2024-2025 Grant Deadline Dates:
Fall Grants - October 25, 2024 (grants < $3,000)
Winter Grants - January 31, 2025 (grants < $3,000)
Spring/Special Projects Grants - April 25, 2025 (grants of all sizes)
Fall Grants - October 25, 2024 (grants < $3,000)
Winter Grants - January 31, 2025 (grants < $3,000)
Spring/Special Projects Grants - April 25, 2025 (grants of all sizes)
2022-2023 School Year:
Dickerson Elementary:
Black River Middle School:
District Wide Grant:
2021-2022 School Year:
District Wide Grant:
Dickerson Elementary:
Bragg Intermediate:
Black River Middle School:
2020-2021 School Year:
District Wide Grant:
Dickerson Elementary:
Bragg Intermediate:
Black River Middle School:
2019-2020 School Year:
Dickerson Elementary:
Bragg Intermediate:
Black River Middle School:
2018-2019 School Year:
Dickerson Elementary:
Black River Middle School:
2017-2018 School Year:
Dickerson Elementary:
Bragg Intermediate:
Black River Middle School:
2016-2017 School Year:
Dickerson Elementary:
Bragg Intermediate:
Black River Middle School:
2015-2016 School Year:
Dickerson Elementary:
Black River Middle School:
2014-2015 School Year:
Dickerson Elementary:
Bragg Intermediate:
2013-2014 School Year:
Bragg Intermediate:
Black River Middle School:
2012-2013 School Year:
Dickerson Elementary:
2011-2012 School Year:
Dickerson Elementary:
2010-2011 School Year:
Bragg Intermediate:
Dickerson Elementary:
- Gordon Reading Under the Stars - awarded to Dani Miller
- Expanding STEM in pre-school - awarded to Liz Madinabeitia
Black River Middle School:
- Labdiscs for science classes (partial) - awarded to Michael Stagg and Michael Dougherty
- Author Mr. Stephen Kozan will spend a one-week residency with the 7th Grade ILA classes teaching "flash fiction." - awarded to Joe Pizzo
- Meteorology assembly program with John Marshall to teach students about weather elements - awarded to Michael Stagg
District Wide Grant:
- Sponsoring exhibits at the Chester Science Fair. This district wide event allows students to apply their science, math and communication skills at work in an advanced forum where they can investigate a subject of their choice in detail.
- Members of the Ed Foundation participated as judges in the Chester annual science fair
2021-2022 School Year:
District Wide Grant:
- Gordon Korman author visit. Korman writes realistic fiction. During his assemblies, all students in grades 3-8 learned about writing techniques, where to get ideas, how to develop characters, how to write dialogue and the revision process. All of these skills can be incorporated into the students’ writing moving forward. ~ awarded to media specialists Sue Connelly and Janet Aaronson
Dickerson Elementary:
- Cosmic Kids Yoga App to promote social and emotional learning as well as mindfulness and meditation. -awarded to Mary Diviney
- Story Forest Walk, which arranges deconstructed books on pedestals on a nature path through the pine trees along the side of Dickerson. Each month a new book will be deconstructed and on display, and Principal Fair has invited all Chester families to come and enjoy! -award to Nicole Healy, Dickerson School Reading Specialist, and Principal Fair
- Outdoor Communication Board to open up a communication pathway for our students who are nonverbal. The communication board allows students to point to pictures on the display to express their thoughts and feelings. -award to Jennifer Christal
- Reach for the Stars Preschool Program-Garden of Marigolds. -award to Jennifer Christal
- Crazy 8s Math Club
Bragg Intermediate:
- Three C-Pen Reader Pens that provide struggling readers the ability to read, comprehend, and learn independently. -awarded to Melissa Bene
- A Digital Die Cut Machine (Cricut) and accessories to create materials for classrooms and students in Bragg School. -awarded to Robin Kaufer
- Super Scientist Club
Black River Middle School:
- A Scrabble Wall to help students manipulate words to expand their vocabulary. -awarded to Millicent Roskie
- Model UN Club
2020-2021 School Year:
District Wide Grant:
- Document cameras to assist in the classroom and for full remote learning. - awarded to Michael Dougherty.
- Gordon Korman writes realistic fiction. During his assemblies, all students in grades 3-8 learned about writing techniques, where to get ideas, how to develop characters, how to write dialogue and the revision process. All of these skills can be incorporated into the students’ writing moving forward.
Dickerson Elementary:
- Headphones to aid students with reading skills. - awarded to Samantha Westburg
- Fitness activity stencils to create areas for movement breaks during the day. -awarded to Melissa Tuleya
- Storywalk displays and books to create an outdoor path students can walk around enjoying children's literature. -awarded to Nicole Healy
Bragg Intermediate:
- A trumpet to benefit the daily functioning of the band program. - awarded to Christopher Jala
- Yoga mats and blocks for a class and guest class to practice yoga at school. - awarded to Dana Milatante
- Kids Kindles for 1 class to promote reading through technology. - awarded to Millicent Roskie
- Teachers received teacher handbooks, mentor texts and professional development to support the implementation of writing conferences.-awarded to Danielle Meekings and Erica David.
Black River Middle School:
- Shady chairs will help students work outside comfortably and keep safe. - awarded to Jennifer Yeager
- High quality professional lights for the music and drama department productions. -awarded to Kenneth Piascik and Doreen Aiello
- A french horn to benefit the daily functioning of the band program. -awarded to Kenneth Piascik
2019-2020 School Year:
Dickerson Elementary:
- STEM Kinetics Club was funded
Bragg Intermediate:
- Chess Club was funded.
- The new baritone horns will not only provide students with an opportunity to play a new instrument, they will also improve the overall sound of the Bragg School Band. - awarded to Christopher Jala.
- The french horn will provide a great challenge to students and give them an opportunity to study an instrument that is very unique and an important part of the band. - awarded to Christopher Jala.
- A presentation bringing alive a book based on a story to fight hate and prejudice. - awarded to Danielle Meekings
Black River Middle School:
- Science League was funded.
- Author visit by, Shari Sampson, whose an author and screenwriter for Disney. Shari will meet with all 7th and 8th graders in an assembly about "The Art & Fun of Storytelling". She will then do a 3 day residency with all 6th graders on narrative writing. - awarded to Tarya Mansalino, Gina Lorusso and Laura Garrison
- Students will use Adobe Photoshop to help them become graphics designers where they can create visual concepts, using computer software to communicate ideas that inspire, inform and captivate consumers. They will be able to develop layouts and productions such as advertisements and brochures. - awarded to Laura Garrison
- Students will experience Shakespeare Live and see scenes from A Midsummer Night's Dream & Julius Caesar. The drama club will also have a workshop that will target stage techniques, shakespearean speech and diction and character analysis. - awarded to Doreen Aiello & Joseph Pizzo
- A video was awarded to record speakers for the Inspirational Cafe. These speakers discuss their personal story of grit and perseverance. - awarded to Kenneth Piascik
- Sponsoring exhibits at the Chester Science Fair. This district wide event allows students to apply their science, math and communication skills at work in an advanced forum where they can investigate a subject of their choice in detail. - awarded to Michael Stagg
2018-2019 School Year:
Dickerson Elementary:
- STEM Kinetics Club was funded.
- Giant-sized mats and manipulative will be used to learn math. These fun and engaging interactive games will allow participants to demonstrate grade specific math skills while using visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning modalities. - awarded to Cassie Bruno & Erin Beil
- Chess Club was funded
- Students will be able to use the in-ear wireless monitoring system for the Electronic Music Ensemble. This ensemble exposes the students involved as well as the audience to genre of music that combines pop, classical, and electronic music as well as looping artists. - awarded to Albert Cerulo
- Students will use Generation Genius, a streaming video service, that will bring science topics to life through fun, funny, entertaining and educational videos. These videos will engage, educate and inspire students in science. - awarded to Allie Johnson
Black River Middle School:
- Model United Nations Club was funded.
- Meteorology assembly program with John Marshall to teach students about weather elements. -awarded to Michael Stagg
- Sponsoring exhibits at the Chester Science Fair. This district wide event allows students to apply their science, math and communication skills at work in an advanced forum where they can investigate a subject of their choice in detail. - awarded to Michael Stagg
- Students will have access to the library online catalog through dedicated iPad mounted on kiosks which will provide one-touch access. - awarded to Janet Aaronson
- A Spanish novel "Entre Dos Mundo" written by a current student. This novel will allow students to expand their Spanish read comprehension and vocabulary. - awarded to Kathleen Werner
- Seventh graders will visit the Jewish Heritage Museum in NYC to experience a personal introduction to the study of Holocaust and Genocide as well as a promotion of Social Emotional Learning. - awarded to Meryl Ironson and Doreen Aiello
- The use of counseling tools to help students develop open relationships with their counselors and share what their needs may be. These tools will also further develop the students' social-emotional knowledge and understanding of themselves and others. - awarded to Michelle Elberty and Amal Azzara
- New timpani covers and drum rug will be used to help protect our investments of expensive instruments. - awarded to Dr Kenneth Piascik.
- Novel Project Moirai - Is It Fate? written by a current BRMS student will be used for supplemental reading, mentor text examples and literary circle selected reading. - awarded to Joseph Pizzo
2017-2018 School Year:
Dickerson Elementary:
- A realistic fiction author visit by Sarah Weeks. -awarded to Susan Connelly.
- Using yoga to create mindfulness and a positive classroom learning environment. -award to Katherine Cianci
Bragg Intermediate:
- 5th Grade Select Chorus will participate in the NJSMA Choral Celebration. -awarded to Robert Gruver
- Students in the Environmental Club will be growing vegetable and herbs in a hydroponic tower and then teaching their peers the benefits of farming with no soil. - awarded to Melissa Bene and Lisa Pennella
- Google Expedition will be coming to our schools for our 2nd - 8th graders. Students will be able to experience and explore the world through virtual reality to help enhance their knowledge.- awarded to Michele Stanton and the Technology Coaches
- Third graders will be learning about World War II and the Holocaust through "Conversations with Anne Frank" assembly. The goal in teaching the students about World War II and the Holocaust is to help them develop a positive self image, behave as responsible individuals, and accept differences.- awarded to Danielle Meekings
- Gaga Pits for Bragg School playground. Having the Gaga Pits will enhance the curriculum by giving the school another avenue/activity to teach/refine teamwork, sportsmanship, self-confidence, trust, acceptance, and physical activity.- awarded to Russell Schilp
Black River Middle School:
- Author Mr. Stephen Kozan will spend a one-week residency with the 7th Grade ILA classes teaching "flash fiction." - awarded to Joseph Pizzo
- Grammar software No Red Ink will be piloted to all the student in the middle school. Students will strengthen their grammar skills to help become better writers. - awarded to Gina Lorusso, Doreen Aiello and Joseph Pizzo
- Sponsoring exhibits at the Chester Science Fair. This district wide event allows students to apply their science, math and communication skills at work in an advanced forum where they can investigate a subject of their choice in detail. - awarded to Michael Stagg
- Visit by Franny Briggs who is conducting her fellowship at the Kopila Valley School, which is an outgrowth of the non-profit organization Blink Now. She will bring first hand experience about living and working at the school in Nepal. - awarded to Janet Aaronson.
- The band has been granted a new Tuba and Piccolo for the music program. The instruments will provide a balance to the music program since these instruments are two extremes. High and Low!- awarded to Dr. Kenneth Piascik
2016-2017 School Year:
Dickerson Elementary:
- Hands-on Coding with Code-a-Pillars to teach students to code at a young age. -awarded to Francesca Ragonese
- "GIZMOS" simulation programs to bring key concepts of Math, Science, and STEM to life at both Bragg & Dickerson Schools. -awarded to Cynthia Thieringer
- STEM Kinetics Club was funded.
- Chess Club was funded.
Bragg Intermediate:
- Mad Science Workshops for third grade students to explore the concepts of Fundamental Forces. -awarded to Barbara Herzner
- "GIZMOS" simulation programs to bring key concepts of Math, Science, and STEM to life at both Bragg & Dickerson Schools. -awarded to Cynthia Thieringer
- Alternative seating pilot to enhance learning in two 3rd grade classrooms. -awarded to Stacey Thompson and Allie Golden
Black River Middle School:
- Meteorology assembly program with John Marshall to teach students about weather elements. -awarded to Michael Stagg
- "Ball in the House" music assembly for students to learn about a cappella singing. - awarded to Kathleen Vespignani
- "In the Middle of a Poetry Slam" assembly to help enhance the appreciation of poetry for students. The Mayhem Poets will reinforce the poetic devices and elements of poetry. -awarded to Joseph Pizzo
- STEM Club was funded.
- UMatter Ambassadors Club was funded.
2015-2016 School Year:
Dickerson Elementary:
- A National Circus Project assembly in the Winter of 2017 to teach students circus skills to help with their coordination, visual tracking, and balance. -awarded to Erin Kurdyla
- Author visit with Bruce Coville in April 2016 to introduce the 3-5 grade students to a science fiction author. -awarded to Susan Connelly
- A writing workshop with well-known and distinguished non-fiction author, Wendy Pfeffer, for the 5th graders. Goal is to have the 5th grade students writing beautiful narrative non-fiction. -awarded to Susan Connelly
- Noteflight Music Writing Program to help all Bragg students create, notate and share musical compositions. -awarded to Robert Gruver
- New Minecraft Club was funded.
- Mrs. Daly's classroom received an Angel Grant for a classroom reading/activity rug.
Black River Middle School:
- A visit with Tom Rogers, the author of this year's One School, One Book choice, Eleven. -awarded to Janet Aaronson and Michele Connahan.
- 3D Printers and Pens for 7th Grade Science to enhance the implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards. -awarded to Jessica Mucerino and Michael Stagg.
- A new Ceramics Program, including a kiln and corresponding ceramics supplies, to help students experience ceramics in a whole new way. -awarded to Sarah Smith
- The BRMS band program received an Electronic Drum Set to help the percussion students learn all of the percussion instruments, including the drum set that is used in the Encore Jazz Program. -awarded to Dr. Kenneth Piascik
- The introduction of five Adidas Mi Coach Soccer Balls will help students study the concepts of accuracy vs. precision and speed and acceleration in the physics classrooms, analyze data in the 8th grade math classes, and utilize the study of science in gym classes for all grades. -awarded to Patricia Pohan.
- Meteorology Club was funded.
2014-2015 School Year:
Dickerson Elementary:
- Each Kindergarten classroom received an Apple iPad and protective case with the goal of implementing digital literacy skills at a younger age, as well as aiding in the delivery of important curriculum content. - awarded to Francesca Parrillo
- Ms. Pavlako's 2nd grade students received an Angel Grant for headphones with microphones to use during center time to complete work on Raz-Kids and improve their reading skills. -awarded to Samantha Pavlakos
- New Technology Club was funded.
Bragg Intermediate:
- The Visual Arts and Spanish Language programs were granted additional iPads and covers to complete each class's new set, giving all Bragg students an opportunity to become 21st century digital learners in the arts and languages - separately awarded to Jessica Eresman and Lori Vilagos.
- Content based learning along and the integration of technology (cart of chromebooks with covers) will enrich Mrs. Epler's 4th grade ILA and Social Studies classes. - awarded to Jacqueline Epler, reassigned to Brian Seely
- Mrs. Roskie's Tech Enrichment students were granted Kano Kits to build and code their own computers taking their technological knowledge to the next level. - awarded to Milicent Roskie.
- Multimedia cell and chemical processes simulation sets give 5th grade students the opportunity to observe major components of plant and animal cells which they are required to identify and understand the specialization of. -awarded to Nicole Macaluso
- 25 stability balls were purchased for the Bragg health classroom, replacing standard chairs, to improve student attention, posture, balance and muscle control. -awarded to Sara Kozlowski
- Mrs. Epler's 4th grade classroom received an Angel Grant for an activity rug, inviting students to read and write in a comfortable and clean area. -awarded to Jacqueline Epler
- Mrs. Scarfo's classroom received an Angel Grant for a new Reading Rug. - awarded to Lauren Scarfo
- Ms. Bene's classroom received an Angel Grant for a classroom room rug and bean bag chair. - awarded to Melissa Bene
- Ms. Macaluso's 5th grade math and science classes received an Angel Grant for a Spark Markerboard Table. - awarded to Nicole Macaluso
- New News Magazine Club was funded.
- New Math Strategic Problem Solving Club was funded.
- The Video News Club, Drama Club Production and 7th Grade ILA classes received a Mac Computer, Green Screen lighting kit and iPad teleprompter stands to provide computer-based cuing for sound, lighting, music, and special effects for an authentic production experience that on a smaller scale resembles those in the professional arena. -awarded to Doreen Aiello and Joseph Pizzo
- A Cannon digital camera and accessories provide the Tech Club with the ability to make high quality video tutorials and the Video Newspaper Club with a means to produce their monthly editions. -awarded to Laura Garrison
- The entire BRMS school was awarded an Angel Grant for a microphone system to enhance the audio capabilities for school assemblies and parent presentations. -awarded to Principal Robert Mullen
2013-2014 School Year:
Bragg Intermediate:
- Mrs. Scarfo’s, Mrs. Dolan's and Ms. Epler's classes have been enhanced with SMART document cameras. Students benefit by seeing samples of each others work, reading strategies can be more easily demonstrated when seeing teacher's text for modeling, and utilizing other visual tools through a direct connection to the SMARTBoard.
- The 5th grade science teachers were given 3 new dual-application microscopes to enhance their learning during their cell unit.
- Mr. Schilp's physical education program was granted official Kam Jam game sets to aid in learning the game, teaching Frisbee throwing skills, and engaging in teamwork and sportsmanship.
- Funding was provided for the Bragg Enivronmental Club.
Black River Middle School:
- The Art and GIST programs received a cart of 30 iPads with cases. During their art classes, all BRMS students will have the opportunity to create different projects in various forms of art, including 3D interior design, introduction to photography and animation. The GIST program will enhance student learning in the areas of logic, reasoning and problem solving techniques, including exploring topics in forensics, future city, viruses and bacteria, marketing, finance, and college and careers.
- The BRMS Music Department received a Music Technology Workstation giving music students the opportunity to develop their creativity, learn music (Classical and Electronic) forms, composition, timbre and rhythm. The computer will also be used for students to excel in their theory, online composition and SmartMusic assignments.
- The new Chinese Club was funded.
2012-2013 School Year:
Dickerson Elementary:
- Students of Mrs. Androvette and Mrs. Foster will now have the opportunity to use four Apple ipads to promote multi-sensory learning for acquiring and mastering language skills for the 21st century learner.
- Mrs. Pavlakos second grade class will now have access to an additional Apple iPad for interactive learning opportunities in the classroom.
- iPad Pilot Program: Teachers and students in all three grades will participate in a technology pilot program which will introduce 30 Apple iPads into the curriculum. The technology will be integrated into Social Studies, ILA, Science, World Language, Art and the Media Center. Mr. Cerulo will lead the pilot program and Fordham University doctoral candidates will assist with data collection and evaluation over a one year period.
- Mrs. Weber’s third grade class will now be enhanced with a document camera and projector for the SMART Board.
- Mr. Gruver’s music classroom is now improved with the technology addition of a new SMART Board.
- The fourth grade students will enjoy learning to solve math problems with the Scholastic DynaMath series, which brings math concepts to real life with this weekly newspaper that promotes practical and current problem solving applications of various concepts.
- Mrs. Aronson has updated the media center to include the 2013 World Book Encyclopedia for research and reporting.
- Funding was provided for the new Math & Solar Sprints Clubs.
2011-2012 School Year:
Dickerson Elementary:
- Mrs. Androvette's ESL Students benefitted from new technology that brings books, music and other voice recordings through portable multi-media for use in school and at home.
- Mrs. Thieringer's 5th grade science and math students received interactive books to further their hands-on learning experience.
- Mr. Cerulo received a new snare drum and timpani to improve the overall sound of the concert and enhance performances.
- All Bragg School students will aspire to new heights in physical education classes and during recess with a new traverse wall. This cutting edge fitness activity helps students build physical strength and facilitates the development of problem solving and decision-making skills.
- Mrs. Aiello's drama and writer's workshop students benefitted from a new audio system.
- The Media Center has been enhanced with new books and resource materials.
- Dr. Piascik continues to develop the band program and encourage students musically with two new tenor saxophones.
- Every student participated in a summer reading program called One School, One Book and received their own copy of the book, Schooled, written by Gordon Korman. This program, sponsored by Media Specialist Mrs. Aaronson, ILA teacher Mr. Pizzo and social studies teacher Mrs. Connahan, served to united the student body, advisory groups and teachers upon return in September.
2010-2011 School Year:
Bragg Intermediate:
- The Physical Therapy program received a Wii System and accessories to further enhance the PT resources for all students in the three schools.
- The 5th grade Writing program was enhanced with the publication of a poetry anthology as part of a poetry exchange with African students.
- The Music program received funds to acquire a new studio piano.
- The Writing program for all three grades received new Netbooks to further utilize technology in their writing and poetry programs.
- The Library has been enhanced with online resource software to access greater research on geographical and cultural information.
- A sixth grade Science teacher received a new SMARTboard.
- The Instrumental Music program and school bands have been expanded with the addition of a new baritone saxophone.
- The Spanish program received additional artifacts and resources to further promote the foreign language program.
- The Social Studies program has been awarded a digital atlas to technologically enhance geography and world studies.
- All Art students will receive a hardcover sketchbook to document their work throughout their three years in middle school.