AUGUST | 2017

IN  THIS ISSUE
NEFFullSTEAMAhead
NEF GOES FULL STEAM AHEAD FOR THE 
2017-18 SCHOOL YEAR!

Modern education, especially in the STEAM fields, requires an integrated approach that mirrors what college and career will look like for our students. That is why Northville Educational Foundation is going full STEAM ahead this year for Northville's students by committing $57,500 in funding toward STEAM-related initiatives at Northville Public Schools.

In addition, the Foundation has committed $28,000 toward other enrichment and financial assistance programs for a total of $85,500 in funding for the year. Pictured is breakdown of NEF's commitment made possible through the contributions of our many supporters. To learn more about each program, click here.

In addition to committing $85,500 in funding to NPS for the 2017-18 school year, NEF has set a goal to raise an extra $75,000 for a STEAM Lab at Northville High School.

The STEAM Lab funds would go toward furnishings, tools and equipment to enhance the high school's STEAM curriculum.

To learn more about how you can help equip the STEAM Lab, click here.

Moraine
MORAINE STUDENTS BALANCE FITNESS & LEARNING

In 1992, Japan required that unicycling be taught as part of the nation's PE curriculum in the primary grades. Unicycle riding is a physical activity that gets the heart rate elevated, requires balance, muscle exertion and coordination, which can support positive academic outcomes. A healthy body leads to a healthy mind. The endeavor of riding a unicycle requires grit, rigor and a growth mindset.

This is why Kurt Bartel, a physical education teacher at Moraine Elementary, sought and was awarded an Innovative teaching Grant from NEF. Kurt's grant enabled him to purchase 20 unicycles for his fourth and fifth grade students. After surveying these students and discovering there was much interest in learning how to ride a unicycle, Kurt investigated it further. He realized that to best teach the students, lessons would need to be in smaller groups with no more than 20 students. This meant that students would need to sign up to come in before or after school on their own time to learn. The students still did not mind and many signed a commitment to do so.

After the unicycles were received, students started out riding up against a wall and walking their hands along the wall to help them keep their balance. After they began to feel a better sense of balance and gain confidence, students began working in teams. Two students would walk along both sides of the rider and help them maintain their balance as they pedaled. Next, only one student would walk alongside them, and finally, the students were able to ride solo.

Overall, the students participated for six weeks on Tuesdays before school and at lunch on Thursdays, and nearly all of them became avid unicycle riders. They developed confidence and stronger self-esteem, and learned to work in teams, encouraging each other along the way. Learning something new and challenging like this required critical thinking, astute self-awareness, recognition and response to internal feedback, as well as external (coaching/teaching) feedback. It also required analytical thinking and problem-solving skills in order to make progress.

DirectorResigns
NEF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, JENNIFER ROOSENBERG, ANNOUNCES DEPARTURE

A couple weeks ago, I notified the NEF Board of Directors that I was resigning my position as Executive Director of NEF to accept a position as Executive Director of the Oakland County Bar Association. My last day with NEF is August 31st.

Serving the Northville Public Schools and this community for over three years in this capacity has been both an honor and a pleasure. Some of my fondest memories include surprising our teaching staff when we awarded Innovative Grants and seeing the amazing student projects showcased at the three annual STEAM Fairs. 

To be entrusted with helping to raise funds to provide enrichment programs for Northville's students has been rewarding and in turn has helped me to grow both personally and professionally. As an NHS alumnae, there is no other school district I would have rather served.

I want to thank everyone who has supported NEF over the past several years through your time, talents and treasure. The Northville Public School district is blessed to reside in a community that highly values quality education, but the community is equally blessed to boast one of the best school districts in the State. The two go hand-in-hand.

Moving forward, I want you to feel confident that the Board of Directors has a transition plan in place. Christa Howley, who has been serving as the Foundation's assistant, will step up as Interim Director. You may reach her at howleych@northvilleschools.org.

I will still see many of you around at NHS sporting events and NEF fundraising events. Go Mustangs and thank you again for an amazing three-plus years!

Jennifer Roosenberg

C4C
CASH FOR COLLEGE IS BACK & BETTER!


Sponsors THANK YOU TO OUR 2017-18 CORPORATE SUPPORTERS THUS FAR!

Northville Educational Foundation  |  248.344.3503  |  www.SupportNEF.org
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