Grant Recipients
2023-2024 Grant Recipients
The Bethel Education Foundation made five surprise grant award announcements to Bethel teachers and administrators on January 26, 2024. These proposals were funded as part of over $19,000 in grants to Bethel Public Schools this school year.
Grants were awarded in each of the five Bethel Public Schools, including the following projects. Bethel High School teachers proposed the addition of wireless microphone equipment for the auditorium to augment student productions and provide sound design experience to students. Bethel Middle School administrators proposed the addition of a basketball hoop to provide additional recreational and social opportunity to students during recess. The elementary Math Coach at Berry, Rockwell and Johnson schools proposed an innovative plan to involve parents in support of elementary math learning. Finally, at Rockwell School, both a Little Free Library and a Sensory Walk will be installed.
Grants were awarded in each of the five Bethel Public Schools, including the following projects. Bethel High School teachers proposed the addition of wireless microphone equipment for the auditorium to augment student productions and provide sound design experience to students. Bethel Middle School administrators proposed the addition of a basketball hoop to provide additional recreational and social opportunity to students during recess. The elementary Math Coach at Berry, Rockwell and Johnson schools proposed an innovative plan to involve parents in support of elementary math learning. Finally, at Rockwell School, both a Little Free Library and a Sensory Walk will be installed.
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2022-2023 Grant Recipients
On February 2, 2023 the Bethel Education Foundation surprised 8 teachers and administrators with announcements that their grant proposals were approved as part of $15,000 in grants to the Bethel schools for this school year.
Grants were awarded in each of the Bethel elementary and secondary schools, including the following highlights. Bethel Middle School teachers proposed the addition of a laser cutter to augment the new Design course, as well as the addition of a guitar amp for the Rock Band after school club. Johnson School educators proposed the addition of vertical white boards to facilitate collaboration and problem solving in mathematics. Berry School teachers will develop a makerspace, combining the library media and computer science standards. Finally, Berry and Rockwell media specialists will receive support to bring author Josh Funk to visit both schools.
Grants were awarded in each of the Bethel elementary and secondary schools, including the following highlights. Bethel Middle School teachers proposed the addition of a laser cutter to augment the new Design course, as well as the addition of a guitar amp for the Rock Band after school club. Johnson School educators proposed the addition of vertical white boards to facilitate collaboration and problem solving in mathematics. Berry School teachers will develop a makerspace, combining the library media and computer science standards. Finally, Berry and Rockwell media specialists will receive support to bring author Josh Funk to visit both schools.
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2019-2020 Grant Recipients
School Grants
On January 27, 2020 the Bethel Education Foundation surprised 5 teachers and administrators with announcements that their grant proposals were approved as part of $15,000 in grants to the Bethel schools for this school year.
These grant requests were initiated by teachers in the Bethel secondary education schools. Bethel High School teachers proposed the addition of live animal exhibits in 9th grade biology classrooms, supporting the NJROTC students designing and building new storage shelves with Operation Ship Shape, and bringing Project Trio to Bethel for a clinic and workshop with orchestra students and community concert. Bethel Middle School will bring in an author to work with students and share their passion for writing and show that Writing Rocks! and build a Greenhouse outdoor classroom. |
Community Grants
This year the Foundation also launched a new grant program to support community programs that encourage innovation and creativity beyond the schools and in our community. The board approved $5,000 to two community organizations:
Bethel Chamber of Commerce – Multiverse Expo Bethel Public Library – Virtual Reality in the Library 
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2018-2019 Grant Recipients
The Bethel Education Foundation (BEF) surprised over 20 teachers and administrators with announcements that their grant proposals were approved as part of $43,335 in grants to the Bethel schools for this school year. This brings the total grants awarded by the Foundation since its founding in 2007 to over $461,250 for more than 134 teacher-initiated projects.
The newly awarded grants will directly impact students in EVERY school in the district and fund a range of teacher-inspired inquiry- and project-based learning designed to engage students. The elementary schools (Frank A. Berry School and Anna H. Rockwell School) will pilot virtual reality tools in their English Language Arts classes to bring stories to life, use SPLAT! Technology to get students moving and coding in technology classes, and bring high-tech document cameras to classrooms so students can interact with lessons and share with their peers. R.M.T. Johnson School will also benefit from virtual reality headsets and engage all students in their physical education classes with cutting-edge wearable heart rate technology to enhance all students physical activity levels. At Bethel Middle School virtual reality will also be piloted and encourage students to deepen their understanding of the world, greater appreciation of cultures, and further curiosity. BMS students also will experience interactive classes with a new program “Escape the Classroom”, encouraging students to strategically work in teams to solve problems. Bethel High School will launch an Anti-Defamation League program called “The Truth About Hate”, increase student interest in reading through Audible book subscriptions, and increase an inclusive musical environment with the assistance of Beamz Laser Technology. Finally, St. Mary School will encourage reading with the Lexia Reading Program and add an innovative Engineering course from the Boston Museum of Science that brings real-life science activities into the classroom and encourages all students to become scientists.
The newly awarded grants will directly impact students in EVERY school in the district and fund a range of teacher-inspired inquiry- and project-based learning designed to engage students. The elementary schools (Frank A. Berry School and Anna H. Rockwell School) will pilot virtual reality tools in their English Language Arts classes to bring stories to life, use SPLAT! Technology to get students moving and coding in technology classes, and bring high-tech document cameras to classrooms so students can interact with lessons and share with their peers. R.M.T. Johnson School will also benefit from virtual reality headsets and engage all students in their physical education classes with cutting-edge wearable heart rate technology to enhance all students physical activity levels. At Bethel Middle School virtual reality will also be piloted and encourage students to deepen their understanding of the world, greater appreciation of cultures, and further curiosity. BMS students also will experience interactive classes with a new program “Escape the Classroom”, encouraging students to strategically work in teams to solve problems. Bethel High School will launch an Anti-Defamation League program called “The Truth About Hate”, increase student interest in reading through Audible book subscriptions, and increase an inclusive musical environment with the assistance of Beamz Laser Technology. Finally, St. Mary School will encourage reading with the Lexia Reading Program and add an innovative Engineering course from the Boston Museum of Science that brings real-life science activities into the classroom and encourages all students to become scientists.
2017-2018 Grant Recipients
On Tuesday, January 23rd the Bethel Education Foundation (BEF) surprised 6 teachers and administrators with announcements that their grant proposals were approved as part of $11,824 in grants to the Bethel schools for this school year. This brings the total grant awarded by the Foundation since its founding in 2007 to over $418,000 to more than 122 teacher-initiated projects.
The newly awarded grants will directly impact students throughout the school district and fund a range of teacher-inspired inquiry- and project-based learning designed to engage students. In the elementary schools: Frank A. Berry School will pilot Google Translate and Google Pixel Earbuds to communicate with non-English speaking students and parents and increase student classroom engagement with Ipevo document cameras, Anna H. Rockwell School will introduce OSMO to Kindergarteners in order to enhance their STEM learning, and R.M.T. Johnson School will create a Makerspace that will be used by all students and housed in the Media Center and Computer Lab. In the secondary schools: Bethel Middle School will further student engagement with video cameras to create and produce films that encourage presentation and media literacy and Bethel High School will add button making to their “BHSKind” campaign.
“Bethel teachers strive to make the school day engaging for students,” said Elizabeth Fisher, BEF director. “As the parent of a child attending Bethel public schools, I am thrilled to see this level of creativity and innovation brought to the classroom.”
“Generous donations from Bethel residents and businesses – especially through the Barnum Ball - continue to make these grants possible,” said Heather Pontonio, president of the Foundation. “We are blessed to have strong support from local business with our largest donors currently including Ingersoll Auto of Danbury, Capri’s Pizzeria, AFC Urgent Care, Elmer’s Diner, Epic Driving School, Famous Pizza, Memry Corporation, and Western Connecticut Health Network.” The 12th Annual Barnum Ball will be held on Saturday, April 7th at Ethan Allen Hotel in Danbury.
“The Bethel Education Foundation grants allow our teachers to provide creative and innovative projects and programs. The grants provide opportunities to enhance our students 21st Century Learning skills as part of their educational experience within the Bethel Public Schools.” Said Dr. Christine Carver, Superintendent of Schools.
In addition to these grants, the Foundation also approved support for the Bethel High School Capstone project fund and will once again award scholarships to two graduating seniors.
The newly awarded grants will directly impact students throughout the school district and fund a range of teacher-inspired inquiry- and project-based learning designed to engage students. In the elementary schools: Frank A. Berry School will pilot Google Translate and Google Pixel Earbuds to communicate with non-English speaking students and parents and increase student classroom engagement with Ipevo document cameras, Anna H. Rockwell School will introduce OSMO to Kindergarteners in order to enhance their STEM learning, and R.M.T. Johnson School will create a Makerspace that will be used by all students and housed in the Media Center and Computer Lab. In the secondary schools: Bethel Middle School will further student engagement with video cameras to create and produce films that encourage presentation and media literacy and Bethel High School will add button making to their “BHSKind” campaign.
“Bethel teachers strive to make the school day engaging for students,” said Elizabeth Fisher, BEF director. “As the parent of a child attending Bethel public schools, I am thrilled to see this level of creativity and innovation brought to the classroom.”
“Generous donations from Bethel residents and businesses – especially through the Barnum Ball - continue to make these grants possible,” said Heather Pontonio, president of the Foundation. “We are blessed to have strong support from local business with our largest donors currently including Ingersoll Auto of Danbury, Capri’s Pizzeria, AFC Urgent Care, Elmer’s Diner, Epic Driving School, Famous Pizza, Memry Corporation, and Western Connecticut Health Network.” The 12th Annual Barnum Ball will be held on Saturday, April 7th at Ethan Allen Hotel in Danbury.
“The Bethel Education Foundation grants allow our teachers to provide creative and innovative projects and programs. The grants provide opportunities to enhance our students 21st Century Learning skills as part of their educational experience within the Bethel Public Schools.” Said Dr. Christine Carver, Superintendent of Schools.
In addition to these grants, the Foundation also approved support for the Bethel High School Capstone project fund and will once again award scholarships to two graduating seniors.
Bethel High School
Jessica Wismar - #BHSkind Button Making Machine, $586
Bethel Middle School
Catherine Emerick - Improving Critical Thinking Through Video Making and Production, $4,673
Johnson School
Jen Torpey & Alana Weinberg - STOP! Create & Animate Makerspace, $3,775
Berry Elementary School
Danielle Legnard - Breaking the Language Barrier using Google Translate and Google Pixel Earbuds, $1,200
Rosanne Licari & Gina McKenzie - VZ-R Ipevo Document Cameras, $400
Rockwell Elementary School
Laura Dobrindt- Osmo devices for STEM education, $1,190
Jessica Wismar - #BHSkind Button Making Machine, $586
Bethel Middle School
Catherine Emerick - Improving Critical Thinking Through Video Making and Production, $4,673
Johnson School
Jen Torpey & Alana Weinberg - STOP! Create & Animate Makerspace, $3,775
Berry Elementary School
Danielle Legnard - Breaking the Language Barrier using Google Translate and Google Pixel Earbuds, $1,200
Rosanne Licari & Gina McKenzie - VZ-R Ipevo Document Cameras, $400
Rockwell Elementary School
Laura Dobrindt- Osmo devices for STEM education, $1,190
2016-2017 Grant Recipients
On Friday, January 6th, the Bethel Education Foundation (BEF) surprised 11 teachers and administrators with announcements that their grant proposals were approved as part of $30,000 in grants to the Bethel schools for this school year. This brings the total grant awarded since the Foundation launched in 2007 to over $405,000 to more than 116 teacher-initiated projects.
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Bethel High School
Jessica Wismar - Library Learning Commons Innovation/ Collaboration/Presentation Center, $4,500 Marjorie Overmier - The Drawing Comes off the page… 3D pens, $1,700 Jennifer Variale - Graphing Calculator, $1,400 Mark Caron - Fitness Center Equipment, $5,000 Bethel High & Middle Schools Dr. Michael Vose - Engaging Learners in Bethel Public School’s Global Competencies with Sprout HP computers, $4,000 Bethel Middle School Caitlin Boles & Catherine Emerick - Moving for Motivation with Flexible Seating, $5,000 Middle, Johnson, Rockwell and Berry Schools Lois Brockmann & Erica Herbert - Active Sitting with Core Wobble Chairs for Special Education Classrooms, $1,424 Johnson School Jill Claridge & Jeff Moscowitz - School-wide Wobble Chair Flexible Seating, $2,480 Rockwell Elementary School Casey Ragan - MakerSpace, $1,750 Berry Elementary School Tara Beall-Gomes - Keep Calm and ROAR On with Flexible Seating and hand fidgets, $2,000 Stacey Bianco - Flexible Seating options in the classroom, $750 |
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2015-2016 Grant Awards
The Bethel Education Foundation is pleased to announce that it has awarded $30,000 to Bethel educators during its 2015-16 grants cycle.
This brings the total grants awarded since the Foundation launched in 2007 to over $375,000 and 105 teacher-initiated projects.
This brings the total grants awarded since the Foundation launched in 2007 to over $375,000 and 105 teacher-initiated projects.
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Bethel High School
Lt. Commander Mark Dwinells $2,498.00 SeaPerch Underwater Robotics Program The NJROTC program will implement the SeaPerch underwater robotics program. SeaPerch provides students the opportunity to learn robotics, engineering, science, mathematics, team building, problem solving, and technical applications while building an underwater remotely operated vehicle. Monica Black $2,300.00 Financial Calculators Financial Calculators will be used in business classes including personal finance, international business, marketing, accounting and UConn ECE economics. Bethel Middle School Clementine Hollopeter & Donna Rick $9,473.75 LEGO Mindstorms EV3 One of two schools who received funding for LEGO Mindstorms EV3 class kits. These coding tools encourage students to work together to develop critical thinking skills in order to accomplish design and scientific challenges. Donna Burns $2,619.93 MakerSpace - We are all makers! Bethel Middle School will also now add coding robots (Sphero and Ozobot) to their media center to further expand reative opportunities in their MakerSpace. Erin Tegmier & Keith Marotta $9,300.00 Horizontal Traverse Wall Physical Education at Bethel Middle School will now include a horizontal traverse wall. Complementing the vertical climbing wall, this wall will allow for all levels of learners, regardless of their fitness levels or perceptions of ability and self, to participate and grow. These walls will reinforce the personal responsibility outcomes associated with positive risk-taking while allowing students to develop advanced climbing skills. |
Johnson School
Suzanne Galante $800.00 eBooks for Education Johnson School received support for eBooks to expand student’s opportunity to read nonfiction texts and complement printed books available through the school’s media center. St. Mary School Kate McDonald $3,000.00 LEGO Mindstorms EV3 One of two schools who received funding for LEGO Mindstorms EV3 class kits. These coding tools encourage students to work together to develop critical thinking skills in order to accomplish design and scientific challenges. Click here to read the Danbury NewsTimes
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2014-2015 Grant Recap
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- 3-D PRINTING – Purchasing a 3-D Printer for Middle School 8th grade STEM classes so they can prototype their ideas
- CODING ROBOTS – for computer classes at both Berry and Rockwell Schools
- KINESTHETIC LEARNING TABLES – at Johnson School encouraging focus through movement while learning
- LIGHTING BOARD – Funding a 21st-century lighting board for the High School auditorium enabling students to learn today’s technology
- TV STUDIO – Bringing 21st century technology to Johnson School’s TV studio
- MIGHTY MATH – take-home math activities for all Berry School students
- ART DISPLAY – Elevating exhibition opportunities for High School art students through a grant for a professional display system
2013-2014 Grant Recap
- Rockwell & Berry Schools Integrating technology for differentiated instruction for the entire 1st Grade using iPads - $9,124
- Rockwell & Berry Schools Mobile laptop cart for the entire 3rd Grade - $36,670
- Johnson School Creation of a Drama Club - $3,500
- Johnson School i Survived!: A Presentation by author Lauren Tarshis $1,200
- Middle School Student communication through video production - $2,278
- Middle & High Schools Ryan’s Story presentation to both schools and the community - $2,500
- High School Google Chromebooks Mobile Cart for 9th Grade Social Studies - $12,164
- Saint Mary’s Science Lab Materials to Enhance Curriculum - $6,000