The Bensalem Education Foundation recently awarded nine grants to schools across the Bensalem Township School District, totaling $4,500.
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 once each year in the spring.
The following grant recipients were shared by BEF co-presidents Bill Lewis and CJ Mills:
Belmont Hills Elementary School, Principal Kelly McGowan: Awarded a grant to purchase nine wireless presentation remotes. These remotes will allow teachers to maintain the use of technology within the classroom and allow them the ability to move about and monitor student progress, engage the students in presentations and allow more control of the presentation during instruction.
Cornwells Elementary School, Principal Dr. Shawn Mark: The school is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2023. Cornwells was awarded a grant for the purchase of art supplies (paint, brushes, drop cloths, etc.) for the creation of a wall mural inside the school commemorating the anniversary.
Faust Elementary School, Principal Jodie Sauers/Assistant Principal Dr. Aqueelah Ellzy: Awarded a grant to purchase two Breakout EDU escape room kits. The website provides activities in all subject areas (digital and lock box) and can be used for any grade level. The two kits can be used by any elementary teacher looking for an enrichment or teamwork activity. Breakout EDU kits also help students develop collaboration, communication, critical thinking and creativity skills.
Rush Elementary School, Principal Joan Richey: Awarded a grant to pay for materials for backdrops and costumes for the annual Rush Drama Club performance in the spring.
Struble Elementary School, Principal Lana Judy: Awarded a grant for the purchase of a hybrid cart which will help the school organize playground equipment during recess. As part of the Struble Students in Leadership Roles initiative, the goal is for students to help their recess aides organize the equipment at recess every day. This “new job responsibility” of organizing the playground cart and taking the cart outside for recess each day aims to teach the students responsibility and organizational skills.
Valley Elementary School, Acting Principal Scott Pratt/Acting Assistant Principal Fred Backhaus: Awarded a grant to purchase 20 flags of countries from around the world that represent the Valley student body. The impact these flags will have is to show the diversity and cultures of these countries, building a comfort level for students and their families at Valley.
Shafer Middle School, Principal Michael Stock/Assistant Principal Joseph Crane: Awarded a grant for the purchase of 10 new keyboards to expand the use of keyboard instruction in the music department at Shafer. Currently, keyboarding is taught to all seventh and eighth grade students in general music. The purchase of new keyboards allows for each student to have his/her own device and gives them the flexibility to advance at his/her own pace.
Snyder Middle School, Acting Principal Dr. Thomas Evert/Assistant Principal Steven Louella: Awarded a grant to purchase supplies (low voltage soft lighting, soothing paint color, cushioned chairs, Bluetooth speaker for soft music, calming/fidget toys) for a de-escalation room. De-escalation rooms are safe, quiet environments that provide low levels of stimulation, enabling students to calm down. They are great for helping students manage their own behavior. When they recognize their emotions rising, a student can use the room to calm down, dramatically reducing worry.
Bensalem High School, Principal Frank Flanagan/Assistant Principal Dr. Nicole Bourque: Awarded a grant for the purchase of books to form a book club for teachers and staff on how to change and improve the building culture for the betterment of all at BHS.
