EBEF Grants

Grant Recipients 2024-2025

 

WE THE PEOPLE GRANT

With this grant, the Foundation matches amounts donated by outside donors in support of East Brunswick High School students’ participation in the National We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution Competition. Among these supporters are East Brunswick High School alumni, parents, teachers, local businesses, and community organizations.

East Brunswick High School - We the People National Competition Marc Mondry

Seniors enrolled in the AP United States Government and Politics course competed in the New Jersey We the People Competition where they earned the State Championship title and the opportunity to represent New Jersey at the national competition in Washington DC. This is the 37th out of a possible 38 times that the EBHS students have won this honor. EBEF funds will match those donated by supporters to defray the cost of the trip to DC.

 

BLUE RIBBON GRANTS

These grants are awarded annually, in the Fall, for grant requests between $2,500 and $7,500 for special projects or events of enduring value.

Bowne-Munro, Central, Chittick, Frost, Irwin, Lawrence Brook, Memorial, and Warnsdorfer Elementary Schools - Bringing Beginning Instrumental Music into the Digital Age Adam Nuzzi, Michael D’Andrea, Zachary Carson, Christopher Beckett

Funding will allow for the acquisition of an iPad, Apple Pencil, and Apple TV device for the instrumental music rooms in all eight elementary schools. These tools will enhance the music education experience for elementary instrumental students by improving instructional methods, facilitating student engagement, and fostering creativity and collaboration in the classroom.

 

Central Elementary School – From Scribbles to Masterpiece Angeliki Karakoglou

Funding will make possible the purchase of a personalized sketchbook for every student. Engaging students through the use of a sketchbook in the art room develops independent thinking and exploration of ideas and creativity. If we are to expect autonomous and innovative learners we must allow for individual expression, self-reflection, presentation, and the practice of technique.

Warnsdorfer Elementary School – Printmaking Exploration Alanna Trainor

The grade 4 Printmaking Exploration unit emphasizes how different materials can convey ideas and emotions, thereby enriching students' artistic experiences. Lego Dots Designer Toolkits along with a variety of printing supplies will be purchased with grant funds to provide the means for the art-making process to become more approachable and enjoyable for students.

Warnsdorfer Elementary School – Dance for Autism Dr. Renee Soccodato

The goal of this grant is to provide a dance program, with specialized classes and adaptive techniques, that will cater to the unique needs of individuals with autism. Funding will make it possible for a visiting artist to work with autistic students over the course of eight weeks during their regularly scheduled music classes. At the conclusion of this program, students will perform for their parents; parents will be invited to participate with their children.

Frost Elementary School – Music to Our Ears Moriah Kam

Expanding students' expression and experience of music through Orff instruments is the goal of this grant. While all students will benefit from access to these instruments, the positive impact on those students who are sensory and sound motivated can be profound. Participating in song games and folk dances with these musical tools will provide students with opportunities to perform, create their own pattern of music, analyze performances, and discuss shared interests among their peers.

EXCELLENCE GRANTS

These grants are awarded annually, in the Fall, for special projects for amounts between $500 and $2,500

Chittick Elementary School – Chittick Video Newsmakers Production Equipment Carly Offin and Rachel Beck

The goal of this grant is to make it possible for students participating in Video Newsmakers Club to integrate older technologies with new ones. Digital cameras with cases, a green screen kit, an AV cart with a locked cabinet, and a chrome book will be purchased with grant funds. With these new tools, students in the Video Newsmakers Club will have the means to memorialize and share school news and events throughout their school community.

PARTNERSHIP GRANTS

These grants are awarded monthly. Applicants must have at least one additional funding source that covers at least one third of the total amount being requested

Partnership with the Ruth Pachtman Memorial Fund Mike Gaskell, Erin Butler, and Nicole Gruber

The goal of this project is to revive the school garden, transforming it into a vibrant, hands-on learning environment for students. Grant funds will allow for the purchase of essential gardening supplies, such as: soil, seeds, plants, gardening tools, and educational materials. A team of teachers, excited about the opportunity to integrate the garden into their teaching, have committed to maintaining the garden.

Bowne-Munro Elementary School - Relax and Read in our School Garden... In Partnership with the Schlegel Family Memorial Fund Kristin Gristina and Karyn Grant

What was once an operational school community garden has become overgrown and underused since the pandemic. For the first time, we have an existing Garden Club where 3rd and 4th grade students are meeting with staff to refurbish the garden and restore it to its former glory. Funding for this grant will provide for improved seating in the garden, making for a more inviting space for students. A Little Free Library will be added to house nonfiction books and student-made nonfiction materials without worry that the materials might be damaged by the elements. This lending library will be put together by the Garden Club, thus providing a hands-on experience for students to take part in when working to refresh the garden space.

Bowne-Munro - Preserving Student Work and Educational Materials... In Partnership with the Schlegel Family Memorial Fund - Kristin Gristina

The goal of this grant is to create an outdoor learning garden utilizing a portion of funds donated by the Schlegel Family in memory of their mom, a former Bowne teacher. This grant will provide the funds needed to purchase a high-quality laminator that will be used to produce durable student-made books that will become part of the lending library in the outdoor garden space.

Chittick Elementary School – Chittick Special Needs... In Partnership with the Amy Fisher Memorial Fund - Kathryn Mannon

Grant funds will be used to purchase individual percussion kits, movement scarves, and wrist scrunchie ribbon streamers. Music making is a perfect fit for kids with special needs. It engages and appeals to many of their individual sensory strengths and weaknesses. Scarves and ribbons will be used to demonstrate student understanding of concepts, such as: fast and slow, soft and loud, etc. Students will be able express themselves through music and movement.

Central Elementary School - Purposeful Play... In Partnership with the Amy Fisher Memorial Fund - Allison Pimentel

Kindergarten students develop and learn through play. New furniture and people for an existing dollhouse and a train set will be purchased for students to use during creative playtime. As they play with their friends, students in this ICS classroom will develop language skills and learn how to share. They will have lots of opportunity to practice being patient problem solvers as they role play scenarios in a lower scaffolded environment.

 

Frost Elementary School - Art Club... In Partnership with the Amy Fisher Memorial Fund - Julia Komosinsky

This grant will provide the funds necessary to purchase the supplies and materials for a second Art Club at Frost. The creation of a vibrant and risk-free learning environment allows students the opportunity to tap into their artistic abilities, learn from their peers, and express themselves in new and imaginative ways.

 Hammarskjold Upper Elementary School - Butterfly Effect Spreading Its Wings… In Partnership with The Meghan Schulman Foundation - Edith Weinstein

This partnership will allow for the continuation of this very successful project that began at CJHS in 2020, included EBHS during the 23-24 school year, to include HUES.  One hundred $50.00 grants will be awarded to individuals or small groups of students at each of the three buildings, allowing them engage and have a sense of agency in meaningful service projects.

Central Elementary School and Bowne-Munro Elementary School – Yangsook Choi Author Visit… In partnership with Central and Bowne-Munro PTAs and the East Brunswick Education Association - Jenna Klein and Lauren Staats

In partnership with the EBEF, this collaboration between the Reading Specialists at two schools, their PTAS, and the East Brunswick Education Association (EBEA), will bring children’s author and illustrator, Yangsook Choi, to Central and Bowne-Munro. Yangsook Choi is the author of much adored books, The Name Jar and A Letter to My Best Friend. Bringing an author into an elementary school provides students with the opportunity to connect with the author of some of their favorite books. Students learn about various writing careers and get tips from renowned author.

Memorial Elementary School – The Magic of Science Assembly - Memorial PTA

This project will provide an engaging and educational assembly for students in preschool through grade 4 by bringing Mobile Ed Productions "Magic of Science" program to the school. Students will be introduced to a variety of scientific concepts in an exciting format that makes science feel magical. The aim of the presentation is to spark curiosity, enhance scientific understanding, and inspire a love of science through hands-on demonstrations and captivating presentations.

Churchill Junior High School and East Brunswick High School - Indoor Guard… In partnership with a generous donation from Rongsun Pu and Guodong Chen -            Michelle DaGrosa

As they compete indoors to recorded music, the Winter Guard combines the use of flags, sabers, and other equipment with dance and interpretive movements. The funding from donations and grants will greatly assist the students participating in this new extra-curricular program as they strive to be among the district’s most successful teams.

Warnsdorfer Elementary School – LEGO! On a Sensory Sensation!... In Partnership with the Warnsdorfer PTA  - Jennifer Traversone, Lise Noppenberger, and the Warnsdorfer PTA Executive Board

Sensory paths are designed to stimulate multiple senses (touch, sight, hearing, etc.) and provide a structured way for children to move and interact with their environment. This grant provides funding for the purchase of an interactive package that includes both sensory paths for the hallways and Lego Walls for each grade level. The PTA will cover at least half of the total amount requested.

DR. DAVID LLOYD KABUS FOUNDATION MEMORIAL GRANT

On an annual basis, the Kabus Foundation provides a significant donation that will be matched by the East Brunswick Education Foundation. To highlight Dr. Kabus’ love of the sciences, especially in his high school years, this grant is directed to the East Brunswick High School’s Science Department for programs, equipment and/or materials that advance learning, research and progress in the sciences. Dr. David Lloyd Kabus graduated from East Brunswick High School in 1981. He was valedictorian and won the Bausch and Lomb Science Award. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania and with honors from SUNY Buffalo Medical School. After his residency at NYU and fellowship at Sloan Kettering, he joined the Ridgewood Pathology Group where he became a full partner in five years.

East Brunswick High School – Precision and Process: Advancing Labs with Professional Tools -Jessica DiBenedetti and Daniel Pike

The goal of this grant is to transform the science curriculum at EBHS by providing students with the high-precision equipment that is foundational to accurate scientific experimentation. Funds will provide for the purchase of an analytical balance and a laboratory drying oven. Access to these tools will bridge the gap between classroom labs and real-world chemical analysis, creating a more rigorous, realistic hands-on learning environment for students.

HOLLY HOWARD MEMORIAL GRANT

Memorial funds donated in Holly’s honor will fund the replacement of the pond in the Frost Elementary School’s courtyard and ensure the continuation of the Frost Courtyard Club by providing the money needed to purchase gardening tools and other associated supplies. Prior to serving on the Board of Education for over 20 years, Holly was extremely active in Frost’s PTA and was instrumental in the creation of the garden that is the heart and soul of the Frost school community.

Frost Elementary School - Supporting Frost's Courtyard Club in Memory of Founder, Holly Howard - Jessica Saccenti, Alexandra Pisano, and Nyree Delgado

The goal of this grant is to allow the Frost PTA to be the custodian of the funds requested by the Courtyard Club on behalf of the EBEF. The funds will allow for the ongoing purchase of basic gardening supplies so that the students participating in the club can maintain the gardens.

Frost Elementary School - Frost Pond Project - Nyree Delgado, Jessica Saccenti, and Alexandra Pisano

The goal of this grant is to acquire requested funds from the EBEF to add to the generous donation provided by the Holly Howard Memorial fund. This will provide the fiscal resources to replace the Frost Elementary School Courtyard Pond. This project has been approved by the Board of Education’s Buildings and Grounds Committee and will be managed by the Buildings and Grounds Department.

FIRST LADY OF THE FOUNDATION GRANTS

These grants, awarded during the fall of each year for amounts that are more than a mini grant, recognize Amy Fisher, a co-founder and past honoree of the Foundation. Amy was instrumental in the Foundation’s successful growth.

 Bowne-Munro, Central, Chittick, Frost, Irwin, Lawrence Brook, Memorial, and Warnsdorfer Elementary Schools, Hammarskjold Upper Elementary School Hammarskjold Upper Elementary School, Churchill Junior High School, East Brunswick High School - 9 Square in the Air - Erik Myer

Grant funds will provide each school will with a 9 Square in the Air set-up. This game can be used during various physical education units like Striking Skills, Volleyball, Teamwork/Team Building, and Project Adventure. Possible additional uses include during recess, special events like Family Fitness nights, or school wide theme days. Since the bundles are portable, they can be shared among schools should more than one make sense for a special activity. Adding 9 Square in the Air to the District’s physical education programs across 11 schools will provide students with a unique, engaging activity that promotes physical, social, and emotional growth. This game combines elements of traditional playground activities with a structured, inclusive format that encourages teamwork, quick decision-making, and strategic thinking.

Chittick Elementary School - Against All Odds: The Unlikely Heroes of Friendship - Carole Frey and Kimberlee Deacon

Grant funds will be used to implement a One School, One Book program, a reading event in which the entire school community (students, parents, and all staff) come together to read one book. Students will read the book Gooseberry Park, by Cynthia Rylant with families at home and participate in learning activities based on the book at various times during the school day. In addition to providing students with an opportunity to enhance their reading skills, the One School, One Book event educates families on the benefits and importance of reading aloud at home. All books and resources will be passed on to another school in the district.

Irwin Elementary School - Art in the Sky - JoAnn Chmielowicz, Donna Swift, VickiMarie Wilkins, and Brooke Cerbone

The authors of this grant will bring students and staff together to complete a collaborative art project that will culminate with the creation of a mural representing this year’s school theme at Irwin, "Painting the School with Creativity, Teamwork, Respect, Honesty and Acceptance.“ Several days of team building activities and special events will lead up to the formation of a gigantic-living-painting colored and shaped by the living forms of the participants. Cutting-edge technology and artistic techniques, including engaging with a drone, will be used to complete the mural that will be installed and maintained within the walls of Irwin School.

Hammarskjold Upper Elementary School – Courtyard Concert - Kelly Perno

The PTA generously purchased new tables for the courtyard that allows seating for an entire class. The goal of this project is to continue to develop the courtyard into an outdoor instructional space. Through this grant, functional outdoor musical instruments will be added to the courtyard, the benefits of which will be felt throughout the curriculum. Engaging with musical instruments helps improve memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. It also enhances language and math capabilities by teaching students about rhythms, patterns, and sequences. Music, combined with being outdoors, can motivate and inspire students, help them to acquire personal skills, and a love for learning.

East Brunswick High School - DNA Discoveries: Empowering the Next Generation of Biologists Jessica DiBenedetti and Christen Drescher

This grant will enhance the capabilities of students enrolled in AP Biology, molecular biology, and Waksman research programs by acquiring a microcentrifuge, an adapter for 0.2 ml tubes, and a set of high-quality micropipettes. These tools are essential for modern molecular biology experiments, enabling students to engage in advanced lab techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR (polymerase chain reaction), and protein analysis. This project will foster hands-on learning, deepen understanding of molecular processes, and prepare students for future scientific studies and careers.

Frost Elementary School – Enhancing First Grade Literacy Through Engaging Nonfiction Text -Angie Ghaly and Hallie Meister

With grant funds, a variety of nonfiction text sets at varying reading levels will be purchased. The project will enhance the curriculum, specifically the nonfiction unit of study, by providing each student with five to six nonfiction texts that they can work with throughout the unit. First graders are naturally curious about the world around them. They love nonfiction and embrace every opportunity to expand their world knowledge. For early readers, the skills that they learn during units of study in nonfiction are the bridge between learning to read and reading to learn.

Warnsdorfer Elementary School - Music for Everyone: Adapting a Music Curriculum for Children with Autism - Dr. Renee Soccodato

Many students who are on the Autism spectrum do not participate in music class or chorus in the same way as their peers. This is due to a number of reasons, including but not limited to: increased sensitivity to sounds, obsessions with specific objects, and non-responsiveness to verbal cues. For many of these students music is a preferred activity, even providing a way for them to communicate their feelings. The goal of this project is to provide elementary music teachers with a variety of instruments to address special needs students appropriately, giving them the best educational music experience possible.

List of Mini Grants: MiniGrantRecipients2024-2025.pdf