We’d like to let you know of the many wonderful projects that have benefitted Nixon’s students as a result of SERF grants received last year. Here’s a sampling:

• Some teachers received flip cameras and training on how to use video with their ActiveBoards.

• Parent workshops were held on a variety of mental health issues, including grief, divorce, stress, anxiety, and positive emotional and social skills.

• Each first grade class received books to enhance their lending libraries for home reading.

• Second through fifth grade classrooms piloted the use of ALEKS software to practice math facts at home.

• An interdisciplinary social studies/reading unit on Immigration in America was begun in the fourth grade, spearheaded by Jeff Kotkin.

• Our school received a Reading Intervention kit designed to support students who find reading and writing difficult.

• Our reading specialist Kathy Zito attended the Literacy for All Conference, bringing best practices in literacy back to teachers at Nixon.

• Kindergarten classes received "Big Books" related to key mathematical concepts.

• Each first and third grade class received a Box of Facts to support the learning of math facts.

• A resource library of math enrichment games was initiated by Jennifer Faber to support differentiated math instruction for all students.

We are grateful to SERF for continuing to support innovation and excellence at Nixon.