future endeavors
The foundation's Board of Trustees is considering a number of major projects for funding in the coming months and years. All of the ideas being processed will only be possible through private support.A recent idea proposed was the reopening of the district's planetarium. Though it has been out of use for several years, restoring it to a useable condition would enable children throughout the district to benefit.
Another idea that is under consideration is an Arts Immersion Program that would engage all Colonial students in a broad exposure and appreciation for the arts and the role of the arts in our culture. Projects under this program could include: visiting artists, poets and authors; partnerships with art and theatrical organizations throughout Delaware; special performances and exhibitions by renowned artists and performers for the benefit of students, faculty, parents and our community at large. The first year of this program is expected to cost about $25,000.
The Foundation would also like to create a Life-long Learning Center for students of all ages to pursue advanced learning experiences while engaging in fitness-for-life and healthy lifestyles. While still in the thinking stage, this Center is currently envisioned as a stand-alone structure that will have classrooms, exercise areas, fitness equipment and, perhaps, a swimming pool. This project could easily reach $3-5,000,000 in cost.
recently funded grants
Since 2006, the CEF has awarded over 55 mini-grants for a total of more than $61,000. The funds from these grants were used by Colonial teachers and staff to implement innovative programs and projects for students. Here are just a few examples of the recent grants given to Colonial educators:
Second graders at Pleasantville Elementary use FLP-IT in their classrooms to assist in the learning process. This program utilizes a Flip camera which the students use to videotape themselves participating in different classroom activities. This additional read aloud practice allows immediate critique by the students and also assists in reading comprehension.
In order to improve reading comprehension among its bilingual students, Eisenberg Elementary now has a collection of bilingual AR books, which students are able to take home to their parents to read.
Kindergarten and first grade students at Colwyck elementary now have math and art centers in the Art room. During art class, children will work in small groups at centers focused on math concepts including pattern, shape, size, form, color and symmetry.