Murray Avenue PTA Awards $8000 in Grants!
Thanks to all the Murray Avenue parents for their fundraising efforts. Here are some of the innovative and exciting ways your generous donations will help teachers and staff enrich our children's education!
Technology:
3 Smartboard Wireless Slates: These slates are a portable, wireless extension of the SmartBoards, which the 5th grade classrooms received as part of a MSF Grant. With the wireless slates, 5th grade students will be able to have real-time collaboration in the classroom.
2 Flip Video Cameras: Ms. Tannenbaum will purchase 2 new Flip Video cameras for the library. This will allow quick and easy access to those special moments during the school year that can be captured for videos.
Large Digital Computer Monitor: Kindergarten teacher Ms. Finn will use this new monitor to enhance visibility when working with small groups of students in the classroom. It will be used to support units of study, such as United Streaming read-a-loud books and the digital microscope.
Digital camera and case: Also for Ms. Finn's kindergarten class, the camera will be used to enhance communication between school and home, and to document the work of students. Pictures are taken throughout the year, and at the end of the year, each child goes home with the collection of their work documented through pictures.
Reading and Social Studies:
Engaging Every Reader: A team of special education teachers and reading specialists, comprised of Ms. Hickey, Ms. Murray and Ms. DeLasho will purchase supplemental read aloud and independent decodable texts to enhance and bridge learning between students' small group instruction, the classroom and home. The library of materials will be available to any student receiving intervention services, as well as classroom teachers who may need supplemental materials for students.
Classroom Connections: The above team will also purchase decodable readers and supportive workbooks that will enable students to make a natural connection, and transfer reading skills acquired through support services to the classroom and beyond. These materials will also be available to all students and teachers in need of additional reading resources.
25 Social Studies World Map Dry-Erase Placemats and Dry-Erase Markers: For our 3rd grade teachers, these maps and pens will support and enhance the Geography and Mapping unit. Students can be actively involved in the lessons, and teachers will be able to see individual learning, and be able to better plan differentiated instruction. The mats can then be wiped clean to use over again. The 3rd grade teachers will also share the mats with other grade levels studying geography.
Art and Music:
An Artist's America: Ms. Revich will introduce 5th grade students to local visual artist Michael Albert. Mr. Albert will have an assembly for the grade, as well as a hands-on workshop with smaller groups. All Murray students will get to see a Pop Art Exhibition of Mr. Albert's work to be displayed in the school.
Permanent Orchestra Folio/Folders: Ms. Rosen will purchase 100 folders to be used for concerts. These professional folders will replace cardboard folders used throughout the year.
Classroom and Recess:
2 AlphaBetter Stand-Up Desks and Stools: For Ms. Mazo's 2nd grade classroom, these desks will provide students an exciting alternative to traditional classroom seating arrangements. This has the potential to be rolled out to a larger MSF grant proposal in the future.
Art Station for Recess: This will provide a fun and interesting new option for students during indoor recess, while reinforcing skills taught during art class. The art station will include a variety of art supplies to support the creative interests of students.
Professional Development:
Professional Resources - Supporting District Initiatives: Ms. Monaco will purchase specific professional books and videos to support professional development. This will enhance the current library, and allow teachers to remain current.
Thank you to all of the teachers for submitting grants proposals and to the Murray PTA Grants Committee (Martha Sundin, Yvette Hammel, Emily Levine, Vicki Alcott, Abby Katz, Alex Bohn, Claudia Kandel, Gail Julie) for their work.