| Mountainside Education Foundation |
Who is the Mountainside Education Foundation (MEF)?The Mountainside Education Foundation is comprised of a group of local residents and several organizations. The MEF is an incorporated, nonprofit, tax-exempt organization that funds grants that enhance the academic development of our students. As the MEF celebrates its tenth anniversary, it continues to operate as an independent entity led by a volunteer Board with the support of parents/guardians, the community, and district staff members.Why is a Foundation needed?Reductions in federal and state aid coupled with local budget cuts directly impact spending in our schools. Funds are needed to help our school district remain highly competitive by offering our children additional enrichment opportunities. What is our mission?In partnership with the Mountainside community, the MEF introduces innovative programs that motivate, inspire, and educate students in the areas of technology, arts and culture, life skills, and general academic enrichment. What type of projects will be funded?The MEF seeks to fund projects that support the enrichment of the current curricula. Innovative academic or extracurricular programs involve the community and often engage outside experts who will enhance such projects both during class and in after-school clubs. Blankets for Babies - This program was designed to teach students about service learning and citizenship. Colonial America Day - This program was designed to provide resources to recreate the environment of a typical colonial setting. Dancin' with the Honeybees - This hands-on assembly was designed to teach the importance of bees and their place in the ecosystem. Jump Rope for Heart - This program was designed to support activities that teach students about heart health. Raz-Kids - This program was designed to provide an online interactive leveled book library. Rutgers Science Explorer Bus - This program included a 40-foot mobile laboratory that brought hands-on interactive laboratory exercises to students. Star Lab Planetarium - This program was designed to provide students with the experience of stepping inside a mini-planetarium. Who can apply for grants?Any member of the Mountainside community with an idea whose purpose is to enrich the learning experience of our students can apply. This includes members of the administrative team, teachers, parents, students, and community members. How are grants awarded?The grant application can be downloaded . Grant applications are also available in the MEF mailboxes at Beechwood and Deerfield. Proposals are reviewed by the Chief School Administrator prior to being forwarded to the MEF Grant Review Committee and prior to being approved by the MEF Board of Trustees. How can I help?The MEF seeks your support through attendance at our fundraisers, participation in our teacher/support staff member appreciation program , or individual and/or corporate tax-deductible donations. The MEF qualifies for certain matching grants programs offered by many corporations. The MEF has 11 community Board members and 2 teacher liaisons. We rely on volunteer support in order to achieve our goals. To receive information about school year events or to volunteer, please contact one of our Board members or send a note to one of the MEF mailboxes. Board of Trustees
Grant Review CommitteeDeanna Andre, Michael Banick, Marsha Dinorscio, Laurie Kaplan, Kirsten Post, and Sue TracyContact InformationThere are MEF mailboxes at both Beechwood and Deerfield.MEFP.O. Box 1203Mountainside, NJ 07092 |
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