The Hopkinton Education Foundation (HEF) held an awards ceremony on June 7th to honor teachers and principals receiving educational grants for next school year. The HEF funds innovative learning and teaching methods in the classroom that cannot be covered within the constraints of the budget.
Since its inception 20 years ago, the HEF has raised just under a million dollars in grant money for the schools. This year, the HEF awarded 10 grants, with at least one for each school, for a total of $45,000. The HEF received 23 grant applications this year. Grants are awarded based upon a number of factors including creativity, sustainability, how many students will it impact, and if it meets the educational goals of the district. Some of the grants include iPad Nanos at Center School and iMovie and Garage Band software at both Hopkins and the Middle School. The High School received two special grants: the EMC Grant for Mathematics and Science, which is given to the most innovative math or science application received that year. The grant will fund a virtual breadboard which will help students explore circuit design. The High School also received the Stephen Grey Innovation Grant, which is awarded to the most overall innovative application. The grant will fund Pro Tools 10 music software to allow students to produce professional sounding recordings.
Although he is not retuning next fall, Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Landman is impressed with the impact many of these grants will have in the years in come.
Ultimately, Collins hopes that the teachers feel that their students benefit in ways from the grants that were not initially thought of.
Collins hopes that more Hopkinton residents will get involved with the HEF. The organization is currently in need of more volunteers, and are looking for people with a variety of skill sets including photography, event planning, and press release writing.
To see highlights from the Awards Luncheon, watch the HCAM News video below.
