Foundation Awards 16 Grants to Lawrence Schools

Editor's Note: The following is a news release issued by the .

The Lawrence Township Education Foundation (LTEF) is pleased to announce it has completed its Spring 2012 grant cycle.  Sixteen grants totaling more than $47,000 were awarded to Lawrence Township Public Schools to fund innovative classroom programs.

Lawrence Middle School students will receive new instruments to complete their percussion ensemble.  The sound system at that school will also receive an upgrade to allow for better audio during school performances and assemblies. 

Students at Lawrence Intermediate School will receive chess sets for classroom use and an annual school-wide chess tournament, as well as an interactive response system in sixth-grade classes.  All students there will also receive a subscription to an online service called NoodleBib that will allow for ethical citation of resources.

Students at Ben Franklin Elementary School will enjoy a new outdoor classroom and learning space for children to explore, observe, reflect and learn. 

Slackwood Elementary School students will receive new outdoor exercise equipment that will promote healthy living and fitness, as well as the supplies to create a new mural designed to promote school spirit.

Students at Lawrence High School will develop and manage a community service program whereby students will conduct community service efforts within the school and their own communities.

Other funded programs include professional development for teachers, summer reading materials for AP biology students, digital pens, and support of students attending the DECA International Career Development Conference (http://www.deca.org/). Funding will also continue in support of the already established parenting seminars.    

The Lawrence Township Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization that fosters educational excellence, creativity, and achievement in the Lawrence Township Public Schools. Since 1992, it has funded over 480 programs in the Lawrence schools with grants in excess of $2.4 million.  For more information about LTEF and ways to support the Foundation, visit www.ltefnj.org or email info@ltefnj.org.