Community funding for
student innovation and creativity

Since CHEF’s founding in 2000, we have given over $1 million in grants to seed innovative new programs throughout the Croton-Harmon school district. As a private foundation, we are able to kickstart an idea into action, without having to find room in the tight school budget. We are proud to support activities in the arts, STEM fields, humanities, and beyond. Learn more about how to apply for a grant.

supporting the arts

One of CHEF’s most long-lasting legacies is the district-wide strings program, launched over a decade ago. Croton students can begin to learn a stringed instrument as early as the first grade, and then continue all the way up to their senior year. CHEF has also fully funded the electronic music program and supported a TV studio at CHHS. A new, CHEF-funded lighting system in the auditorium is the perfect backdrop for music and theater productions.

21st century learning environments

CHEF grants have underwritten flexible classrooms and state-of-the-art educational technology at all three district schools. At CET, grants funded flexible furniture, coding, and robotics programs. PVC students can access movement-based furniture and 3D printers in the InDe lab, funded through a CHEF grant. At CHHS, CHEF funded the creation of a new collaboration lab for many classes and students to use.

educational innovation

CHEF funds have kickstarted new approaches to learning across all disciplines and grade levels. Grants have funded game-based math, team-building through Lego activities, teacher training, and much more. When we began the 2020 school year on a remote and hybrid model, CHEF stepped in to fund document cameras so that all Croton students can see what a teacher is demonstrating in the classroom — in real time. At CHEF, we look to the future but also respond to the present, seeding innovation in all its forms.

2022-2023

Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School

Vital Dance Crew - $895

CHEF funded a Vital Dance Crew performance for the fifth and sixth graders at PVC. The performance reinforces ideals and values in an engaging way for the students. Following the performance, the dancers speak to students about decision making, perseverance, and diligence. Many students have a passion for dance and music and the performance aligns with one of the district’s guiding questions: how will we create opportunities for thoughtful risk taking by students and educations in the pursuit of joy, interest, and passion in our schools?

Day in Clay - $2,480

CHEF brought back to PVC, the Day in Clay Wheel Throwing, an experience we first funded in 2007. This multicultural arts experience piqued student imagination as they watched visual artist Cliff Mendelson bring to life wet clay from his potter’s wheel. Art teacher Wendy Armstrong wanted to students to see what a working artist can do and how they can make a career out of making art. Through this experience student begin to understand that artists document human history and express collective emotions.

Croton-Harmon High School

Digital Arts Expansion Program - $12,750

The Art Department at Croton Harmon High School envisioned an art program where students have equal access to state-of-the-art creative digital technology. CHEF helped realize this vision by funding the purchase of a set of iPads, photo booth (to enable lighting for photographing projects of digitization), and a Cricut Maker 3 Bundle. With these enhancements, the CHHS art teachers can broaden their curriculum to include more digital art and further develop and present digital art and photography. 

Inclusive Classroom Library - $2,000

CHEF funded an inclusive classroom library envisioned by Cassandara Cartaginese (CHHS Special Educator) and Pamela Morrison (CHHS Library Media Specialist). This grant enabled the purchase of a wider range of texts to appeal to readers of all levels and backgrounds. The purchased books included large print and graphic novels and covers all subject areas taught at the high school. Ms. Cartaginese and Ms. Morrison want to cultivate and inspire students to discover their identities as readers and to build a library of texts that are accessible to all readers. 

Autobiographical Novels - $500

English Language Learners, or emerging bilinguals, come to school every day with many experiences and challenges; nevertheless they arrive to school each morning siguiendo adelante (moving forward) to pursue un futuro major (a better life). Sarah Campbell, English as a New Language teacher at CHHS, came to CHEF seeking funding to publish autobiographical novels written by CHHS ELL students. These narratives help students desahogarse or become at peace with their new life changes. Publishing these novels for students honors these stories of resilience. 

Health Ed Podcast - $500

Kerri Tracy, Health Teacher at Croton Harmon High School, who was recently named New York State Health Education Teacher of the Year!, piloted a Health Ed podcast with her students. To follow up on the program’s success, she requested that CHEF fund microphones and headsets for more professional quality recording. The Health Ed podcast supports many aspects of the Profile of a Graduate, but Ms. Tracy is particularly interested in supporting students’ communication and collaboration skills in addition to their initiative and self direction. She looks forward to supporting any other teachers who want to incorporate podcasting into their teaching practices.

21st Century Collaborative Classroom - $3,400

2021-2022

CARRIE E. TOMPKINS ELEMENTARY School

Professional Learning Experience at the Ron Clark Academy - $13,323

This grant funded the opportunity for eight CET teachers to attend a professional learning experience at the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, GA. Teachers will be able to see new student engagement strategies in-action and collectively observe students and teachers at the academy. Kerri Bianchi, CET Principal, shared her enthusiasm for this opportunity with the CHEF Board: “Ron Clark’s innovative way of teaching consists of a three-pronged approach. He aims to put students into a good mood, so that they are more likely to retain information. He makes a point of creating personal relationships with his students and their families and he focuses on student engagement, academic rigor and school climate. This program will enhance our educational approach at CET and we feel it would be a great investment for CHEF and our students’ futures.”

Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School

Cricut Maker: Machines Accessories and Supplies - $1,279

CHEF supported the innovation and technical skills of PVC students by funding a Cricut Maker 3 as well as all accessories and supplies for the machine. The Cricut Maker is a digital die-cutting machine that is able to cut a variety of materials such as paper, vinyl, balsa wood, fabric, and leather. A teacher at PVC states, "The Cri-cut bundle offers students opportunities to use their critical thinking skills to create new projects through the enhancements offered by the Cricut.” PVC Principal Michael Plotkin adds, “The inclusion of this device in the classroom has helped students to bring their visions to life and add components to their designs that were not possible before. In a school that values critical thinking and creativity, and actively promotes these skills with students, the Cricut machine will provide students with another avenue to demonstrate and showcase these skills. We have no doubt that over time we will find other ways to use this device to support our students to be innovators and to exercise their creativity.”

Croton-Harmon High School

Large-Format Plotter Printer - $3,931

A machine like a large format printer offers researchers and presenters across fields the ability to showcase their work at conferences and competitions. Mr. Robert Keehn, Science teacher at CHHS, will use the printers as an opportunity for students to display their work as the culmination of a science research project. Croton’s Profile of a Graduate highlights innovation and Keehn writes, “the Science Research program is an embodiment of this concept. Aimed at giving students the skills and experience to pursue graduate level research projects...[the printer] would add to students’ skills by allowing them to work independently, expand their time management and critical thinking skills, and have a competitive edge upon leaving the program.”

2020-2021

CARRIE E. TOMPKINS ELEMENTARY School

Unity Dome - $10,000

In collaboration with CHEF, the CET PTA, and student-led fundraising, CET purchased a Unity Dome for the playground. The Unity Dome is a versatile piece of playground equipment designed to be accessible to all students, and includes sensory connections. The grant supports CET’s overall approach to a welcoming and inclusive environment and aligns with the social emotional curriculum.

Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School

Golf Simulator - $9,200

Golf is a fun and lifelong sport, but given the cost, just how accessible is it? Thanks to technological innovations and CHEF support, the PVC Middle School athletics program will now be offering a golf unit for all students. This grants funds all necessary equipment, including monitors, two simulation machines, clubs, and nets, for this multi-week program. PVC physical education Kevin Brunelle says, “the golf unit will be a very unique approach for our classes and the strategy will allow us to consider using simulators in the future to help train our student athletes.”

CROTON-HARMON HIGH SCHOOL

Reconnecting High School Math Students and Teachers - $4,320

To improve communication with all high school students, this grant enables the CHHS math department to purchase iPads for teacher feedback. In the past, math homework was usually carried out and turned in on paper, enabling teachers to write on the paper itself, which in turn served as a conversation starter between student and teacher. Because work is now submitted digitally, this system is no longer possible. In addition, current systems for providing feedback were very time consuming for teachers and students are often unaware of the feedback teachers are leaving on their work. The new equipment will effectively reconnect learners and educators, because feedback will be written directly on each assignment and visible where the student would expect to see it.

District Wide

Online Tools for Remote Learning - $36,750

This grant allows the district to purchase portable document cameras for teachers and staff across all three district schools. Educators will be able to engage with all students in real time, making the remote learning experience as close to “hands on” as possible. CHUFSD Director of Technology Deborah August explained, “this device would allow teachers to demonstrate for students how to solve equations in real time, read and write with students, bring science labs to life, among other uses.”

2019-2020

District Wide

Greenburgh Nature Center Zero Waste School Program - $4000

This innovative K-12 program segues with New York State Next Generation Science Standards, while providing a real-world application for student learning about ecosystems. Through hands-on training and educational activities, students and staff are learning about how to sustainably and responsibly dispose of food and other waste -- in school and beyond.

Croton-Harmon High School

Electronic Music Course at CHHS - $32,504

CHEF funded professional-grade studio equipment for this brand new course.
Electronic Music will offer instruction in the use of the computer for creating, composing, and arranging music. It will also focus on the basics of music production: recording, mixing, and editing. Open to all students, experienced and inexperienced alike, CHHS students will learn music production at a level that would prepare them for college and ensure that they are experiencing electronic music with a sound system, keyboard controllers, and audio interfaces. They will learn skills needed in the music, film, television, radio, and many other industries.

Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School

The Kinesthetic Classroom - Flexible Seating and Assistive Devices - $20,000
Teachers can enhance the learning experience of students who benefit from action based learning models -- that is, academic learning using movement as a means to stimulate the brain and body to maximize learning. When students are moving, research shows an increase in comprehension and encoding of information. This grant funds a “library” of seating and assistive teaching devices at PVC.

Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School

STEM Kits for 4th Grade - $1,874
Students will now use Engineering Adventures STEM kits to learn about the role engineering plays in their lives and the world around them as they're introduced to real engineering challenges and asked to design solutions with an engineering design process. Following this hands-on curriculum, kids learn to collaborate, communicate, solve problems, and share their solutions with their peers.

Making Mathematics Fun, Efficient, and Memorable - $8,480
This grant brings “Math Guru” Greg Tang Jr. to CET. This fall he’ll visit with teachers and students to introduce his resources and strategies that use playful and interactive methods to enhance mathematical reasoning in ways that extend beyond the typical algorithm. The CHUFSD community is invited to directly learn from Greg on the evening of November 14, 2019. Thanks to teacher workshops, the innovative approach will be incorporated into classroom teaching well beyond that event.

Learning more about Greg’s approach in his TED Talk.

2018

Croton-Harmon High School

CHHS TV Studio Grant
Specialized cameras in the CHHS Television Studio give students the ability to stream any event in the school live. Students gain industry skills working with cutting edge technologies that allow more people to view events in real time from any location. Now events like the Senior Awards ceremony can be seen anywhere as they occur.  The new filming equipment also allows remote access to the filming process from the main studio enhancing production values. View students work on the CHTV YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1mEILncA_GDPnuRr-o7KnA.

Save The Pollinators! STEM Research to Assess Human Impact on Biodiversity
AP Environmental Science classroom exploration of the importance of biodiversity and pollinators' role in healthy ecosystems prepares students for fieldwork research using insect traps at Teatown or another local preserve. Students analyze data, prepare lab reports, and study possible solutions.

Technology for CHOOSE Program
Chrome books are available for students throughout the Croton Harmon Options and Opportunities Senior Experience, also known as CHOOSE. They will be used during student informational meetings in the fall, weekly instructional meetings in the spring, and for student CHOOSE presentations to the community at the end of the school year. The technology enhances communication between students, mentors, and community members.

Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School

3D Printers for the Innovation and Design Lab
Two new 3D Printers now give all PVC students direct access to printing out their work, whether for class projects or through the Coding and InDe student clubs. Additionally, each student in the 7th grade will be able to access the 3D printers for a project, allowing 130 items to be printed.  These students will be exposed to the engineering and design process in a tangible and meaningful way. Students can now witness their projects come to life in the InDe lab and spark new learning an ideas!

Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School

Dash and Dot Coding Challenges
Dash and Dot are programmable robots that work with our existing iPad apps. Challenge cards allow for hands-on challenges and moving students through the iterative process while allowing for innovation.

LEGOs as Tools: Fine Motor Skills, Team Building and Engineering
This grant enabled Third Grade students with various needs to use legos and learn to work together and follow directions while overcoming internal and external distractions. Students work in groups to build, program, and control Lego robots. 

2017

Croton-Harmon High School

Collaboration Lab
This grant has enabled the High School to outfit its new collaborative learning space with cutting-edge equipment, including the Nureva Span collaboration and projection system and flexible, re-configurable furniture. The Nureva Span system turns the computer lab into a learning hub and encourages innovation, collaboration and critical thinking. This system allows students to brainstorm together and showcases student work. 

Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School

INDE Lab Project Support
Funding for storage units for INDE lab projects.

Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School

The School Yoga Project
CHEF funded yoga sessions in which First Grade classes participate twice a month. Experienced yoga teachers lead the children in stretching exercises along with relaxation and mindfulness practices. 

Flexible Seating
CHEF funded the Flexible Seating Initiative. Why flexible seating? Children learn about the world using many senses; we often forget about the importance of touch and movement. By using kinesthetic tools such as unconventional seating, students are more focused in their learning activities.

Coding and Robotics at CET
Librarian Renoir McManus has implemented a brand new CHEF-funded program that uses technology to foster creativity and problem-solving skills even in the earliest years. In her own words: “Coding is much more than websites and software. Computational thinking teaches reasoning, creativity and expression, and is an innovative way for student to demonstrate their knowledge.” The new robotics program offers “each student an opportunity to program working robots quickly and easily. Having a coding and robotics program, especially in K and 1, is revolutionary.”

2016

Croton-Harmon High School

CHHS Theater Lighting System
CHEF funded an LED upgrade to the auditorium theater lighting system, enabling stage crew to produce visually impressive productions more safely and efficiently.

2015

Croton-Harmon High School

Environmental Science Research Scholarship Award
CHHS requested scholarship funding for innovation in environmental science research. The scholarship was available to student teams enrolled in the AP Environmental Science course in the 2014-15 school year. The mission for this scholarship was to demonstrate community support for student-centered STEAM-D research as it pertained to local and global environmental issues. The rationale for this scholarship award was to demonstrate support for innovative research and/or experimentation in which students educate themselves and others about important environmental issues impacting our community. The 2014-15 “Environmental Science Research Scholarship Award” acted as a pilot project to be evaluated and, if needed, modified so that it could become an annual scholarship award.

Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School

Window Garden Initiative
A grant for this initiative allowed students to construct and operate a hydroponic window garden. As the PVC student writes: “… The initiative breaks the cycle of chronic deficiency of interdisciplinary communication, by bringing the latest hydroponic technologies out of the lab and into the classroom. By immersing students in the concept of reality behind theory, students will not only develop critical thinking skills, but initiative to take action based on that critical thinking.” Students were taking theoretical technologies and trying to apply it to a sustainable application.

Escape Room Field Trip
This grant allowed the 8th Grade to visit the Escape The Room NYC, in addition to the Reading a Building tour at the J.P. Morgan Library. As a pertinent part of the 8th grade curriculum, Escape the Room is a program that allows you to utilize and obtain valuable skills in metacognition, perseverance, resilience to failure, teamwork, human psychology, and natural instinct. Innovation, playing a key role, as students were exposed to the use of logic and work as a team as they never have before.

PVC/Croton Free Library Mobile Research Lab
This grant funded laptops and a mobile laptop cart allowing the library to hold workshops on everything from how to use Excel to Minecraft clubs. The laptops allow access to technology for the entire community to share knowledge and act as a  “research bridge” between PVC and the CFL. Having designated computers and an intentional “research bridge” between PVC and the CFL enables students to have greater opportunity to improve their research skills and knowledge.

PVC/Croton Free Library Makerspace
This grant funded Makerspace, a place for students to create things to enhance learning, collaborative process, problem solving, and enjoyment around learning. 3D printers encourage and allow students to engineer new projects and create prototypes. This lab functions as a free place, with open access to the community, to learn and experiment with cutting edge technology. The library partners with the school district by giving presentations to teachers and students on 3D modeling and printing. Students and community members, in turn, volunteer time in the library to continue to share their technological expertise with the community at large.
 

2014

District Wide

Students Taking Charge: Creating Learner-Active, Technology-Infused Classrooms (LATIC)
CHEF funded a second year of LATIC model training. This model directly aligns with the District’s vision and mission to support students’ developing lifelong learner habits and skills, as well as developing problem solving skills and independent learner skills.

2013

District Wide

Students Taking Charge: Creating Learner-Active, Technology-Infused Classrooms

Croton-Harmon High School

Video Equipment
CHEF funded an equipment upgrade for the Theater Elective.

Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School

Catch Up Math
CHEF funded a subscription to www.catchupmath.com to support Grade 6-7 Math instruction.

Croton Arts in the Cloud
CHEF funded an initiative supporting the Art, Media and Music Departments at Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School and Croton-Harmon High School.

Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School

Clay Program
A grant provided funds to expand the clay art program.

2012

Croton-Harmon High School

American Mathematics Competition (AMC)
AMC is a nation-wide competition in high school mathematics that determines the United States team for the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). CHEF funded the ability for Croton to send 40-50 students to the competition. This enables children to apply their classroom learning into a competitive situation. And, the competition promotes enthusiasm and engagement.

Laptops for Science Labs
CHEF funded 24 laptops and 2 printers for the science labs. The laptops provide portability for experiments as well as compatibility with the existing technology in the labs – from data collection devices (Vernier probes granted last year by CHEF) to smarboards. Students were able to conduct experiments using real-world, professional data collection techniques, immediately charting and graphing the results on the laptops, and then projecting the results for all to see on smartboards.

Buzzer System for Croton Academic Challenge Team (CACTI)
CACTI students take part in regional, national and televised academic competitions which bring attention to and acclaim for Croton-Harmon High School. CHEF funded a new buzzer system which was needed to answer questions in the competition. The old buzzer system was handed down to PVC.

Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School

Laptops for STEM-D Interdisciplinary Project Stations
CHEF funded one laptop for every eighth grader to enable the teaching team to flip their classrooms and enhance students’ overall learning. Each student had an interdisciplinary project revolving around a “Big Idea” and “Essential Questions” each trimester. The students enhanced their research, communication, and problem solving skills.

Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School

Podcasting for the Fourth Grade
CHEF funded 12 handheld digital audio recorders for podcasting by the 4th grade at CET. Podcasting enables students to hone their skills in research, writing, editing, speaking and collaboration. Students learned those skills on professional level equipment, and posted their podcasts on school websites for the benefit of the whole community.

Smart Response PE Systems
CHEF funded two Smart Response Systems to use with the Smart Boards. The systems gave all students an opportunity during a lesson to participate simultaneously. The systems maximized student engagement and made learning fun.

2011

District wide

Mimio Teach System
CHEF funded a pilot of a next-generation smartboard technology at CHHS. The Mimio System provides innovations in both cost and portability and was evaluated for possible future use in all three schools.

Croton-Harmon High School

AP Comparative Government and Politics
CHEF funded textbooks for this new class, which provide an AP-level option to fulfill the 12th grade social studies requirement and is a particular interest to students who want to study political science, current events and world cultures.

Sound Upgrade to Frederick Blais Auditorium
CHEF funded an extensive sound upgrade to the Blais auditorium which includes a new microphone system, new wall and stage monitors, and new direct boxes that enable the connection of computers, keyboards, microphones, etc. The grant impacted hundreds of PVC and CHHS students who are in theater, band, chorus and orchestra, as well as the student stage crew members who were mentored and trained on the new equipment.

LED Chinese Character Practice Pads
CHEF funded electronic tablets which help students with this challenging task by providing a large bright screen for easier creation of Chinese characters as well as better viewing by teachers for assessment and differentiation of students.

BioLab Software
CHEF funded BioLab software for the CHHS Animal Physiology class to enable students to do a variety of experiments including virtual dissection of animals.

TI-Nspire Navigator Wireless Network
CHEF provided funds for a network that connected the 30 CHEF-funded TI-Nspire CAS (Computer Algebra Systems) graphing calculators and provided a more interactive and dynamic way for students to learn high-level math.

Laptops for Special Education Department
In a co-funded grant with SEPTA, CHEF provided funds for five laptops for the Special Education department at the high school to increase computer and internet access for all students.

Science Equipment for New Science Labs – CHHS – Laurel Cardellichio
The largest single grant ever awarded by CHEF (for $45,000) funded 120 science kits for the two new CHHS science labs opening in the fall of 2011. The kits provided new state-of-the-art equipment for all 4 high school lab classes –Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science and Physics.

Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School

Canoe-Building Project
CHEF funded materials and equipment for the building of six canoes by 8th grade math students. An example of STEM-D project-based learning, the students learned algebraic and geometric concepts while designing and building the canoes.

Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School

Fourth Grade Writing Day
CHEF funded a new Fourth Grade Writing Day to introduce students to a wide variety of writing genres and to help them better understand the writing process. The day included presentations by authors, as well as workshops led by community members teaching kids about a wide variety of writing genres.

New Non-fiction Library Collection – CET – Melissa Heckler
CHEF funded a non-fiction upgrade to the CET library, providing 149 new high-interest non-fiction titles to replace the current outdated collection.

2010

Croton Harmon High School

Virtual High School
Start-up funds were provided to train the teacher facilitator for the new Virtual High School program at CHHS.  Virtual high school is an exciting program that enabled qualifying students to choose from a wide range of courses not offered at CHHS.

AP World History Textbooks
Textbooks were funded to launch a brand new course at CHHS – AP World History. This course expanded the AP Humanities options at the high school, and encouraged students to study history by using the methods a historian would take to analyze events and evidence from multiple perspectives.

Math Response Boards
The math department at CHHS received support for individual response boards with built-in coordinate grids for all math classes to encourage increased student collaboration and differentiation of learning.

TI-Nspire Calculators
The CHHS Math department received 30 TI-Nspire CAS (computer Algebra System) calculators. These calculators enhance graphing capabilities and computer features, providing students with a better way to visual and perform mathematics.

Lighting Console for Frederick Blais Auditorium
CHEF funded the purchase of a new lighting console, used for all theater and music productions in the high school auditorium. The console was used for both PVC and CHHS productions as well as stage crew training in theatrical lighting.

Shakespeare Students On Stage Program
This grant to the CHHS English Department started a Shakespeare Students-on-Stage program for 9th Grade English Students. The students worked with professional actors from the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival.

Digital Photography Portfolio Program
CHEF funded new digital photography equipment to create professional quality portfolios for art students in all grades. The equipment was used by photography students to do digital studio photography.

Japanese Printmaking Workshop
Funding was provided for new Japanese Printmaking workshop for AP Art students. Croton artist Joe Mullins taught the history and technique of this 18th c. art.

Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School

Arts of Africa Program
This grant was able to bring an interdisciplinary African art, music and dance program to PVC. The students learned about African culture through clay-mask making with artist Cliff Mendelson, and drumming and dance with the Sankofo Drum and Dance Ensemble.

English Language Learner Technology
This grant to the English Language Learner program funded the purchase of two iPods and a digital camera to enhance comprehension for students learning English as a second language.

Hope Program For PVC And BOCES Students
CHEF funded interactive games used by the newly formed HOPE (Helping Our Peers Excel) program. This program was held twice weekly for BOCES students with special needs and PVC 8th graders to interact and learn from each other and was part of a student exchange program between PVC & BOCES.

Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School

Guided Reading Library
CHEF funded an extensive new Guided Reading Library, providing teachers in all grades with multiple copies of books for use in new guided reading groups in the classroom. This program helped students meet higher reading benchmarks recently set by New York State. The library was comprised of leveled books for every grade and included 1,080 fiction and 1,080 non-fiction titles – 2,160 books in total.

Technology Upgrade
CHEF funded a school wide technology upgrade with the purchase of fifteen digital camcorders, five webcams, and two microphones, used by students for everything from enhancing class projects to creating digital libraries to going on virtual field trips.

2009

District Wide

Atlas Curriculum Mapping Software
CHEF funded the purchase of Atlas Software, a web-based program designed to organize the curriculum of a school district into an electronic “map” that can be viewed by many users. This map facilitates collaboration among teachers across grades, subject areas, and schools. It also enables the sharing of curriculum strategies with administrators, the school board, parents and students.

Croton Harmon High School

Robotics Equipment
The new CHHS Robotics Club received funding for equipment that enables them to build and program large complex robots. These robots were used by the club in regional competitions, as well as for classroom projects.

Calculus & Algebra in Motion Software
CHEF funded Calculus in Motion and Algebra in Motion modeling software—used in math classes across all grades at the high school. These programs help students visualize key math concepts through the use of interactive animation tutorials.

Math Team Books & Materials
The new CHHS Math Team (Pi Sqad) received funds for books and materials to pursue advanced math topics that went beyond the scope of the classroom and prepared them for local and regional math competitions.

Global History Regents Review Books
CHEF funded the special education program at CHHS which provided new Regents review books – a less complex alternative to the existing Global History review books.

Senteo System for Special Education Program
The CHHS Special Ed program (TAP) received funds for a Senteo System, an interactive student response system that enables students to individually answer questions on a SmartBoard through the use of Senteo remote controls. This system promoted 100% class participation as well as improved classroom differentiation.

Lighting Upgrade for Frederick Blais Auditorium
The CHHS Auditorium received a lighting upgrade, including 36 theatrical lighting instruments.

Photography Program Equipment
The photography program of the CHHS Art Department received funding for additional cameras and supplies to enable more students to take advantage of the popular photography courses offered at CHHS.

Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School

Outdoor Learning Lab
CHEF funded a brand new Outdoor Learning Lab at PVC. The space was used to raise vegetables and flowers organically, and had an impact across all grades and curriculum areas – from science and health, to math and social studies.

Ecologist in Residence
The PVC 5th grade team was granted funding for a visiting ecologist, George Steele, as well as science supplies including microscopes and salinity and pH kits. Mr. Steele served as PVC’s “ecologist in residence” and taught scientific observation, testing, and record keeping as part of a new unit of study, “Human Impact on Water.”

Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School

EarthHeart Organic Garden
A grant was provided to build a sustainable organic garden that was primarily planned and maintained by the children. The third grade spearheaded this project which tied directly into their science curriculum on the life cycle of a plant.

Stand Up for Learning Project
The 4th grade at CET participated in a nationwide action research project called “Stand Up for Learning” which encouraged schools to create more flexible classroom environments and support different ways of learning. CHEF funded 24 stand-up desks and adjustable stools (4 per classroom), which allowed kids to stand and move while they learned. 

Math and Spelling Tools
The 3rd grade team received funds for an array of math games and manipulatives to assist students in developing critical thinking and strategy skills in math. The grant also funded a 3rd grade program with a new approach to spelling lessons using Didj handheld devices.

2000-08

District Wide

• Strings Program Startup Funds
• SmartBoards and Laptop Computers
• Extensive Book Purchases for CET, PVC, and CHHS Libraries
• Training for Administrators at Harvard Institute for School Leadership
• Administrators’ Trip to China for Startup of Mandarin Program
• Columbia Teachers College Reading and Writing Project Startup Funds

Croton Harmon High School

• Telescope Equipment for Earth Science Curriculum
• Digital Storytelling Technology for English Curriculum
• Foreign Language Podcasting Equipment
• Croton Academic Challenge Team National Championship Expenses
• Art Supplies for Art Club Schoolwide Beautification Project
• Ipod Nanos for Special Education Reading Program
• Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival Acting Class
• Darkroom Startup Funds
• Digital Piano for Choral and Video Production Programs
• Robotics Club Software and Graphing Calculators
• Foreign Language and Literary Criticism Library Additions
• Computer and Technology Equipment for Science and Math Programs
• New Sound System for Frederick Blais Auditorium
• Upstander Day sponsored by the Human Rights Task Force
• CHHS Arts Day

Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School

• XO Laptop Initiative for 5th Grade (co-funded with the PVC PTA)
• Video Cameras and Adobe Software for Math/Science Classes
• Music Composition Technology—Imacs, Keyboards and Speakers
• Garden Project for 7th Grade Living Environment Classes
• SmartBrain Software for ADHD Students (co-funded with SEPTA)
• Math Software for Customized Learning in 6th and 7th Grades
• Video-Conferencing Equipment for Science and Foreign Language Dept.
• Guitars for Schoolwide Music Curriculum
• Fifth Grade Library Expansion (Fiction and Non-Fiction)
• Chekov Theatre Ensemble/Stages of Learning Programs
• Creative Writing After-School Program Supplies
• Aquatic and Terrestrial Habitats for Ecology Curriculum
• Weather Station Training and Equipment
• Club Getaway Outdoor Learning and Team-Building Program
• Etching Press for Art Classes

Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School

• Upgraded Sound System for CET Multipurpose Room
• Artist in Residence Program for 3rd and 4th Grades
• Schoolwide Hudson River Program (in conjunction with Clearwater)
• Ipod Lab and Computer Hub for CET Library
• Wireless Laptop Cart with 16 Computers for Schoolwide Use
• Rain Forest Biomes for 3rd Grade Study of Rainforests
• Outdoor Project Adventure Course (Michael Columbini Memorial)
• Enhanced Lighting System for CET Multipurpose Room Stage
• New Leveled Collection of Books (Grades K-4) for CET Library
• Hot Air Balloon for 2nd Grade Unit on Flight
• Blocks Program for 1st Grade
• SmartBoards and Elmo Projectors Schoolwide
• English Language Learner Technology for ESOL Program
• Occupational Therapy Equipment
• Math Manipulatives and Tools for 1st Grade