The Bensalem Education Foundation recently awarded eight grants to schools across the Bensalem Township School District, totaling $4,000. BEF is a 501(c)(3) organization that relies on donations and supports the purpose of improving teaching and learning in Bensalem through innovative educational initiatives. Grants are awarded through an application process that occurs twice each year.
The following grant recipients were shared by BEF president Bill Lewis:
Belmont Hills Elementary School, Principal Kelly McGowan – Purchase of an outdoor PA system to be used for outdoor activities, such as School-wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports assemblies, field days and classroom activities
Cornwells Elementary School, Principal Dr. Shawn Mark – Purchase of a Cricut Machine for faculty and staff to assist with classroom projects, arts and crafts, and other creative projects
Faust Elementary School, Principal Jodie Sauers – Create a Mindful Learning Garden in the courtyard, where students may go to build and create, refocus their attention and be able to return to the classroom and learn; students would have the opportunity to create, plant, paint rocks for a diversity walkway, and other calming/learning activities
Struble Elementary School, Principal Lana Judy – Purchase an outdoor PA system to be used for outdoor activities, such as school assemblies, track and field days, gym class, talent shows, and when classroom activities are extended outdoors
Valley Elementary School, Assistant Principal Scott Pratt – Purchase of “Breakout EDU,” a series of breakout games similar to escape rooms for both remote and in-person learning; students work collaboratively to solve puzzles and unlock the “Breakout Box,” where they use social and emotional learning skills and the 4Cs (collaboration, communication, critical thinking and creativity) to complete over 700 games
Shafer Middle School, Principal Michael Stock – Fund “Attendance Matters/Perfect Attendance” incentive, designed to help improve student attendance by servicing the entire school with a focus on students who had attendance issues the previous year; it allows the school to promote attendance and show students the importance of coming to school every day
Shafer Middle School, Principal Michael Stock – Fund “Imagine Math” incentives to improve student achievement in mathematics; Shafer plans to hold quarterly math competitions, designed to encourage student achievement and friendly competition
Bensalem High School, Assistant Principal Stephen Garstka – Purchase a Cricut Machine for the hallway beautification project; bulletin boards were recently installed in prominent locations to create a warmer welcome to anyone entering the building, and the school hopes to provide places for student acknowledgement, words of welcome, or a spotlight on positive happenings at BHS; the Cricut Machine will be used to create these messages for the bulletin boards
Individuals interested in contributing to the Bensalem Education Foundation through PayPal or Amazon Smile can learn more at bensalemsd.org/BEFdonate
