SERF grants more than $26,000 to k-12 classrooms

The Sudbury Education Resource Fund (SERF) Board of Directors recently voted to approve over $26,500 in grant funds for innovative projects in the Sudbury Public Schools and Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School.

SERF voted to donate over $6,000 to all four elementary schools for resources that will enable the schools to meet and exceed the new common core non-fiction standards.  The resources will be used across grade levels to provide developmentally appropriate lessons for readers as they read and write non-fiction.

SERF also approved over $1,400 to all four elementary schools for materials to integrate the Conversation Solfege method of teaching into every K-5 music class in the district.  This compelling teaching method focuses on building music literacy with great literature and an “eye-before-ear” philosophy.

At the Haynes Elementary School, SERF voted to fund $1,700 for a school-wide project that will provide students the opportunity to observe, recognize and practice literacy skills needed to achieve competence and success in the professional world.  SERF will also provide $750 for a leveled collection of biographies for the third grade’s “Living History Museum,” as well as $1,500 for digital audio books for the Haynes library.

At the Loring Elementary School, SERF voted to fund $1,625 for the first e-book library in SPS, and $1,500 for iPads and specialized apps for use by special education students in the learning center.

At Lincoln-Sudbury, SERF voted to fund new technology, including over $3,000 for technology to enhance interactive language activities, and $5,800 for an ActiveBoard, an LCD projector and related resources for a science classroom.  SERF also funded significant resources for the language department, including participation of two teachers at the American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Language conference, and a video collection of international films.  Finally, SERF provided $950 in grant funds for technology that will enable the creation of video podcasts by students in AP Physics and other science courses.

SERF relies on contributions from parents and the community at large to fund critical needs in the K-12 classrooms.  To donate in honor of a teacher by funding a SERF “ACE” Award or to contribute to SERF’s Annual Appeal, visit www.serfsudbury.org.