Chatham Education Foundation

Building thinking classrooms in math: this grant funds the conversion of the final three high school math classrooms into "thinking classrooms". The first two phases of the "thinking classroom" transformation funded by cef grants in 2018 and 2021 demonstrated the validity of current research that supports students working on whiteboard surfaces in the mathematics classroom, resulting in observed increases in student productivity, critical thinking, and wellness. These design changes include vertical non-permanent writing surfaces on flexible seating/standing tables, and the de-fronting of the traditional classroom setting.

World language classroom: the intent of this grant is to enhance students' understanding of chinese character structures and writing and foster greater collaboration and interaction to accelerate language acquisition. This will be accomplished via procurement of dry erase desks and new classroom furniture that is specifically designed to create various seating arrangements and adapt the classroom layout to different learning tasks.

Building teamwork, collaboration & creativity with outdoor block play: this grant will allow teachers of kindergarten and 1st grade at washington avenue school to purchase a set of blocks (and accompanying storage system) to be used during indoor and outdoor recess.the blocks would allow for the development of gross motor skills and will provide alternatives to tag, jungle gyms and swing play. The blocks also coordinate with the pushes and pulls science unit and the d&t curriculum in 1st grade.

Nj symphony residency: this grant allows for 30 hours of coaching for the chs and laf orchestra and band classes from nj symphony musicians, along with accompanying instruction for the educators as well. The musicians will work with the students in multi-week small group sessions to allow for a more in depth understanding of what it is to be a musician.

Supporting the transition to a 5-8 middle school: the grant's main focus is to provide the opportunity for cms and laf educators to attend the amle national conference and to attend sessions on the strands of "this we believe"middle school best practices as well as share key learnings back with larger cohorts of middle school staff as the district continues to work towards a broad grade-level reconfiguration.

Hands on science: the third grade science units have many opportunities for students to experiment with different materials that have to do with weather, forces, speed, measurement, and ecosystems. This grant will fund the procurement of kits designed for hands-on science investigations for students in the classroom.

District choral festival: this grant will enable the choral instructors to bring in a modern, professional new york city based acapella vocal ensemble consisting of five trained singers, arrangers, and beatboxers to participate in the annual district choral festival. In addition to providing hands-on learning experiences with a group that will specifically tailor the festival to the interests of students at each of the three schools individually, but will also create a custom arrangement specifically for the choral students in grades 4-12. Students will have the opportunity to learn how to beatbox, differentiate with pop vocal techniques, and explore vocal improvisation.

Improving math facts and flexible thinking for 4th and 5th grade bsi students: reflex math is an online math program that offers adaptive and engaging games to help students build accurate math skills, promoting better mathematical understanding and efficiency. The overall goal of reflex math is to increase students' math fact accuracy and efficiency which will increase students' math confidence, and allow them an easier entry point to access the curriculum which includes many higher order thinking skills. This online program will be used by the basic skills instruction (bsi) program that supports students who are struggling to meet grade level expectations in the areas of math.

Supporting learners in non-traditional settings: this project is modeled after a grant that was awarded to the resource room teachers and successfully implemented at washington avenue school. This grant will provide students in the resource room and basic skills classrooms with various seating options, writing support devices, and fidget objects. These devices enhance a student's ability to sit and attend in a classroom setting and have been shown to increase academic performance.

Tv/film broadcast studio equipment: tv and video production classes serve as an integral part of the educational curriculum, offering students hands-on experience in video production, editing, and broadcasting. This grant will fund upgrades to equipment that will empower students with access to state-of-the-art technology, ensuring they are well-equipped with the skills demanded by the modern media landscape. Exposure to industry-standard equipment will better prepare students for future careers in media production, providing a competitive edge in college admissions and the job market. The new video/tv equipment will not be confined to the classrooms. It will serve as a valuable resource for capturing and broadcasting major events throughout the district, including but not limited to: chs fashion show, tedxyouth@chatham, graduation, concerts, performances, and community gatherings.

Gaga ball and '9 square in the air' equipment: this grant will enhance the physical education experience of all 9-12 graders by incorporating new games to foster sustained physical activity, strategic thinking, and teamwork. According to research, such activities have the ability to enhance cooperation, social skills as well as problem-solving while fostering a sense of inclusivity

Musical exploration of the durufle requiem: this grant supports a collaboration between chs performing arts and visual arts department to create pieces inspired by the individual movements of the requiem. This is a reprisal of the two departments' very successful collaboration for the mozart requiem back in 2018. This marks the third cef sponsored performance of a masterwork performed by the chs choir and orchestra programs.

Return of unused funds