Education foundation awards $39,765 in spring grants to Lawrence Township teachers

The Lawrence Township Education Foundation presented 27 spring grants totaling about $39,765 to teachers and programs across the district, funding classroom materials, assemblies and student-activity supports at elementary, middle and high school levels.

Bonnie Gigglio, executive director of the foundation, told the board the awards included Wonder Books and reading-club supports at Ben Franklin Elementary, an outdoor-sensory area grant, a playhouse for Lawrence Elementary, an Afro-Brazilian music, dance and martial-arts assembly, and multiple grants to support language development, maker carts, interactive projectors and STEM starter kits at the intermediate and middle schools.

At Lawrence High School, grants include portable performance lighting for community venues, an impaired-driving simulation kit for driver education, and equipment to support DECA and career-academy projects. Gigglio said some grants were funded in part by community donations and that funded projects aim to seed teacher innovation and increase equitable access to resources.

Board members and district staff recognized advisers and administrators who support DECA and other programs; the superintendent said the grants and student performances reflect strong community and staff engagement. LTEF representatives invited teachers who received grants to pose for a photo with the board following the presentation.

The foundation said it funded 27 grants this cycle and that a maker-day event is planned for the district next month; grant totals and awardees will be posted with district materials.