BMEF Enhances Classroom Learning with 2012-13 Grants

The Briarcliff Manor Education Foundation (BMEF) has done it again.

From hydroponic window farms to french horns to microscopes—more than $30,000 in grants have been approved by the non-profit organization for 2012-13.

Teachers in the are invited to apply for BMEF grants each year to fund activities, equipment and programs not supported by the annual budget.

, students were able to enjoy a trip to see A Christmas Carol, take part in Singapore math lessons and bring irrigation to the Academia outdoor classroom.

The BMEF also kicked off its series of "Grants in Action" nights, which featured used by students and in the middle school.

On Tuesday, May 8, students will show off digital microscopes and thermometers with the final Grants in Action night.

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Here's a list of the 2012-13 grants from the Briarcliff Manor Education Foundation:

Freedom from Chemical Dependency ($1,000) — In partnership with the Briarcliff Manor Community Coalition, Briarcliff PTA and school district to bring this program to eighth grade students, their parents and all district parents. FCD educator works with students to provide knowledge, understanding and skills to help them make healthy, informed choices about drugs and alcohol

Five french horns ($11,600) — Instruments needed to increase student participation in under-represented instrument group. Contributes to a full complement of instruments in the concert band setting as well as the potential to have a symphonic orchestra. For all three schools in district.

Hydroponic window farms ($1,275) — Bring garden inside for AP Environmental students in the high school and for 6th grade students in the middle school. Addresses issues such as gardening in limited space, using hydroponic systems to provide food free of pesticides, finding new ways to grow food during the off season to deal with overpopulation and utilizing products that are grown locally.

Five wireless microphones and transmitters ($1,995) — Equipment will be used to provide adequate amplification of speakers/performers during presentations, plays, etc. It will not be possible for an ensemble or cast of characters to be heard in any space.

Portable LCD-TV ($1,144) — Video is an integral part of learning. This grant provides an up-to-date, secure, transportable TV to be used by all teachers and available through the Todd Library Media Center.

Three Smart Document Cameras ($2,097) — Equipment provides the opportunity for teachers to take pictures of documents and project them onto the Smart Board, enabling for all students to see more easily and in more detail.

Sign Language Program ($1,900) — Funding for a sign language teaching consultant to provide sign language instruction and activities.

Monitor of MS lobby display ($2,037) — Purchase of monitor and hardware to display messages to students as they enter the building including upcoming events, current day schedule and school-related photos.

Outdoor table to be used for Plein air painting ($948) — Provides for purchase of an outdoor table to be used when high school students are outside sketching and painting.

Greening of small plot ($350) Provides for purchase of greenery to add elements to plein air painting area in the high school.

Comparison microscopes for forensic science and biology ($3,700) — Purchase of two comparison microscopes that allow placement of crime scene and reference samples side by side for direct microscopic comparison. In biology, allows simultaneous view of similar cells or organism subject to different environmental conditions.

Out-of-cycle grants (for use in the 2012 school year): Gizmos Subscription for interactive software program to enhance science and math curriculum ($1,500) and Freedom from Chemical Dependency ($1000)

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