Past Grants

Elementary teachers from the four district elementary schools received $3,457.19 in funding for NXT Robotics Kits to use in the fifth grade classrooms. Teachers receiving the awards include Megan Haessig, Jen Tetu, Angela D’Annibale, Christine Santandrea, and Kathy Constantine. 

High School instructors John Balet and Katie Calhoun were awarded $925 for Gel Electrophoresis Equipment, while teachers Theresa Rousseau and James Poirier were awarded $1,926 for a Spectrometer to utilize in Physics classes.

Social Studies teachers Rick Hengsterman and Adrienne Gardner were awarded $700   for Portable Audio Equipment to use in producing podcasts and Jodi Brimhall received $800 for a Quilting Loom and Supplies.

The High School robotics team and coach Cindy VanWyk received $2,000 for tools to utilize in the annual FIRST Robotics challenge.

Check Presentation (L-R)  BSEF Chairperson Christine Richardson presents the check for $9,808.19 to Ballston Spa Board of Education President Kathleen Jarvis. Also shown are Ballston Spa School Superintendent Dr. Joseph Dragone and BSEF Grants Committee member Ellen Mottola.

Current BSEF Chairperson Christine Richardson and BSEF Grants Review Committee member Ellen Mottola presented Superintendent Dr. Joseph P. Dragone and Board of Education President Kathy Jarvis with a check for $9,808.19 to fund the grant awards. The foundation will offer an additional cycle of grant awards in the spring.

The foundation’s major fundraisers include the annual “Taste of Ballston Spa” to be held on March 29, 2010 at the new Hyatt Place in Malta, NY. Over a dozen local eateries will provide samples from their menus. Also, a 5K Fun Run will be held on May 22, 2010 in Ballston Spa. Other major fundraisers include the annual fundraising appeal in the spring and the BSEF golf tournament on August 23, 2010.

The BSEF, a volunteer, not-for-profit corporation, has an IRS 501 (c) (3) designation and is registered with the Office of the New York State Attorney General, Bureau of Charities.  The volunteer community members from the BSEF conduct all fundraising activities with no professional fundraisers retained. Contributions to the Ballston Spa Education Foundation may be included in estate planning. 

Elementary Principals:  (L-R) Milton Terrace South Principal Jeffery Palmer, Malta Avenue Principal Sharon D’Agostino, Milton Terrace North Principal Kathleen Chaucer and Wood Road Elementary School principal David Blanchard accept awards for their respective schools.

For further information contact the Ballston Spa Education Foundation at P.O. Box 276, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 or (518) 884-7195, Ext. 402.

Weather Station Improvements ~ $3,630 Awarded to the Middle School & High School Science Departments to purchase additional console receivers and supporting software. Submitted by Mary Lou Stern & Matt Hoag. Principal: Kristi Jensen and Helen Stuetzel

"Old Iron Springs March" ~ $1,000 Awarded to the High School Music Department to cover composition costs for original piece to be performed by the High School Band and the Ballston Spa Community Band. Submitted by Tracy DeRagon. Principal: Kristi Jensen

Student Art Gallery~ $720 Awarded to the Middle School to create a student art gallery to showcase and exhibit works created in class. Submitted by Helen Stuetzel and Kristina Guernse. Principal: Helen Stuetzel

Courtyard Garden~ $279 Awarded to the Middle School to revitalize the garden area in the courtyard adjacent to the cafeteria. Includes planning and planting a perennial bed and the tools necessary for up-keep. Submitted by Helen Stuetzel. Principal: Helen Stuetzel

Senteo Interactive Response System~ $1,499 Awarded to the Middle School to purchase a SMART SNT Senteo Interactive Response System to allow teachers to assess students throughout a lesson. Submitted by Shawn Brinton and Kyle Noonan. Principal: Helen Stuetzel  

AirLiner Slates~ $2,872 Awarded to the Middle School to purchase 8 AirLiner Slates to work in conjunction with SMART Boards . Submitted by Valerie Valla. Principal: Helen Stuetzel  

Fall 2007

Student Newspaper ~ $2,140 Awarded to the High School to start a student newspaper including software, printing and 2 digital cameras. Submitted by Tina DeFabio. Principal: Kristi Jensen

Acoustic Guitars and Storage Rack ~ $1,936 Awarded to the Middle School Music Department to purchase 10 acoustic guitars and an associated storage rack. Submitted by Crispin Catricala. Principal: Helen Stuetzel

Fuel Cell Car ~ $450 Awarded to the Middle School Technology Department to purchase a fuel cell car and related experiment kits. Submitted by Dan Vickery. Principal: Helen Stuetzel

Digital Microscopes ~ $2,900 Awarded to the Milton Terrace Primary School to purchase 4 digital microscopes. Submitted by Diane Irwin. Principal: Joe Lopez

Video Announcements ~ $1,150 Awarded to the Wood Road Intermediate School to provide equipment to start implementing video announcements. Submitted by Michael Selkis. Principal: Michael Selkis

Digital Audio Books ~ $750 Awarded to the Milton Terrace Primary School to purchase digital audio books and equipment. Submitted by Susan Penney and Joe Lopez. Principal: Joe Lopez

ELMO Projector ~ $673 Awarded to the High School Library to purchase an ELMO projector/document camera. Submitted by Marie Rossi. Principal: Kristi Jensen

Spring 2007

Swim for the River Documentary ~ $250 Awarded to the High School Science Department. The film follows Christopher Swain as he swims the entire length of the Hudson River from the Adirondacks to New York City, documenting all the perils he encountered along with the people, agencies, industries and wilderness areas. The film includes a Teacher's Guide, web links, 9 short films on related Hudson River topics and a Resource Guide. Submitted by Mary Lou Stern. Principal: Kristi Jensen.

6 PDA and GPS units ~ $2450 Awarded to the Malta Avenue and Wood Road Intermediate Schools. Used to expand the Tech Trackers project to collaborate with students and teachers at Wood Road and replacement of some older equipment. Submitted by Sheila Gregoire, Jean Bruchac and Megan Haessig. Principals: Sharon DAgastino and Michael Selkis.

Digital Video Camera ~ $1200 Awarded to the Middle School Technology Department. Camera and required software and accessories to incorporate video editing into curriculum. Students will learn how to shoot video, edit video and import the video into a presentation. Submitted by Laurel Holland. Principal: Helen Stuetzel

School District Maps ~ $677 to Milton Terrace Primary School. Appropriately sized, easy to read, colorful and informative maps of the Ballston Spa School District for second grade inclusion class. This grant also includes plexiglass to protect a 10'x16' mural of a map of the US, Canada, Mexico and the Atlantic & Pacific Oceans. Submitted by Shirley Waterfield. Principal: Joe Lopez

NCBI Workshops ~ $1650 Awarded to the High School. National Coalition Building Institute workshop to be held at State Farm Insurance. Includes cost of transportation to workshop. Submitted by Ellen Predmore and Denise Jones. Principal: Kristi Jensen

Digital Pianos ~ $3200 Awarded to the Wood Road Music Department. 8 Digital pianos to be used in general music lcasses as part of a pilot program to increase student creativity and achievement through composition, improvisation and performance. Submitted by B. Bailey and T. Brehmer. Principal: Michael Selkis

Mural Painting ~ $200 Awarded to the Wood Road Intermediate School. Provides supplies for painting a mural in the Wood Road complex that was destroyed during asbestos abatement. Submitted by H. Christopher, H Coffey and K Brunson. Principal: Michael Selkis

Fall 2006

Weather Station Equipment ~ $1990 Awarded to the Middle School Science Department. Equipment for a weather station will be used by students to collect actual scientific weather data, including heavy duty basic equipment for hands on experiences and a state of the art computerized weather station that can record and network data directly to classroom computers. Submitted by Valerie Valla and Kyle Noonan. Principal: Helen Stuetzel.

Portable Sound System ~ $1040 Awarded to the Middle School Health Department. Portable sound system will be used during an interactive role-playing activity that simulates teen drinking and driving and the judicial process, which is part of the seventh grade health class drug education curriculum. Submitted by Michelle Strenk. Principal: Helen Stuetzel.

TI Navigator System ~ $3588 Awarded to the High School Mathematics Department. Texas Instruments Navigator System, which can integrate the students graphing calculators through a hub, which would then allow the instructor control of all the calculators to more closely monitor each students progress during a lesion and also to project a split screen to allow the entire class to view classmates work. Submitted by Jim Weed. Principal: Kristi Jensen.

Elmo TT-02 Projector/Document Camera ~ $825 Awarded to Malta Avenue School. For use in library/media center and portable enough to use in classrooms, this digital technology allows any conceivable image, as well as 3 dimensional objects, to be projected in detail to benefit students by allowing an entire class to view objects in detail together. Submitted by Marie Rossi. Principal: Sharon DAgostino.

Heart Monitors ~ $1140 Awarded to Malta Avenue School. 15 E40 Polar Heart Monitors will be used by students in physical education classes to monitor heart rates during different types of physical activity. This grant will help complete a classroom set of heart monitors that the PE Department at Malta obtained through a school health index grant last year. Submitted by Kara Echandy. Principal: Sharon DAgostino.

Video Production Studio ~ $1155 Awarded to Malta Avenue School. Equipment includes a video camcorder, external mic and 5 flash drives to be used in conjunction with already existing software to allow students to create video productions in all areas of curriculum that can be shared with the entire school through broadcast on existing screen in each classroom. Submitted by Sheila Gregoire and Angelo DAnnibale. Principal: Sharon DAgostino.

Spring 2006

Mimio Board ~ $1400 Awarded to the High School History Department. Interactive computer technology allows the teacher and students to expand the use of computers and internet technology in a hands on style. Submitted by Daniel Hornick.

Spanish Games and Activities ~ $1147 Awarded to the Middle School Language Department. Games and activities to reinforce vocabulary and grammar skills for Spanish students in a hands on style. Submitted by Sarah Albrycht.

Graphing Calculators ~ $3425 Awarded to the Middle School Mathematics Department. Gives students experience with the explorations of graphs, functions and trigonometry. Submitted by Andrew Muller.

SMART Boards ~ $3639 Awarded to the Milton Terrace Primary School. Interactive computer technology allows the teacher and students to expand the use of computers and internet technology in a hands on style. Submitted by Deanie McCarthy and Kate Wanerka.

ROBO Technology Sets ~ $3109 Awarded to the Middle School Technology Department. Creative technology using design skills to make automated projects. Submitted by Daniel Vickery.

Cell Models ~ $619 Awarded to the Middle School Science Department. The model of a cell will allow students to manipulate and to view the cellular structure in a more realistic manner than a two dimensional image. Submitted by Valerie Valla.

Fall 2005

SMART Boards ~ $3639 Awarded to the Middle School History and Math Departments. Interactive computer technology allows the teacher and students expand the use of computers and internet technology in a hands on style. Submitted by Chris Perrone and Doreen Quinlan.

Vertical Climbing Wall ~ $9148 Awarded to the Wood Road School. The twenty foot high climbing wall will be used for team building activities, decision making and strength building. Submitted by Anne Cornell.

BSEF Chair, Meg Stevens, presented Board of Education President, Kathy Jarvis with a check for $12,844 to fund the grant awards while Superintendent Dr. Raymond Colucciello and Grant Review Chair, Paul Perrault assist.

Spring 2005

Realistic Human Body Models ~ $1719 Awarded to the Middle School. The models of the human nervous system, the digestive system, the circulatory system, the human lungs, the skeletal joints, the skeletal arm and hand will allow students to see the human body in a more realistic manner than a two dimensional image. Submitted by Marion Shorey.

Visiting Musical Artist ~ $800 Awarded to the Malta Avenue School. The artist will hold a one week residency helping fourth grade students research early American history through music and assisting them in creating an original composition. Submitted by Thomas Hemans.

Black Board Optics ~ $692 Awarded to the High School. The high quality blackboard optics equipment will be used to enhance the instruction of waves and optics in the physics classes. Submitted by James Poirer.

Smithsonian Institute Video Conferencing ~ $800 Awarded to Malta Avenue and Wood Road Schools. The video conferences will be used to enrich a unit of study titled The Gordon Creek to Atlantic Project, placing our local environment within the broader world wide environment for fourth graders. Submitted by Ellie Dillion and Lori Bishop.

Personal Data Assistants and Global Positioning Systems ~ $1800 Awarded to Malta Avenue School. This equipment will allow science students to record and analyze information collected on the Wood Road nature trail. Submitted by Jean Bruchac and Sheila Gregorie.

Foreign Language Books ~ $2000 Awarded to the Middle School. The books will be used to enhance the entry level study of a second language. Submitted by Sonya Pelletier.

BSEF Chair Meg Stevens presents the Grant Award Check to Superintendent Dr. John Gratto

Fall 2004

SMART Boards & LCD Projectors ~ $5332 Awarded to the Middle School. This technology will allow students to take virtual field trips, have multimedia-interactive lessons, interact with experts, etc. Submitted by Valerie Valla.

Spanish & French Literature ~ $2000 Awarded to the High School. The language department will use these books to increase student interest, vocabulary and reading comprehension. Submitted by Sherry Schermerhorn.

Nonfiction Literature ~ $1195 Awarded to the Milton Terrace Primary School. These books will extend the science curriculum and enrich the students scientific experiences. This grant was partially funded by the Cornelia Mahar endowment fund. Submitted by Deannie McCarthy & Jan Montesano.

Portable, Digital Recording Studio ~ $1192 Awarded to the High School. This equipment will allow the Music Dept. to record student performances. Submitted by Charles Frahme.

Digital Video Camera & Software ~ $1111 Awarded to the Middle School. This equipment will allow students to record and edit projects. Submitted by Maura Arnold.

Primary Source Documents ~ $825 Awarded to the Middle School. These documents and photo collections will be used to expand student involvement in social studies. Awarded to Carron Mastan.

Cassette Tape Players ~ $494 Awarded to Malta Avenue Intermediate School. These portable cassette players will be used in conjunction with the schools extensive audio books collection to increase literacy. Submitted by Marie Rossi.

Supplies for Electrathon Vehicle ~ $325 Awarded to the Middle School. This grant will provide resources for additional supplies and materials required to complete the Electrathon Vehicle Project. Submitted by Daniel Vickery.

Spring 2004

Civil War Instructional Implements ~ $599 Awarded to the Middle School. The English & Social Studies departments will use these CD-ROMS, primary documents, videos and trade books for integrated studies concerning the Civil War. Submitted by Joe Shaver.

Historical Maps ~ $1717 Awarded to the Middle School. The Social Studies Department will use these historical maps to teach students in grades 6, 7 & 8 about geography in order to interpret the past. Submitted by Kim Pusatere.

Resource Material ~ $735 Awarded to the Middle School. Primary resource material (jackdaws, photo packets, primary resource books, etc.) will be used to enrich the 6th grade curriculum. Submitted by Carron Mastan.

The Essential Life Science CD-ROM Set ~ $550 Awarded to the Middle School. The science department will use this set to provide a virtual library of laboratory simulations and reference information to entire classes or individual students. Submitted by Valerie Valla.

Teacher Triage Kits ~ $2,480 Awarded to the Malta Avenue Intermediate School to be shared with the Wood Road Intermediate School. The kits offer an enriched health, science and wellness curriculum while being tied to standards in the four core areas of the curriculum. Submitted by Arlene Parks and Kathy Constantine.

Vernier Lab Pro Interfaces & Probes ~ $3,028 Awarded to the High School. This equipment will be used in conjunction with existing equipment. The Lab Pro system, currently available in the physics classes, exposes students to advanced data collection and analysis methods. The expansion of this system will provide this opportunity to all Regents and AP level Biology and Chemistry students. Submitted by Jody Visconti.

CD Burner & Scanner ~ $3,276 Awarded to the High School & Middle School. This equipment will be used by the academic departments of each school to provide scanned lessons to ill students, create class web sites, provide instructional material in classes in which there are no texts and to transport large files. Submitted by Mary Lou Stern.

Media Cart ~ $1,600 Awarded to Milton Terrace Primary School. This unit will be used to support the integration of technology in the classroom. The cart will increase the number of teachers able to present Power Point presentations, as well as, other video presentations and virtual tours. Submitted by Deanie McCarthy.

Orff Instruments ~ $600 Awarded to the Malta Avenue Intermediate School. These instruments (xylophones & metalliphones) will enable each student to play an instrument at every lesson. Submitted by Thomas Hermans.

Fall 2003

The High School received a $1,000 grant, awarded to Ms. Katie Calhoun, toward the purchase of equipment for the Authentic Science Research Course.

A $2,200 grant was presented to Mr. Rick Hengsterman for the purchase of a digital video workstation that will allow students to record and digitize interviews with local veterans and incorporating them into the Ballston Veterans Website.

Physics teachers Ms. Theresa Rousseau and Ms. James Poirier received $917 to purchase high-end sound equipment necessary to demonstrate the concepts of resonance and natural frequency.

At Milton Terrace, an $800 grant was presented to Ms. Kristin Scott for the purchase of Literacy Enrichment Packs. Funds for this grant come from the Cornelia Mahar Endowment Fund.

The District Nature Trail Committee and Ms. Margaret Morrone were awarded $400 toward the refurbishing of the nature trail on the Wood Road Complex.

The Middle School received a grant of $1,717.20 that was presented to Ms. Kim Pusatere and the middle school social studies department for the purchase of historical maps to be used in grades 6,7 and 8.

Mr. Joseph Shaver and members of the middle school English Department are the recipient of two grants- one for $614.55 to purchase award winning novels to be used by a monthly Readers Club and one for $1,500 to be used to generate a Literary Magazine to publish student work.

At Malta Avenue Intermediate School, Librarian Marie Rossi received a grant of $910 to purchase 15 portable cassette players to be used in conjunction with their extensive audio books collection.

BSEF Chairperson, Mrs. Meg Stevens, presented Superintendent Dr. John Gratto with a check for $10,058.75 to fund the grant awards.

Spring 2003

Digital/Analog Camera & Software ~ $814 Awarded to the Middle School Science Department. This equipment will link a microscope with a computer. Images can then be manipulated and enhanced for classroom use. Submitted by Valerie Valla.

Electronic Balances ~ $900 awarded to the High School Science Department. This advanced equipment will enhance the science program by exposing the students to more sophisticated equipment. Submitted by Mary Lou Bingham.

Marching Band Equipment ~ $2,000 Awarded to the High School Music Department. This percussion equipment will enhance the bands current equipment and program. It will enable the band to participate in more parades and off site performances. Submitted by Tracy DeRagon.

Electrathon Program ~ $2,900 Awarded to the Middle School Technology Department. This program will be a combined effort between middle school and high school students to construct an electric vehicle. Upon completion, the vehicle may be placed in competition. Submitted by Dan Vickery.

SMART Board ~ $3,400 Awarded to the Malta Avenue Intermediate School. This equipment will be used with a computer to provide interactive technology lessons to students. Submitted by Marie Rossi and Sheila Gregoire.

Fall 2002

Genesis Distilled Water Maker ~ $573 Awarded to the Ballston Spa High School Chemistry Department. This device will enhance the learning experience of students in the science department and it will raise the scientific standards of chemistry experiments. Submitted by Kerry Breinlinger.

Elementary Science Program Kits ~ $2,250 Awarded to the Wood Road Intermediate School. These kits will expand the classroom experience by providing more hands-on opportunities for the students. Funded through a legislative grant the BSEF received thanks to Senator Hugh Farley. Submitted by Lori Bishop.

Read Aloud Play Collection ~ $583 Awarded to the Wood Road Intermediate School. This collection will introduce the students to classic literature, folk-tales, and historical figures as they practice reading and speaking skills. Funded by the Cornelia Mahar Endowment. Submitted by Karen Van Alstine.

Iroquois Educational Kit ~ $350 Awarded to the Wood Road Intermediate School. The kits will be used by the students during their study of Native Americans of New York State to provide more hands-on, visual and auditory experiences. Submitted by Karen Van Alstine.

Vernier Labpro Data Collection Devices ~ $2,750 Awarded to the Ballston Spa High School Science Department. This equipment can be connected to a computer or graphing calculator to allow for real-time data collection and analysis or laboratory information. Funded through a legislative grant the BSEF received thanks to Senator Hugh Farley. Submitted by Theresa Rousseau.

Electronic Balances ~ $1,254 Awarded to the Ballston Spa Middle School Science Department. This advanced equipment will enhance the science program by exposing the students to more sophisticated equipment found in advanced science classes and in the workplace. Submitted by Karen Banovic.

Project Adventure ~ $3,500 Awarded to the Ballston Spa Middle School Physical Education Department. This grant will bring the team building, problem solving physical education program to students of the Middle School. Submitted by Ted Snyder.

Nature Trail ~ $750 Awarded to the Ballston Spa Middle School Science Department. This grant will enable students, faculty and community members to create a nature trail behind the High School/Middle School site. This trail will be used to enhance the ecology/environmental aspects of the science curriculum. Submitted by Shawna Marsh.

BSEF Chair Fran Hanlon and Grant Committee Chair Paul Perreault present the grant award check to Superintendent Dr. John Gratto

Spring 2002

Veterans Web Site ~ $1,570 Awarded to the Ballston Spa HS Social Studies Dept. Inspired by New York States Operation Recognition, a program designed to award diplomas to World War II veterans who were unable to complete their education, the web page will include a collection of over 800 local veterans profiles & personal reflections. Submitted by Rick Hengsterman.

Summer Reading Program ~ $4,000 Awarded to the Office of Instruction for Milton Terrace Primary School, Wood Road Intermediate School and Malta Avenue Intermediate School. Together with the distribution of summer reading lists for each grade level from kindergarten through fifth grade, books will be placed in key locations throughout the community to facilitate literacy for elementary students. This grant was funded in part by an award from Stewarts Shops. Submitted by Susan Stoya.

Flexible Camera Systems for Microscope Studies ~ $1,696 Awarded to the Ballston Spa High School Biology Department. The equipment will enable students to measure in micrometers the structures they are studying and label and insert the images into their written lab reports and/or to project the images either through the TV hookup or an LCD display projector for the entire class. Submitted by Georgiann Henderson.

Fall 2001

Art Enrichment ~ $1,067 Awarded to the Wood Road Intermediate School. An after school art enrichment program for talented and motivated students. Artists works, styles, periods, and cultures will be presented through a variety of media. This grant was funded in full through an award from State Farm. Submitted by Kathy Neal.

Math Is A Family Affair ~ $1,067 Awarded to Wood Road Intermediate School. An evening program for parents and students that encourages interest in, and comfort with, high level mathematical thinking. Submitted by Karyn Thomas.

Kindergarten Fourth Grade Reading Program ~ $500 Awarded to Malta Avenue Intermediate School and Milton Terrace Primary School. A cross-school program in which fourth grade students from Malta Avenue School will read to and interact with kindergarteners at Milton Terrace. This grant was funded by the Cornelia Mahar endowment. Submitted by Eileen Shepard.

Climbing Wall ~ $2,898 Awarded to the Wood Road Intermediate School. Students and staff will use the climbing wall constructed inside the school to build team work, trust, and cooperation among those in a given group. Submitted by Kevin Dayton.

A Link to School Success Web Content Service ~ $425 Awarded to the Parent Leadership Council, c/o Ballston Spa High School PTSA. The web-based service will be linked to the Ballston Spa Central School District web site to provide up-to-date, practical, educational enrichment programs for parents. Submitted by Martha Iacolucci.

Solar Kiln ~ $2,000 Awarded to the Ballston Spa High School. A solar-powered kiln will make it possible to utilize donated wood to supply the schools own materials for projects of the schools Technology Department. Submitted by William Aube.

Respecting Diversity ~ $5,500 Awarded to the Ballston Spa HS. Enhancement of a program under way to help students to accept & to respect others. This was fully funded by an award from the United Way of Schenectady County. Submitted by Denise Jones.

Spring 2001

Respecting Diversity Program Expansion ~ $5,000 Awarded to the Ballston Spa High School. Continuation of a program already underway to help students deal with dangerous and hurtful actions taking place in school hallways. This programs goal is to provide a safer school environment. This grant was funded through a legislative grant the BSEF received thanks to Assemblyman James Tedisco. Submitted by Kate Blossom.

Composer in Residence ~ $2,000 Awarded to the Wood Road and Malta Avenue Music Department. An opportunity for fourth and fifth graders to work with a professional composer. Submitted by Katherine Hargis.

Global Positioning Systems (GPS) ~ $1,800 Awarded to the Wood Road Intermediate School. 15 Garvin GPS portable units for outdoor education to reinforce geographic concepts and lessons. Submitted by Joseph M. Lopez.

Theatre Performance FOODPLAY ~ $2,685 Awarded to the Ballston Spa MS. This is Your Life, a theatre performance with a goal of helping students build a positive image and improve their health habits. Submitted by Michelle Strenk.

Listening Centers ~ $3,700 Awarded to the Wood Road Intermediate School. 16 Listening Centers for literature projects and extended response activities. The grant was funded in part by the Cornelia Mahar Endowment. Submitted by Sue Greenberg.

Support Theatrical Performing Group ~ $1,000 Awarded to Ballston Spa HS. A theatrical performing group used to expose students to the arts, community service and leadership. Submitted by Laurie Larson.

Holography Lab ~ $914 Awarded to the Ballston Spa HS. A holography lab equipped with lasers to generate sophisticated holograms for students to engage in hands-on science work. Submitted by Jim Poirier.

Spring 2000

DNA Testing Equipment~ $6,000 Awarded to the High School Science Department. This grant will provide biotechnological experiences for Biology students. The grant was funded through a matching funds partnership between CitiFinancial Inc. and the BSEF. Submitted by Georgiann Henderson and Dave Williams.

Project Adventure ~ $5,000 Awarded to the Ballston Spa High School for use by students in the High School and Middle School. This grant is funding a team building, problem solving physical education program. This program was funded through a legislative grant the BSEF received thanks to Assemblyman James Tedisco. Submitted by Mike Heedles and Arthur Cotugno.

Gardening 2000 Project ~ $2,000 Awarded to the Ballston Spa MS. This grant will help students, staff, and community members transform the courtyard and greenhouse into a working garden. Submitted by Valerie Valla, Mary Taylor, & Sandra Catricala.

Elementary Science Program Kits ~ $2,000 Awarded to Malta Avenue Intermediate School. Submitted by Phil Grayber.

The Family Reading Project ~ $2,000 Awarded to Head Start Family Education Program, located in the Milton Terrace Primary School. This grant will purchase books for use by pre-school children and their families. Submitted by Barbara Adams.

Respecting Diversity: Building A Caring School Environment ~ $1,700 Awarded to the High School. This project will teach students to accept and respect others. It will involve staff and students in tenth grade. Submitted by Kate Blossom.

Stereoscopic Microscopes ~ $1,000 Awarded to the Malta Avenue Intermediate School Science Program. The grant was funded through a matching funds partnership between the Cornelia Mahar Endowment and the BSEF. Submitted by Phil Grayber.

Fall 1998 and Spring 1999

Preserving Local History ~ $5,000 Awarded to the High School. This project was funded through a legislative grant thanks to Assemblyman James Tedisco. Submitted by Linda Lake and Pat Davis.

Sound System and Risers ~ $3,700 Awarded to the Malta Avenue Intermediate School. Submitted by Phil Grayber.

Arts In Education Program ~ $2,000 Awarded to the Milton Terrace Primary School. Submitted by Kate Blossom.

Video Disc Player ~ $1,500 Awarded to the High School Language Department. Submitted by Mabel Dudley and Kori Fairbrother.

Weather Stations ~ $1,000 Awarded to the Milton Terrace Primary School. Submitted by Sue Valaitis and Deannie McCarthy.

A Stroll Among the Planets ~ $900 Awarded to the Wood Road Intermediate School and the High School. This grant brought together students in the High School and in grades 3,4,5 to research and construct a scale model of the solar system to be placed throughout the District with a coordinating website. Submitted by Andy McGrath and Richard Reed.

Science Lab Equipment ~ $750 Awarded to the Wood Road Intermediate School. The grant was funded by the Cornelia Mahar Endowment Fund. Submitted by Amy Landis and Andy McGrath.

Spring 1998

Composer In Residence ~ $1,000 Awarded to the High School Music Department. Submitted by Tracy DeRagon.

Video Disc Player ~ $1,000 Awarded to the Middle School Language Department. Submitted by Greg Schaefer.

Spring 1997

All of these grants were funded through a Legislative Grant the BSEF received from Assemblyman James Tedisco.

Graphing Calculators ~ $2,850 Awarded to the High School Science Department. Submitted by Ron Porter and Julie Shepelavy.

Microscopes ~ $1,890 Awarded to the Middle School Science Department. This grant provides microscopes for each student in the classroom. Submitted by Karen Banovic.

Kids Kits ~ $600 Awarded to Wood Road. Two interactive learning kits for students in grades K thru 5. Submitted by Shirley Teppo.

Field Trip and Books ~ $385 Awarded to the Malta Avenue School Grades 2 museum trip and Educational resources. Submitted by Olga Kostuk and Sue Rainka.

Earth Science Software ~ $269 Awarded to the HS Science Dept. Submitted by Karen Houck, Dan Ling, and Mary Lou Bingham.