March 14, 2006 > Money for Mummies

by Rick La Plante

A mummification project to help teach seventh-graders about ancient Egypt and two projects designed to enhance math instruction - one for third-graders, the other for high schoolers - are among those selected to receive funds through the New Haven Schools Foundation's new mini-grant program.

Twelve District teachers will share more than $4,000 in the first round of mini-grants awarded by the Foundation, under a new program designed to support special activities that promote learning.

The winners include a project submitted by Alvarado Middle School teacher Summer Belloni, in cooperation with colleagues Sarah Graff and Michelle Deering, who have their seventh-graders mummify Cornish game hens as part of their studies of ancient Egypt.

Logan High School teacher Linda Rodrigues received a grant for a PowerPoint math presentation for her Algebra students, and Hillview Crest third-grade teacher Fran Zertuche was granted money to purchase games to help her students improve their math skills.

More than 40 New Haven teachers - some working individually, others in teams - submitted a of 32 grant applications. A committee drawn from the Foundation's Board of Directors was charged with identifying 8 to 10 recipients. The nine winners received their awards when the Foundation's "Prize Patrol" toured the District, surprising the winners by visiting their classrooms to announce the awards in front of their students.

For more information on the project call Rick La Plante: (510) 471-1100, ext. 2310.