As part of its 2024 Innovative Teacher Grants Program, NBEF selected 10 creative and cutting-edge projects for funding support that involves 8 schools and impacts nearly 2,500 New Brunswick Public School students ranging from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. Prior to launching their respective projects and activities in various learning disciplines including technology, reading and literacy, performing arts and cultural enrichment, the grant recipients were publicly acknowledged at a special virtual reception attended by School District Administrators, Sponsors, NBEF representatives and community friends.
NBEF thanks Johnson & Johnson, PNC Bank, and MagyarBank Charitable Foundation for their outstanding partnership in this special initiative to benefit New Brunswick youth.
”Active Seating – Classroom Initiative: To Promote Focus, Fitness and Wellness Concepts within a Living Health Curriculum“
Aaydah Copprue-Worthey, New Brunswick High School
This initiative will create an innovative living curriculum for about 140 students that supports both real life health applications, as well as reinforces key concepts of the learning material for 11th grade health education by incorporating practical wellness in the learning and working environment.
“A 5th Grader’s Dream Library”
Alexandria Edvin, Roosevelt School
The purpose/goal of this project is to increase 39 5th grade students’ reading engagement and develop reading stamina by promoting equitable access to a variety of texts with the purchase of a new, diverse classroom library.
“AMES ROOM” & “Geometry Creation of AMES ROOM”
Erick Valentin, New Brunswick High School
Franciny Nunez, New Brunswick High School
About 42 10th-11th grade students will be able to apply key geometric concepts and principles, as outlined in the high school geometry standards, to analyze and explain various optical illusions and geometric paradoxes exhibited in the museum. At the end of the trip students will create an informative and visually engaging project.
“Better Lighting = Better Classroom Environment”
Jessica Denhard, Lord Stirling Community School
Magnetic light covers will be used to cover the fluorescent lights in the classroom, creating a more calming and productive place for 60 fourth grade students. The goal would be to see increased student engagement and productivity, while reducing distractions and headaches.
“YPAR – Youth Participatory Action Research”
Kimberly Hagen – Blanquita B. Valenti Community School
Based on the learning and work from the Rutgers Civically Engaged District Project, 25 sixth grade students will conduct action research, as a team, to identify an issue and help improve their school and community. Students become active citizens who are skilled researchers, data analysts, critical thinkers, problem solvers, and communicators. This real life connection allows for more relevance in the curriculum. It also expands school adults’ understandings of youth perspectives and experiences.
“International SEL Day for 2024”
Linda Lucero, A.C. Redshaw Elementary School
The International SEL Day for 2024 would be based on the book How Full Is Your Bucket?, which, in summary, is a book that explains how we as individuals each carry an invisible bucket and according to our interactions throughout the day, they either fill or empty our bucket. In contrast, the book also explains that what we say or do to others fills or empties their buckets as well. The book would be read by the teacher as part of International SEL Day on March 11, 2024. The book is an excellent way for kids to learn that in the process of filling other peoples’ buckets, they also fill up their own. About 741 students in pre-k through fifth grade will be able to be a part of this exciting day!
“Terraforming Horizons”
Lixangel Daniel, New Brunswick Middle School
Visiting The Buehler Challenger & Science Center can inspire 30 eighth grade students to explore the potential future of space exploration, including concepts like terraforming Mars. Witnessing advanced space technologies and learning about the challenges of space travel will spark their interest in fields such as astrobiology, astronomy, space exploration technologies and environmental science.
“Jump Rope Program School Assembly”
Marcella Paglione, Paul Robeson Community School of the Arts
The goal of this project is to build a sense of community within the school, motivate 500 students, grades pre-k through fifth, to reach their goals and foster a sense of growth mindset. Through an assembly with Rene Bibaud from ROPEWORKS, students will see and participate in a school assembly about jump rope skills and challenges. Throughout this program, Ms. Bibaud discusses topics such as giving your best effort, goal setting, fitness and more while demonstrating incredible jump rope skills and routines. This assembly not only brings the student body together but also motivates them to try their best like Ms. Bibaud once leaving the assembly.
“Sensory Pathway at Lord Stirling Community School”
Melissa Phillips, Lord Stirling Community School
The purpose of a Sensory Pathway is to establish a creative and playful location for 477 children, grades pre-k through fifth, to work on their gross motor skills, making connections to their brain that relates to their senses. The Sensory Pathway is designed to stimulate and improve an individual’s spatial awareness, balance, focus, fine and gross motor skills, academics and much more. This sensory pathway will provide opportunities for students to engage in a brain break while establishing independence and pro-social skills as they engage with this sensory platform.
“Panthers Rock – Rock on, Sing On Creative Collaboration”
Mittie Cowan, Paul Robeson School of the Arts
Panthers Rock seeks to engage more than 50 students in grades 5th-8th, in creative collaboration through singing, playing ukulele, electric guitar, bass guitar, drums, and keyboards. Students become members of a modern band working together to rehearse, lead practices, and navigate the sometimes murky waters of creative collaboration through conflict resolution. Students also learn to consider places and their audiences when choosing music to perform.
“Enhancing P-Tech Makerspace”
Victor Alegria, P-Tech School
A makerspace is an area with open space for 180 students in grades 9th-12th, to gather and create. These do-it-yourself (DIY) spaces have areas for independent and group work. The resources within a makerspace can vary greatly, based on the materials and tools available. These resources can range from duct tape and craft sticks to 3Dprinters and computer software programs.
