The Hopkinton Education Foundation (HEF) held an awards ceremony June 18th 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 in 1992, the HEF has raised one million dollars in grant money for the schools. To recognize this milestone, the HEF awarded a giant million dollar check to Superintendent Dr. Steven Hiersche. This year, the HEF awarded 6 grants totaling over $77,000. 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 a pilot one to one laptop program at Hopkins School and a LEGO robotics program that will teach Elmwood students about the design process and problem solving skills.
Earlier in May, the HEF awarded the two largest grants it has ever given out during a surprise visit to those receiving the grants. Middle School principal Alan Keller received an over $37,000 grant for a program to teach students about careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. And High School teachers Marilyn Miracle and Colleen Worrell were awarded over $26,000 in grant money for a digital language lab. For more information about the HEF, including how to volunteer or donate money, visit their website at hopkintoneducationfoundation.org.
