hillsborough schools foundation

We've Moved From Blackboards to SMARTBoards

It's a new world! Touch it! Move it! Learn from it!

SMARTBoards have been an amazing addition to the educational tools in our classrooms. SMART technology brings the internet into the classroom and seamlessly integrates it with the instructional program. This technology allows for interactive learning as it evaluates and synthesizes information and shares it with the class. It turns a classroom computer into a powerful tool for instruction and presentations. HSF is grateful that the dollars we have raised are contributing to this amazing 21st century innovation.

 

The Foreign Language Program

Nine years ago, funds from HSF helped inaugurate a Spanish Foreign Language Program. For the first time all students in all grades were able to study a foreign language. Today, 4th and 5th grade students attend language classes three times per week, gaining basic foreign language skills. K-3 students meet twice a week with an emphasis on speaking a new language. The remarkable results of this program in the elementary grades are further developed in the foreign language program at Crocker School.

Last year, for the first time, the Foreign Language Program was enhanced by two teachers from Spain who shared their native language skills with us. This unique program has been made possible in part by a grant from the Spanish government which, this year, partially funded an additional teacher for our schools. We are happy to have all three teachers supply their exciting ideas, language skills and cultural enrichment to our school curriculum. Their presence surely expands our students' horizons and broadens their exposure to the world.

 

The Reading and Literacy Grant

Now in its twelfth year, the Reading and Literacy Grant supplements funding for the K-3 grades by providing more individualized instruction for the beginning reader. The grant funds full and part time reading specialists at all three elementary schools. The reading specialists work with classroom teachers and primary grade students to reinforce the skills necessary for reading success. Primary teachers are trained in all aspects of reading skills and developmental literacy which in turn addresses both the developmental needs of the children and the instructional needs of the classroom teachers.

 

HSF Supports Crocker Geometry

Now beginning its 7th year, a High School level honors class in geometry is being taught at Crocker School.  Graduates of this class are prepared to enter their new High Schools in the higher level math classes.

This past year, competing with High School sophomores in honor classes across the state, 94% of Crocker geometry students scored at the advanced level or very proficient level on state standard testing.  The Crocker Geometry program has currently been expanded to accommodate more students.  HSF is proud to be supporting this exciting program.

 

The Shelly Benveniste Leadership Grant

Crocker Connection Forum Grades 6, 7, 8

This unique grant was established in memory of Crocker student Shelly Benveniste, and is the District's only ongoing mini-grant. Funded through special donations, this very successful grant helps students develop strategies to make safe and healthy choices in their lives. Crocker Connections Forum encourages small group discussions with high school peer mentors and a variety of community leaders.

 

The Science and Technology Maxi-Grant Program

The HSF Maxi-Grant Program was established in 1992 and has taken a permanent place in the diverse array of grants available to our schools. This annual grant enables the district to purchase equipment for use in science and technology. HSF is funding this exciting grant with a $45,000 allocation for the 2007-2008 year.

This year the Maxi-Grant will be funding technology at all four schools. There will be a $20,000 grant to Crocker School to continue and enrich its successful HTV programming. The remaining funds will be divided equally between South, North and West Schools for their technology programs.

 

HTV Continues to Grow!
HTV, Hillsborough's local television channel, is funded in part by the Science and Technology Maxi-Grant. Currently operating for 21 hours each day, HTV is filmed, produced and edited by Crocker students. Students apply both artistic and language arts skills to productions on this television station. We are proud that HTV received the 2005 Kent Award for Excellence and Innovation and congratulate HTV for its 10th year of production in the spring of 2007.

The Professional Development Grant

Over the past six years, HSF has helped fund a Professional Development Grant for Hillsborough teachers through interest earned on the HSF Endowment Fund. This past summer, the grant helped support 40 different learning opportunities for over 90 teachers and administrators. They attended classes at Harvard, Stanford, and the Smithsonian Institutes and went as far away as Spain and China. These studies supplement traditional enrichment workshops offered to our teachers by the district. Funds for teacher development make up 1% of the district budget. The district believes the benefit to our teachers, and ultimately our students, is well worth this investment of money and time.

Teacher response to these courses is overwhelmingly positive. They feel energized by what they learn and are anxious to apply their new knowledge in their classrooms.

Sandy Schmella, Reading Specialist at South School, attended Project Zero at Harvard this past summer and focused on mini courses in art as it connects to thinking skills, questioning techniques and building comprehension skills. She believes this approach will help her students get involved at deeper levels while benefiting from the excitement of a new and interesting way of learning: "Although teachers chose different courses to attend at Harvard, we all came together each night to share the excitement of what we had learned. We will bring this enthusiasm and knowledge back to our schools this year, sharing it with our students and other teachers. It was an amazing experience.