The Arlington Education Foundation (AEF) has completed its spring grants cycle and has awarded a total of $10,310 in two grant categories, Innovations in Education and the Continuing Scholar Award.   “AEF is proud to continue its mission to support Arlington’s public school teachers and administrators despite the current school closures due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We look forward to schools re-opening and these exciting new opportunities getting underway at that time,” remarked Julia Schilling, AEF President.

Innovations in Education grants support innovative teaching and learning in classrooms throughout the district.  This spring there were four such grants awarded:  

  • Live Animal Library: APS’ Science Department will maintain a Live Animal Library, making animals available for all teachers to check out for use in their classrooms to support specific areas of study.
  • This is Who We Are – Movable Art:  Students at Ottoson will use the theme “This is who we are” to create art which explores issues of identity and community, and will be exhibited in the cafeteria.
  • Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Project at Gibbs: Gibbs staff will develop a multi-tiered system for identifying students who require various supportive interventions to maximize their school readiness, engagement, and academic potential.
  • AHS Peer Helper Program: The Arlington High School counseling department will create a peer-to-peer support program, including the training of students.

AEF also awarded one Continuing Scholar Award (CSA) which supports individual teachers’ professional goals and personal interests.  This spring’s CSA recipient is: 

  • Hannah Dingman, English Learner Teacher, Hardy School, who received funding to participate in the WIDA (World-class Instructional Design and Assessment) Annual Conference originally scheduled for this fall in Denver, CO.

The Arlington Education Foundation is committed to enhancing teaching and learning in all of Arlington’s public schools.  Through charitable donations and business sponsorships, the foundation grants over $100,000 annually. 

To learn more: apply for a grant or donate here.