The Wandell School Education Foundation would like to extend its sincerest appreciation to all who contributed to the tremendous success of our annual fundraiser. The foundation is fortunate to have the support, commitment and encouragement of the staff and families of the Wandell School and most especially the Saddle River Valley Bank.
We look forward to the continuation of our existing programs, planning new initiatives and adding more technology to the classrooms in the upcoming school year.
If you are interested in becoming a trustee, please contact Margaret Engkvist at (201) 825 - 7333.
Wandell School Education Foundation
Our goal is to create, supplement and support programs that faculty and parents feel are an integral enhancement to our children’s development academically, physically and through the creative arts. The Foundation supports projects that enhance the quality of education at Wandell and encourage innovative and creative ideas.
In early 2007, we invested more than $50,000 to improve the lighting, sound and staging in the all-purpose room. The enhancements included the addition of a motorized screen and projector, a mixing board and updated risers.
We continue to enhance our Outdoor Learning Center. This project began with $60,000 in 2003 and has developed into a living classroom offering students a chance to conduct hands-on projects that relate to their classroom studies. Our four elements - the Woodland Garden, Butterfly Garden, Alpine Garden and Frog Hatchery together with a weather station meet the educational requirements of the National Wildlife Federation. In September we completed the addition of an amphitheater, three levels of stone seating allowing for an entire grade to be present at once.
Currently $20,000 is directed toward the development of a television station, the WWB or Wandell Wolverines Broadcast. This project for 4th and 5th graders will include both class-time and after-school instruction in television production. Ultimately the broadcasts developed, produced and performed by your children will be available on our local cable network.
The following list shows some of the programs
that the Foundation has funded this year.
None of the following would be possible without your support.
Artists in Residence Program – A multi-day program providing every student with the opportunity to work with a professional artist on a school-wide theme. Last Spring's history of Saddle River is hanging in the All-Purpose Room.
Assemblies – Monthly programs covering various topics such as healthy eating, character ed building, writers workshops and Science Day.
Upcoming programs will be as follows:
May 16, 2008 Alley Cats - Featuring Doo-Whop music.
Friday 1:00pm
Character Education – workshops emphasizing respect, responsibility and caring for others. This October we welcomed "Michael Pritchard," a renowned motivational and educational speaker for two character education assemblies.
Pre-K Playground - provides funds to develop motor skills and enhance outdoor activities for the Pre-K students.
Writers Workshop – provides for continual teacher and student workshops to strengthen the in-class writing programs.
Newark Museum - provides a display of authentic museum pieces to enhance the classroom curriculum.
Library Enhancements - provides the resources to add more than 500 Books, Encyclopedias and DVD's to the school library.
Annual Musical Play Production – A theatrical experience for 4th and 5th graders. This year’s selection is “Alice in Wonderland”. All children interested in participating will receive a part. Performances will be on Friday, March 7th and Saturday, March 8th.
NJPAC Dance Workshop – Allows students to experience the performing arts through close interaction with professional artists. This program offers a challenging yet nurturing environment where children discover the creativity, self-expression and fundamental educational value of the performing arts. This workshop culminates with a performance involving parental participation that is not to be missed!
OutdoorLearning Center– Integrated with the National Science Foundation approved curriculum science kits, this outdoor science laboratory provides student investigators with a meaningful and authentic science program.
Summer Reading Program – provides $25 bookstore gift certificates to all students who read five books and write book reports over the summer vacation.
Teachers mini grants – provides every instructor the opportunity to request innovative and creative programs and materials for their classrooms.
Technology Enhancements – 30 Laptop computers
Variety Show – A tremendously popular program that allows the 2nd and 3rd grade students a venue to showcase their talents.
