WEF awards grant of $25,000 to WPS

On August 3rd, the Wakefield Educational Foundation (WEF) Board of Directors voted to award a $25,000 grant,  its largest ever, to the Wakefield Public Schools to support enhanced remote learning through the purchase of 40 portable Video Collaboration Systems.  Teachers can use the Video Collaboration Systems at home or in the classroom to improve video and audio capabilities, enhancing students' engagement in remote learning.  

In a typical year, WEF seeks grant requests from teachers, administrators and PTOs.  Since the majority of grant requests are for special events, such as guest speakers and group academic enrichment activities which may not be possible this year, the WEF Board of Directors decided upon a different approach to support the schools this year.  Members of WEF’s Grant Committee met with Superintendent Lyons to explore ways that WEF could make an impact during a year in which at least a portion of student instruction will take place remotely.  Mr. Lyons identified technology solutions to improve the teaching and learning experience and this grant is in response to those findings.

Elizabeth Russell, President of WEF expressed her pleasure with the WEF Board's decision to allocate funds in this way, "I am incredibly proud of our ongoing collaborative partnership with the Wakefield Public Schools.  This year, more than any other, we wanted to think outside of the box and find a way to support the reopening of schools and enhance the remote experience for teachers and students.  It has been a hard time for so many and we are pleased that WEF grant funds can help to make things a little better this year."

To support the grant process, WEF receives generous funding from key local business partners, private donors, and a series of annual fundraisers including: WEF’s Wakefield Public Schools Calendar, showcasing student art; the S.T.A.R.S. program, recognizing exemplary WPS staff; Chocolate Roses; and the Adult Spelling Bee. WEF has awarded over $400,000 across the Wakefield Public Schools district since 1989.