Schools

Pearl River Educational Foundation Announces Grant Winners, Logo

The Pearl River Educational Foundation announced its first set of grant recipients at the Pearl River School Board meeting Tuesday in the district administration building.

Members of the community formed the PREF in October 2012 to help fund programs in Pearl River schools beyond those covered in the district budget. The foundation raised over $13,000 in its first year and awarded $11,500 in grants. Seven of the 11 grant applications received funding. 

"Hopefully next year, we'll be able to do bigger and better things," said Jackie Curtiss, co-president of the PREF. 

"I'd like to say thank you to Jackie and everybody in the foundation," said Pearl River Board of Education President Robert Davis. "It's truly a great success to do this in the first year. It's a great program and we hope it continues."

Curtiss provided these descriptions of the programs funded with the name of the applicant at Tuesday's meeting.

  • Karen DiMenna will be getting 26 smart response remote controls for the 4th grade students at Lincoln Avenue.  These will be used with the smart boards.  They will allow teachers to closely monitor individual students understanding of lesson concepts.  They will give an instant accurate insight into student understanding. 
  • Maureen Alaimo will also be receiving 26 smart response remote controls for Franklin Avenue.  Maureen and her staff will decide their best use. 
  • Melissa Alm and the 4th grade teachers at Evans Park will be able to take the 4thgrade on 4 trips next year that will supplement the social studies classroom learning.  The students will go to Washington’s Headquarters in Newburgh, Stony Point Battlefield in Stony Point, Knox’s Headquarters and New Windsor Cantonment Sites in New Windsor and the Dewint House in Tappan. 
  • Stephanie Pollack at the Pearl River Middle School will be getting 6 samsung chromebooks to share with her 7th grade team.  They students will use them  for research, assessments and a multitude of educational applications. 
  • Steve Lonergan at Pearl River High School will be getting a radial arm saw for the technology students.  The students will be able to accomplish their projects more efficiently and with more real world experience. 
  • Chris Mosher at Pearl River High School will be getting a 3-D Printer kit for use within the technology department.  It will give students the experience of real world prototyping. 
  • John DeMarco at Pearl River High School will be receiving funding for a Pearl River High School Beautification Project.  This is a student initiated project that will build a greater sense of community within the high school.  Mr. DeMarco will be volunteering his time; the funds will be used for necessary supplies.  Mr. DeMarco’s goal is to paint artwork on the trash cans and murals on specifically chosen walls.   
The PREF also recently held a logo contest, choosing one submitted by Pearl River High School student Dan Paradine. A picture of Paradine holding his design is attached to this report.


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