Fall 2009 Grants 
Jane Bandstra, Debbie Kelly – Godwin/Highland OT/PT – Wii system and Wii Fit - This grant consists of the purchase of a Wii system and the Wii Fit program to help supplement the Physical and Occupational therapy programs at both schools. Students will benefit from the multi-sensory movement patterns and games on the Wii which also enhance several aspects of occupation and physical therapy such as static and dynamic balance, vestibular training and eye hand coordination to name a few.

Heidi Cassells, Lynne Snyder, Jean Clarke, Meghan Martinez- Godwin 1st grade – Elmo, Projector and Cart - This grant consists of the purchase of one Elmo document camera, one LCD projector and two carts to be shared among the 1st grade teachers. The camera and projector improve student participation and retention by providing enhanced visual presentations.

Scott Grasso – Highland Physical Education – Fitness for All – This grant consists of the purchase of pull up bars for the Highland Gym. They would be used on a daily basis and in the fitness unit to allow students the ability to build strength and reach personal goals.

Debbie Kelly, Danielle Kirsch – Highland Occupational Therapy – Fidget Box – This grant consists of the purchase of a box containing materials that would help students who need additional help focusing their attention on the task at hand. Such items help meet the students sensory needs in the classroom to help maintain focus.

Lisa Guarini – Highland 3rd grade – Funomena – HighTouch High – This grant allows the third grade students to become more actively involved in science activitites related to the curriculum of natural disasters. In school science workshops will transform the classroom into living laboratories.

Mrs. Troisi, Mrs. Behan, Mrs. Andrews, Mrs. Didyk, Ms. Lee, Mrs. Lelinho and Mrs. Piscitello – Highland 4th grade – Nonfiction Writing with Author Betty Tatham – This grant will help motivate and teach students to become more proficient nonfiction writers by giving them the opportunity to work with a published author who uses excerpts from her five science books to teach research and writing skills. Author Betty Tatham will provide 4 days of work with the students and teachers to eventually be published in a class book.

Brian Ersalesi – MPHS English – iRead with my iPod – This grant will provide 5 iPods to encourage reluctant readers with their in-class required readings. Required readings will be able to be downloaded on the iPods and borrowed for overnight use when out-of-class readings are assigned.

Terry Seiders and MPHS Special Education Department – MPHS – Aiding Struggling Readers – This grant consists of the purchase of the Kurzweil 3000 education system which will aid struggling readers with their reading comprehension and speed, decoding skills, writing and self-editing skills, study skills and test taking independence. Kurzweil 3000 facilitates active reading through highlighting, text circle tools, annotations, bookmarks and voice notes in order to create outlines, study guides or word lists.