By Darcie Shinberger
'Tis the season to give … and the Macomb Educational Foundation (MEF) recently surprised schools within the Macomb Community Unit School District No. 185 (MCUSD 185) with grants totaling $36,000.
According to MEF Member Shelley Kreps, $9,000 was given to each public school (Lincoln, Edison, Macomb Middle and Macomb High schools). Another $10,000 in grants have recently been awarded to various schools to fund such projects as incubators, books in backpacks, Dyslexia/ ESL pens and library books for each school. MacArthur Early Childhood Center also received a grant for playground equipment and another $3,000 for books.
'We are so thankful for our teachers and wanted to give them a little extra support to help further enrich their classrooms,' Kreps shared.
Lincoln School will use the funds for instruction needs and programs that impact student growth.
'We are very thankful for MEF and their very generous donation as it will impact all our students throughout the building,' said Lincoln Principal Eric Bryan.
At Edison School, grant funds will be used for sets of headphones for computer- based applications and noise cancelling headphones, as well as binders for every child in Morphology work at the third-grade level, while fourth grade educators are included in additional Morphology learning materials.
4th grade is interested in Morphology materials
an MEF grant for books.
including an online application. Soft Start materials can be funded for fifth graders with the funding, while special education classrooms will consider basic school supplies along with materials that help with sensor needs, speech development and other skills. Art, music, physical education and intervention classes will be looking at equipment and reading materials.
'$9000 will get us a lot of things; we are so excited! MEF allows teachers to purchase items for projects not included in the district- provided curriculum,' said Edison School Principal Kellee Sullivan. 'We are grateful for MEF's generosity as their funding helps support some of the fun and meaningful projects for our students.'
Examples of how the funding will be used at Macomb Middle School include Holocaust education materials; end-of-the-year celebrations and activities to recognize student achievements; student incentives to encourage positive behavior and boost morale; classroom library books; sensory room items, and books and materials for reading intervention.
'MMS is extremely thankful for the generous funding from MEF,' said Principal Kibbee Lewis. 'The allocation of funds aligns with our commitment to providing engaging, educational, and supportive experiences for all students.'
At Macomb High School, Principal Jimmy Heuer said teachers are currently discussing using the funds for such items as contemporary novels for English classes, attendance incentives, professional development and other needs.
'I would like to give a huge thank you to the Macomb Education Foundation for their amazing generosity. It is a great chance for departments to pick what they see as being the need and what can have the most impact on instruction,' Heuer said. 'I cannot thank MEF enough for their gift that benefits our students and our teachers.'
About the MEF
The Macomb Educational Foundation (MEF) was established as a nonprofit corporation in 1992 to raise and distribute funding for educational opportunities that might otherwise be unattainable due to budgetary constraints. The Foundation aims to support efforts that complement, enrich, and enhance educational programs and opportunities within Macomb Community District No. 185.
Led by Former Assistant Superintendent of Schools Louis Battin, MEF's original goal, which remains true today, is to support the children and educators of Macomb Schools by providing additional assistance for academic and extracurricular programs, classroom supplies, and more.
The foundation is managed by a Board of Directors composed of 15 voting members, including community members and faculty. Current MEF Board members include Karen Severs, Shelley Kreps, Jerry Cremer, Nigel Graham, Bess Thompson (president), Rooney Dively, Lisa Dennis, Greg Butler, Sandy Taylor, and Nick Knowles. Pam Burnham, Liz Hardisty, Mary Ann Severs, Trish Cramer Doll and Hailea Hadsall represent Macomb teachers.
Funds are acquired through private and corporate donations, memorials, bequests, and other fundraising projects. Since its inception, more than $300,000 has been distributed by the Macomb Educational Foundation for projects benefiting students at MacArthur School, Lincoln School, Edison School, Macomb Junior High and Macomb Senior High.
MacArthur Principal Kristi Reusch and her students received
