Ed. Foundation preparing for upcoming fundraisers
Over $120,000 in last 11 years provided to support classroom programs
BY JENNIFER AMATO Staff Writer

Stability balls are used in a special education classroom to build strength, flexibility and balance. SMART Board technology is utilized to allow for interactive features instead of just writing with chalk on a blackboard. Dance Dance Revolution helps combine a video game with physical education classes.

The North Brunswick Educational Foundation provides professional grant assistance in the five primary fields of technology and learning, scholastic enhancement, arts and education, professional development and cultural enrichment to support programs, which, such as the ones listed above, enhance educational opportunities for students but that are not supported by the yearly school district budget.

The current trustees review applications that are submitted by teachers, which include a requested stipend amount, and the superintendent makes sure the suggested projects conform to the curriculum.

Lori Kaye, who is the chairwoman for the foundation, said that the group's 19 volunteer members work hard to fund-raise for their two grant cycles per year because "times are tough. The budget is incredibly, incredibly tight. This is an opportunity for us to support educational goals in town. It's a wonderful thing we can do. The fact that the public comes out and supports our [mission] is another leg of the process."

In April, the foundation's annual Casino Night will be held at Pierre's in South Brunswick. The event is open to the public and in recent years has doubled in size, with over 120 people coming out for table games, a basket auction and prizes.

There is also a holiday mixer each fall when teachers and members network, along with recognizing all of the district's Teacher of the Year and grant recipients.

"I have a lot of respect for people who raise money in their own busy lives for the enhancement of the educational experience. I have a lot of gratitude," Superintendent of Schools Brian Zychowski said.

The Educational Foundation also began a program last year to provide each school's parent-teacher-student organization with a $500 grant for specialized programs, such as an assembly or a special project.

In addition, the foundation hosts occasional school programs, such as a GameFest at Linwood Middle School this month, and a paver program at the North Brunswick Township High School to commemorate specific residents' names in stone.

"How grateful I am to have a group of volunteers work for the sole purpose … of increasing educational opportunities for our students and our staff. I am indebted to the foundation for their hard work," Zychowski said.

The Educational Foundation was initially founded in 1996 after a Board of Education member visited a convention in Atlantic City and decided North Brunswick needed a way to sponsor programs not funded by the school district.

The foundation has already given out about $120,000 in grant money to teachers in over 11 years in order to facilitate student development, create community-school partnerships, provide facilities and equipment, supplement educational activities, provide venture capital, increase community awareness, enrich programs, continue alumni relations and act as a vehicle to share resources within the community at large.

The North Brunswick committee has also partnered with the New Jersey Education Foundation Partnership to network with other foundations throughout the state.

Donations can be sent to the North Brunswick Educational Foundation, in care of The North Brunswick Board of Education, P.O. Box 6016, North Brunswick 08902. Visit www.nbtschools.org/edfoundation. htm for more information.

Contact Jennifer Amato at

jamato@gmnews.com.