With the support of the Royal Educational Foundation of Port Jefferson,
students and staff throughout the district have access to a number of
new educational resources.
Helping to build connections between the science curriculum and the
outside world, the district has created a raised garden bed for students
in grades 3-5 with the funds provided by the Foundation. This space,
which is being used by life skills classes and the Edna Louise Spear
Elementary School’s Garden Club, is allowing students to experience
firsthand the lessons learned in the classroom – particular those on the
life cycles of plants – and the opportunity to sample an array of
locally grown produce.
One activity that is promoting teamwork, encouraging new friendships and
has been met with enthusiasm during recess at the elementary school is
the GaGa Ball Pit, which was constructed thanks to the support of the
Foundation. Similar to dodgeball, the fast-paced game provides students
with a safe and supportive environment.
“I have seen how inclusive and fun this game is for all students,” said
Amy McClelland, speech and language teacher at Edna Louise Spear
Elementary School. “It gives the non-traditional athlete an equal chance
of winning, does wonders for students’ self-esteem and many children
who were at first reluctant to try it have become the most eager
players.”
In addition to these donations, the Foundation has historically
supported a number of programs designed to enrich the educational
experience of all students. These included helping to facilitate “food
for thought” lessons which foster a sense of security by sharing meals
and helping sixth- through eighth-grade students develop into healthy
adults; a Google Expeditions grant which is used in Spanish and Foreign
Language sixth-grade classes where students can take virtual field trips
using Google cardboard viewers; and making fifth grade curriculum
instructional videos available 24 hours per day, especially important
when a student is absent from school. As part of their goal to encourage
excellence through creative learning, grants were also awarded for a
Chess Club grant to purchase chess sets and a chess clock for students
in the middle school.
The Foundation has awarded more than $10,000 in grants since the 2016-17 school year.