GETS GRANTS
The Foundation was the catalyst for hiring a grant writer to obtain outside, competitive grants.  The grant writer, now jointly funded by the school district and Foundation, has won grants totaling over $10.5 million as of fall 2006. 

What impact do these grants have on students?

Grants have enabled the district to:

• Provide over $1 million in after school programs for this school year
• Keep libraries open after school at SHMS/HS and Washington Irving School
• Start a dual language program
• Launch the UPK program
• Assist students with transitions from school-to-school and to a new country as well as with social skills and behavior
• Provide dance and theater residencies for elementary students
• Create the ESL Center at the SHMS/HS
• Offer staff development programs to improve teaching and learning
• Provide equipment including including SmartBoards – interactive white boards
• Purchase software, books and other learning materials
• Fund arts performances and other arts enrichment opportunities
• Provide emergency clothing and school supplies for homeless youth
• Bring an Even Start Family Literacy program to the district to boost the performance of low-literacy, low-income families and prepare children for kindergarten
• Support after school drama programs, Spanish language classes and other after school programs
• Create The Family Center which provides parenting programs and resources
• Fall and spring trips for high school students to visit colleges
• And much, much more.

SUPPORTS DISTRICT INITIATIVES
With proceeds from the Annual Appeal and Dinner Dance, along with individual and corporate gifts, the Foundation is able to provide many gifts to the school district.

Fall 2006 Gifts to Schools

The Foundation’s Needs Assessment committee works closely with the Superintendent to identify and address district needs.  Here are just some highlights of what the Foundation has funded for all of our students in 2006:

• The Foundation and district grant writer has procured grant funds that have provided after-school programs, arts programs for K-12 (musical, fine, and theater arts), the Dual Language Program, the Even Start Literacy program, and many other programs.
• Smart Boards, digital cameras, computers and iPods, have been purchased by the Foundation and are being used in all the schools of the Tarrytowns.
• A state-of-the-art playground was purchased by the Foundation to replace a much-needed playground for Pre-K and K students at Tappan Hill.
• WI’s Theater program is now in its 3^rd year and has provided the first-ever theater arts program to 4^th, 5^th and 6^th graders.
• New instruments have been purchased for band and orchestra students.
• High School students can now produce films in class using newly purchased, state-of-the-art equipment – and so much more!

Fall 2005 Gifts to Schools

• $40,000 to purchase 7 SmartBoard set-ups for students K-3, and four computers for an additional classroom (due to increased enrollment) at Paulding School.
• $6,395 to purchase new musical instruments at Washington Irving School and Sleepy Hollow MS/HS
• $20,000 for the Elementary Arts Plan, which provides arts experiences for students K-6
• $15,000 for the newly formed Sleepy Hollow MS/HS Arts Plan
• $15,000 for equipment to start a filmmaking program at Sleepy Hollow MS/HS
• $15,000 for two new playgrounds at Tappan Hill School
• $10,000 for the after school theater program at Washington Irving School
• $6,000 for scholarships for the annual 8^th grade trip to Washington, D.C.

Additional Expenditures:

• Band Jackets for students to wear when they represent the school in community parades
• Partial support of EPTA-sponsored puberty workshops for 6^th graders
• Digital cameras for digital imaging class at Sleepy Hollow MS/HS plus four additional cameras were donated by FUJIFILM
• Trip to Stone Barns for K and 1^st grade students
• A “Welcome to School” picture book given to every kindergarten student

Previously, the Foundation piloted Blackboard.com, a software program that allows teachers to create a classroom environment on-line so that students can get assignments, calendars, reading lists, handouts and educational links through the Internet and also participate in topical chat rooms.  The Foundation also paid for the pilot of the Atlas Curriculum Mapping program, a software program that enables teachers to create a visual representation of the curriculum in an effort to analyze what is taught and identify gaps and redundancies. 

In 2004, the Foundation gave $19,000 to enrich elementary Classroom Libraries to support the leveled reading program.  The classroom libraries enable students to bring books home that are at their appropriate reading level.  As a result, students are practicing reading more frequently and boosting their literacy skills.  Parents and teachers have responded enthusiastically to this gift.

In 2000, the Foundation was the catalyst to create the Morse Library/Media Center.  The school library was moved from the third floor to the heart of the school, a media center was created and new books and computers were purchased.  The Foundation worked closely with Reckson Associates, SER of Westchester, Bell Atlantic, Texaco and State Assemblyman Richard Brodsky to create this new facility. 

Technology: Initially, the Foundation was formed in 1994 to support the acquisition and use of technology.  Over the years, the Foundation has provided hundreds of computers and peripherals, including piloting of the SmartBoards – an interactive white board that integrates a computer, the Internet and projectors into a powerful tool that enables teachers to write notes, highlight images, or draw diagrams right on the board; then print out the revised image as a reference for students. SmartBoards are now widely used at all schools in the district.  The Foundation also obtained two Goals 2000 staff development grants -- in the amounts of $213,000 and $288,156 -- from the New York State Education Department.  These grants provided in-depth long-term training in technology for SHMS/HS teachers.

The Foundation has also provided funds for:

• WriteMind Writing Workshops -- Since 2002, in collaboration with The Hudson Valley Writers’ Center.   This program enables language arts teachers to return to the classroom as students and participate in writing exercises and critiques.  The instructor then visits participants’ classrooms to help apply the writing strategies and techniques teachers experienced firsthand to the classroom setting.
• After School Spanish language classes for kindergarten and 1^st graders
• Purchase of Reading Software

·         Funds to launch and continue the JazzFest, a music festival for area high school jazz bands in collaboration with the Westchester Jazz Orchestra and The Music Hall.

• Updated the WI Sound System
• To purchase the sign that is at the entrance to the HS.  This sign highlights upcoming sports and other events to encourage the community participation and recognize student accomplishments.
• Conditioning equipment for the Sleepy Hollow MS/HS Fitness Center
• WNBC Weather Station at Sleepy Hollow MS/HS
• A CSX system to incorporate distance learning and multi-media into the foreign language program

PROVIDES GRANTS TO TEACHERS

Each year the Foundation allocates approximately $15,000  - $18,000 for a competitive grant program open to all district teachers.  Individual teachers or teams of teachers may apply.

2005 Awards

Oceanographic Expedition, David Benedict, SHMS

Visual Art Career Awareness Day, Art Dept, SHHS

Williams College Summer Program, Jeannott Barr, SHHS

Mountain Bikes, Physical Education Dept, SHHS

Bilingual Story Theater, K-2

Springtime in Tarrytown, Paulding School

Take Home Learning Packs, Tappan Hill School

2004 Awards

Digital Video Equipment, Tom Mormile, SHHS

Gel Electrophoresis Kits for AP Biology, Leana Peltier, SHHS

PASCO Program for physics students, Leila Madani and Hank Conklin, SHHS

Rosetta Stone, Mary Noll, SHHS

Learning Through My Senses, Michelle Kramer, 1^st grade special education, Paulding School

Digital Camera and Scanner, Brenda Sutherland, 2^nd grade, Morse School

Mannequins, Mirrors and Models, Andrea Harrison, art teacher, Tappan Hill and Paulding

Lending Library for ESL Students, Benita Afonso, Rebecca Almogabar, Helen Sanchez-Zho, Tappan Hill

Aquarium, Laura Charnis, Paulding School

The Craft of Writing, 4^th grade, Washington Irving School

Second Step Character Education Program, Barbara Hanley, Tappan Hill.

Expansion of program launched at WI to earlier grades.

2003 Awards

Creating Meaningful Literature, Laura Charnis, Tappan Hill

Multi-generational art project, Andrea Harrison, Tappan Hill and John Paulding

Baby Chicks and Incubators, Cathy Chulla, Paulding School

Take Home Language Game Library, Kim DelRosario, Morse School

Let’s Vote-Madeline Praino, Morse School

Art of Ancient Worlds, Sue Barrett, Morse School

Trip to Albany for 5^th Grade, Andrea Osnow, Washington Irving School

Williams College Summer Program in the Arts and Sciences, Jeannott Barr, SHHS

Page Turners-Mary Hernstadt, Book Club, SHHS

College Tour Trip for 11^th Grade, SHHS Guidance Department

Enhancement of Photography Darkroom, SHHS Art Department

Lights, Camera, Action! Tom Mormile, Video Equipment, SHMS/HS

Second Step Character Education Program, Ivette Lebenberg, Washington Irving School

TAKES STUDENTS OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM

Washington D.C.

Since 2001, Foundation has provided scholarships for the 8^th grade trip to Washington D.C. as a culmination of their two-year study of American history. 

State Capital: Albany, NY

5^th grade students traveled to Albany, NY in spring 2004 to meet with legislators and tour the Capital Building as part of their social studies curriculum.

Williams College Summer Program

For several years, the Foundation has provided support for high school students to take part in an intensive program at Williams College.  The program targets minority students and encourages them to attend college.  Students participate in a Shakespeare program, the Museum Studies Internship or the Science Research program.

College Visits

In the fall of 2004, the Foundation sponsored a full-day trip for seniors to visit colleges in upstate New York.  Coordinated by the Guidance Department, the visit is intended to encourage students to apply to colleges and let students whose families are unable to travel to see a variety of campuses. 

Broadway Theater Experience

As part of the elementary arts plan, 5^th graders attend a Broadway musical each year.

Project Adventure

In the fall of 2003, 7^th grade students participated in a full-day of activities at the Project Adventure outdoor facility.  The program was designed to boost confidence and build bridges between students as they entered a new school.

Lake Compound

In 2001, 7^th grade math and science students spent a day at Lake Compounce Amusement Park and learned about the physics behind the rides.

Sports Clinics

The Foundation sponsored summer sports clinics, where varsity coaches and athletes worked with younger students to develop skills and interest in pursuing school sports.

PROMOTES ARTS-IN-EDUCATION

The Elementary Arts Committee and K-6 Arts Plan

The Foundation has been the catalyst to create a district-wide K-6 Arts Plan.  These efforts started with procuring funds for a consultant from The New York Foundation on the Arts to work with a group of teachers, followed by a team of teachers who crafted a preliminary plan and vision statement.  Next, the foundation worked with district staff and EPTA representatives to further develop and implement a K-6 Arts Plan.  The Arts Plan pools resources from the Foundation, EPTA and district.  The Plan provides a planned and coordinated mix of arts enrichment for students as they move through the elementary grades.  The plan includes exposure to dance and theater, art forms delineated in the New York State Learning Standards for the Arts but not currently taught in many school districts.    The Foundation provides $20,000 towards the K-6 Arts Plan.  Additional funds for the arts are often awarded through the Teacher Grant program.

The Arts Plan includes author visits for younger grades, dance residencies for all grades, theater residencies for 3^rd and 6^th grades, a visit to a Broadway musical for all 5^th graders, performances both at school and at local venues, visual literacy programs including museum visits and 3^rd grade participation in the Jacob Burns Film Center program, and musical experiences including visits by Westchester Philharmonic and a Jazz Day at Washington Irving School featuring Mark Morganelli of Jazz Forum Arts.

ACTIVITIES IN THE ARTS

• Shakespeare After School Program at Washington Irving School, in collaboration with the YMCA, and with additional funding from Westchester Community Foundation:

A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Twelfth Night; Schoolhouse Rock, and Pirates of Penzance.

• HS Shakespeare Workshops with the American Globe Theater
• After school Shakespeare Club at SHMS/HS
• Theater residences that enhance the social studies and/or language arts curriculum in grades 3 and 6
• Continuing support of the JazzFest, a regional high school jazz band festival/competition which has been adjudicated by members of the Westchester Jazz Orchestra and held at The Music Hall in Tarrytown.  Students learn from professional jazz musicians, hear and meet student musicians from other schools, and then perform on The Music Hall’s stage in an evening performance.
• In the winter of 2004, the Foundation established a HS Arts Committee to address arts enrichment at the secondary level
• A grant enabled the district to collaborate with Lyndhurst to launch a junior docent program and purchase costumes for middle school students.
• During the summer of 2001, the Foundation paid tuition for 3 teachers to attend the Lincoln Center Summer Professional Development Institute.
• Four teachers spent a week at the Empire State Partnership Arts in Education Institute
• The Foundation has obtained several grants to support dance residencies in elementary schools with the Tappan Zee Dance Group.  We have received funding from The New York Foundation for the Arts, and the Westchester Council for the Arts for these residencies.
• A visiting artist from the Westchester Arts Council helped 1^st graders create seasonal murals thanks to a grant from the Westchester County Invest in Kids program.
• The Foundation has provided funds for high school students to see live theatrical performances, including works by Shakespeare and other playwrights.
• The Foundation has provided funds to purchase numerous musical instruments including those for band and orchestra, and Orff and rhythm instruments for elementary students.
• For several years, the Foundation cultivated a partnership with Hudson Office Supply, and designed a program where the proceeds from the Back to School Sale would support arts programs in the district.  This program provided new cellos, a set of orchestral chimes, display cases for art projects, and tickets to a Wynton Marsalis concert.
• The Foundation has provided art teachers with digital cameras, slides, objects, and visual images to support the elementary art curriculum.
• The Foundation provided funds to launch an interdisciplinary project with Philipsburg Manor for middle/high school students studying the colonial period.  The program included visits to Philipsburg Manor, primary document research and presentations.
• SHHS commissioned an original work, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, premiered by the HS chorus with funds provided by The Foundation.
• The Circus Arts week-long residency for 5^th graders, now a regular event at Washington Irving, was initially funded by a grant from the Foundation.

HOSTS THE FOUNDATION ROUNDTABLE

The Foundation has organized a Roundtable of other school foundations in the area.  The Roundtable meets twice a year to share fundraising ideas, address common problems and promote collaboration.  For the past several years, Hitachi America, Ltd. has generously provided meeting space, refreshments and general support for the Roundtable.

INVOLVES PARENTS

The Foundation welcomes parents of kindergarteners as well as others who are interested in volunteering or learning more about the Foundation.  Volunteers are invited to join one or more committee: Dinner Dance, Fundraising, Needs Assessment, Program Oversight, Finance, PR, or help translate documents into Spanish.  Community members are also invited to attend a board meeting to voice an opinion or learn more about the Foundation’s activities.  Call the Foundation Office at 366-8457 to learn more.

WORKS WITH THE COMMUNITY

Over the years, the Foundation has worked with many generous community groups, foundations and corporate sponsors.  We thank these organizations for their support:

Art Images & Graphics, Assemblyman Richard Brodsky, Bell Atlantic, Boys and Girls Clubs of Northern Westchester, Cappelli Foundation, CIBA, Coffee Labs, Congresswoman Nita Lowey, Cornell Coop Extension, Dynamic Evaluation, Inc., Elizabeth Mascia Child Care Center, EPIC, Exxon/Mobil, Family Service of Westchester, The Family YMCA at Tarrytown, First Unum, FUJIFILM, Hitachi America, Ltd., Historic Hudson Valley, Hudson Office Supply, The Hudson River Museum, Hudson Valley Writers Center, Jacob Burns Film Center, Jazz Forum Arts, JCC, The First Korean Church of NY, First Unum, Kraft Foods, Literacy Volunteers, Living History Arts, Lyndhurst, Marymount College, Mobil/Exxon Wedge Service Center, Murray Franks Cards & Gifts, The Music Hall, National Book Scholarship Fund, The Neighborhood House, New York Foundation on the Arts, NYNEX, New York Life Foundation, Open Door Family Medical Centers, Phelps Hospital, Readers Digest Foundation/Teacher in the Library, Reckson Associates, RSHM LIFE Center, The Rotary Club, SER of Westchester, School Arts Partnership, SUNY Purchase, Texaco, Teachers’ College at Columbia University, Unistar Federal Credit Union, United Way, University at Albany, Verizon, Warner Library, Westchester Arts Council, Westchester Community Foundation, Westchester Hispanic Coalition, and Westchester Jewish Community Services