the iPad grant for STEP at Alpine. I finally got all of the iPads up and running and we have been using them all week in STEP class. It is absolutely amazing to see how excited and engaged my students are while using the iPads. All of my students have been actively participating and learning throughout the entire period they are with me. I am ever so grateful for this grant and for being able to provide this opportunity to the students of Alpine. I am certain that these iPads are going to make a huge impact on the STEP program and the way my students learn.
Thank you again,
Christina Morrow, Alpine Elementary SchoolDocument Cameras, Alpine Elementary School
May 12, 2015We are so appreciative for the document cameras! They are really a great asset to our teaching every day. The document cameras have allowed for increased peer teaching and hands-on experiences. It has offered an opportunity for teachers to reduce stress and increase student achievement by showing clear step-by-step instructions. The document cameras are easily used in all areas of our curriculum and we are not sure how we ever taught without them! Thank you so much!
Amy Dolan and Laura Ruggiero, Alpine Elementary School
2014
Document Camera in Science Classroom, Sparta High School
March 3, 2014I am so grateful for the SEF grant that made it possible to have an Elmo document camera in our science classroom. This incredible tool has allowed me to strengthen the expository reading skills and analytical writing skills of my students by modeling these activities in real time. I have seen great improvement in student performance in these areas and occurring earlier in the school year than ever before!
Lara Lovett, Environmental Science Teacher, Sparta High School
Document Cameras at Alpine School
March 3, 2014My class and I were so excited when we got the document camera! I began using it immediately and it's been very easy to work with. I've already been able to utilize it in multiple subjects giving students a great visual to further their understanding. I love that there are so many ways to use the document camera and enhance the students' learning. It's a valuable classroom tool that all can benefit from.
Brittany Luckich, Third Grade Teacher, Alpine SchoolThank you so much for the SEF support. We love our document cameras here at Alpine. I use mine for many lessons each day. It is an amazing classroom tool!
Michelle Telischak, Third Grade Teacher, Alpine School
Robotics Program at Sparta High School
March 5, 2014Thank you and the SEF for once again assisting Mr. Meola and our Robotics program with your very generous support. Mr. Meola has taken this program to a state-recognized program, soon to be competing at the state level and showing other high schools what Sparta offers within this field. The Sparta Education Foundation's support has been such a large part of that, and, on behalf of the staff and students, we thank you so very much!
Dr. Daniel Johnson, Principal, Sparta High SchoolThe Sparta Education Foundation continues to play a vital role in insuring that Sparta students have opportunities to be technically competitive in a global environment that places high demands on technical literacy and competency.
Mark Meola, Robotics and Engineering Teacher, Sparta High SchoolThe SEF has been unwavering in their support of technical literacy for Sparta students. This is evidenced not only through financial support but also by helping to cast a vision for unlocking the enormous potential in our kids.
Mark Meola, Robotics and Engineering Teacher, Sparta High School
Photography Printers at Sparta High School
February 20, 2014, Christy Graham's students:This printer has been a huge benefit to the photography students at Sparta High. It was available for us when art shows, contests, and scholarships came up and we needed to print larger than 8.5 by 11. It has awesome quality and allows students to print large sizes without paying absurd amounts of money. Without this printer most kids would not enter contests and scholarships because it would take too much time and effort to print photographs elsewhere.
Sydney Liebman, Sparta High School Class of 2014Ever since we received this printer, it was opened so many doors for all photo students. I personally have benefited tremendously from it. I was able to print a large photo to submit to the CCM photo contest, winning third place overall. If it weren't for the SEF's contribution, this wouldn't have been able to happen.
Kaya R. Proctor, Sparta High School student
STEM Classroom Supplies at Sparta Middle School
February 20, 2014The Sparta Education Foundation has been very supportive of the middle school STEM program. Classroom supplies for a new 8th grade elective have been made available through an SEF Grant. The Sparta Education Foundation made the transition between the submission of the grant, the approval of the grant, and the acquiring of supplies a quick and easy process. These supplies enable me to share my passion for project-based learning and inspire the students by making connections between the classroom and the real world. I look forward to working with the Sparta Education Foundation again in the future.
Christine Collister, STEM Teacher, Sparta Middle School
Biodiesel Program at Sparta High School
February 19, 2014The Sparta Education Foundation has allowed us to create a biodiesel creation program. This program explores an alternative energy source that fuses together the disciplines of science, technology, and engineering, and would not be possible without an SEF grant.
Kenneth Scognamiglio, Biology and Anatomy Teacher at Sparta High School
Spin Bikes at Sparta High School
February 18, 2014Our Physical Education classes have all benefited from the SEF grant that we received to purchase 16 spin bikes! The Senior C Physical Education classes, in particular, are really enjoying them because the class is run just like it would at any gym facility.
Catherine Wille, Health and Physical Education Teacher, Sparta High School
Head Girls Basketball Coach
Sculpture Garden at Sparta High School
February 6, 2014Thank you so much!!! I'm so excited and truly grateful for everything the SEF has done to enhance the Art program in Sparta! You really are giving these kids a once in a lifetime experience and allowing them to leave their mark in the high school as proud Sparta Spartans!
Jennifer Kucher-Csatlos, Art and Sculpture Teacher, Sparta High School
2013
Classroom libraries at HMS, Alpine and MAS; 10,863 books from a grant of $53,000
October, 2013"This leveled library complements the district's balanced literacy curriculum but it costs a lot of money. We are so grateful that the SEF stepped in to cover the cost."
"These new books have created excitement and enthusiasm among the students and teachers. There is a 50-50-balance of fiction and non-fiction books. Subjects include math, science and social studies, plus chapter books, novels and even joke books."
Marybeth Kopacz, Elementary Literacy Supervisor at Helen Morgan & Mohawk Avenue Schools
Casino Night Fundraiser
February, 2013 from The Alternative Press article about Casino Night, quote from Mr. Tobin:"I want to thank on behalf of the entire school district, all of our students and all of the staff, the Sparta Education Foundation and all of their volunteers and their tireless efforts in providing a special education for our students. They've raised over the years about a half a million dollars and at this point right now, approximately $375,000 have been awarded to our students and staff in the way of grants, resources, equipment and programming to once again enhancing our education programs and our overall goal of providing the best education possible for our students. Thank you all for coming out and supporting our school district and I wish everyone an enjoyable and lucky evening."
Dennis Tobin, Sparta Township School Superintendent"The Sparta Education Foundation has played a significant role in assisting the Sparta Board of Education and Sparta school district by providing additional funding for supplemental materials and support for equipment and programming to enhance our education programs and our overall goal of providing the best education possible for our students."
Dennis Tobin, Sparta Township School Superintendent"We are thrilled to be able to uphold the SEF's mission of enriching the educational experience of students in the school district. Money from our fundraisers like last month's Casino Night and November's Turkey Trot goes right back to the schools in the form of grant money for resources, equipment or programming. We are proud to collaborate with our teachers while inspiring our students."
Don Cutshall, former President, Sparta Education FoundationWe accept via PayPal:
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