Morris Educational Foundation Thanks Supporters

The Morris Educational Foundation recently thanked its supporters via email for their support during the 2010-2011 school year:

"On behalf of the entire Board of Trustees, I'd like to thank everyone who contributed to the work of the Morris Educational Foundation (MEF) this past year.

What a tremendous year it has been!  We awarded over $50,000 in grants and funding for programs that enhance our students' educational experience. Now it's time to say thank you to everyone who made that possible. You have supported our efforts in great ways, both financially and by sharing your time and talents with us.

Thank you to our donors, including Friends of the MEF, parents who participate in our Teacher Tribute Program, and members of the school district family who give so generously.  Thank you to our benefactors who have provided important funds for scholarships as well as for the professional development of teachers.  Thank you to the hundreds of families and residents who participated in and showed their support of our two signature events: Colonial Challenge 5K and Morristown's Got Talent!

We look forward to significantly enhancing our work over the coming years to expand on our current success and to ensure that all Morris School District students benefit from the wonderful opportunities our district and community provide.  We'd love your involvement.  Please contact us if you are interested in joining our team!

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as Chair. Wishing you and your family a terrific summer!

Debbie Sontupe, Chair

Among the foundation's activities is the funding of cultural arts programs in the Morris School District. This year $22,500 was given to various programs, which are detailed on the group's website:

• In 2010, $4,500 was provided by the MEF to Morristown High School to help fund Challenge Day for the freshmen class. Also, Jeffrey Blum presented his "Success Magic" program; Dan Charnas presented an author assembly on the writing process; Artist Brad Smith conducted an Arts by the People presentation. Funds also supported the screening of the documentary "Race to Nowhere" and helped purchase Design Showcase supplies.
• $3,000 was provided by the MEF to Frelinghuysen Middle School for the 6th grade social studies classes to study the Civil War through a residency program. Teaching Artist, Margaret Noonan combines poetry, history, performance, music and writing in this on your feet fast paced interactive theatre residency. Students come away with a fuller understanding of the events that lead up to the American Civil War, its toll on society, while becoming stronger public speakers in the process.
• $1,000 was provided by the MEF to Lafayette Learning Center to fund "Eyes of the Wild" presentations. Students saw, touched, and learned about wallabies, chinchillas, hedgehogs, and macaws. Students also were treated to a visit from Patty the Clown, who helped dispel many children's fear of clowns.
• $2,000 was provided by the MEF to each elementary school.
• The Woodland School presented the Beth and Scott Show, which highlighted character education efforts of caring, sharing, and being a friend. A second assembly, Food Play, reinforced good food choices.
• Alfred Vail School students participated in The Alley Cats, an interactive and informative show, teaching about the elements of music and performance through one of America's own art forms, Doo-Wop music. Renowned storyteller, Queen Nur, presented a collection of stories, dance, and music in a highly interactive performance.
• First graders at Hillcrest School participated in creative writing and expression residency.
• Students at Sussex Avenue School participated in a residency program centered around the plays of William Shakespeare. Resident artist, Margaret Noonan, directed the students in performing a scene from a Shakespeare play. The students are not only exposed to the language of classic literature, but to the stage directions as well.
• Thomas Jefferson School fourth graders participated in a Community Theater artist residency. A residency artist worked with students to create a play integrating the social studies curriculum, Regions of America.
• Alexander Hamilton School third grade students participated in a creative drama residency programs facilitated by a teaching artist. Students created "infomercials" pertaining to their study of New Jersey.
• Kindergarten and first grade students at Normandy Park School participated in a folk dancing residency.