We are pleased to present to the Irvington School Board the following gifts totaling $112,319.00 for the 2002-2003 school year:

Grades 9-12: (Linda Boyce)-Language. This grant will support the purchase of additional language lab equipment to meet the needs of the growing student population. The Foundation provided the initial funds which created the language lab. Award: $21,503.

Grades 9-12: (Piyali Battacharya and Mrinalini Rajwar) - Social Studies - This grant was submitted by a student and will support a week long series of events designed to provide the student population with rich and varied aspects of Asian culture. It will expand upon the assemblies the students previously experienced at the high school. Award: $1,906.

Grades 9-12: (Scott Mosenthal) - This grant will support a school climate survey of the student population, which results will be utilized at faculty meetings to maximize teaching effectiveness by identifying strengths and weaknesses. The survey will be conducted by an outside organization, Educational Benchmarking Inc. Award: $2,600.

Grades 10-12: (Amy Devlin) - Social and ELA, World of Difference Program. This is an expansion of a program initially funded by the IEF that is designed to raise awareness, encourage understanding and sensitivity toward people of diverse ethnic backgrounds. Award: $1,780.

Grades 6-12: (Anne Keary) - College Admissions - In a continuing effort to educate the community about the daunting college admissions process, noted authority, Ted Fiske will present a seminar designed to enable families to understand the process so that they may formulate a plan which meets their specific objectives. Award: $2,500.

Grades 6-8: (Mrinalini Rajwar and Raina Kor)- Social Studies, Science, ELA and Math. The district is funding the development of five pilot technology classrooms. This grant will support the purchase of interactive white boards designed to facilitate the sharing and preservation of information so that the focus is on learning rather than on note taking. Award: $12,600.

Grade 6: (Dana Vogel) - Theatre Arts - This grant which was submitted by a parent, will support an 8 week after school theatre program. Award: $5,500.

Grade 8: (Chuck Johnson) - Science and Related Disciplines. The success of the Jason Project was exemplified last year when the district sent one of its students to Alaska. This year's grant involves the Kelp Forests of California is a repeat grant which will fund the Jason Project. Award: $4,160.

Grade 8: (Chuck Johnson) - Interdisciplinary. (Two Year Grant) The Museum School Program at the Neuberger Museum of Art provides a resource for learning about visual arts through hands on and participatory activities in the Museum's permanent collections and special exhibitions specially designed by the classroom teachers in collaboration with museum staff. Award: $3,220.

Grade 8: (Julie Ippolito) - Language Arts. This is a repeat grant. Susan Astor, a Poet in Residence, engages the students in creative writing through poetry. A compilation of their efforts will be distributed to each student at the end of the semester. Award: $4,400.

Grade 8: (Julie Ippolito) - Language Arts. Repeat grant involving the study of Shakespeare's, Much Ado About Nothing and A Midsummer Night's Dream. Artists-in-Residence will visit the classrooms for several days to enrich the study of these works. Award: $7,100.

Grade 6: (Susan Dillon) - Social Studies/Reading/Language Arts - Repeat grant which will enhance the Medieval Interdisciplinary Unit by providing a workshop for students to learn first hand about medieval drama, music, dance, processions and celebrations. Award: $7,000.

Grade 8: (Toni Kelly) - Character Education. Building upon the character education programs provided to the 7th grade, The Journey Program, developed at Brookfield High School in Connecticut, involves high school students performing skits that have been designed to help middle school students learn respect, responsibility and restraint. We are hopeful that if the program is successful, our high school student population can become involved. Award: $2,490.

DOWS LANE ELEMENTARY 4-5

Grades 4-5: (Carol LaBella, Mrinalini Rajwar and Debbie Scofield) - ELA, Social Studies, Math and Science. This innovative grant will enhance student learning through the use of interactive technology; multimedia classrooms equipped with white boards, LCD projectors and printers. Award: $11,300.

DOWS LANE ELEMENTARY K-3

Grade 3: (Joseph Rodriguez) - Character Education. Staff will receive training to assist students to manage conflict and encourage development of a cooperative community. Award: $2,300.

Grades K/2: (Deborah Ottaviano) - The Arts. This grant will supplement the innovative and enthusiastically received Lincoln Center Summer Institute Grant by involving more classes in the program. Award: Up to $5,777.

Grades K-3: (Linda Getman) - Physical Education. Project Adventure, Traverse Wall. This grant will supplement and enhance the physical education program at the elementary school. It is our hope that all grades at Dows Lane can utilize this innovative program. It has been a great success at the Middle School. Award: Up to $9,033.

Grade 1: (Corinne Daniels) -Art. Repeat grant. The highly successful paper making project using recycled paper with an Artist-in-Residence will return. Award: $5,120.

Grade 1: (Laurel Warager) - Science/Visual Arts. Repeat grant which uses the medium of art to teach weather. Author/Illustrator, Colleen Carol will engage each classroom on the topic of weather in art. Award: $2,000.00.