|
|
|
|
Submit
|
Custom Search
CivicLifeSportsSchoolsBusinessFoodOur HomesLetters/OpinionsCalendar

Published September 28th, 2022
MEF funds new elementary science program
Photo Ana Moon

The Moraga School District has launched a new elementary science program this fall with the help of a generous grant from the Moraga Education Foundation (MEF). The program adds two new dedicated, credentialed science teachers who lead all elementary students through UC Berkeley's FOSS science curriculum each week.
Longtime fourth grade teachers Millie Tang from Los Perales and Virginia Drury from Donald Rheem have been tapped to teach the new curriculum. Both passionate and experienced educators, Drury also previously held a similar position at San Ramon Unified as a science specialist.
FOSS is a product of UC Berkeley's Lawrence Hall of Science, made by scientists and teachers. The FOSS program aims to make students active investigators instead of passive spectators. Awarded more than any other science program in America, FOSS is widely recognized for its quality, rigor, support, and effectiveness.
"Many children think they are 'not good' at certain academic subjects, like science, at an early age. My goal is to help students learn to love learning and find answers to problems. . We want students to love science, ask questions, and wonder about the world around them," Drury shares.
Tang adds, "We want our students to continue to be curious about the world around them, to be bold, to carry on their investigations and research outside of our classrooms. We want them to be relentless with their search for the  how-to' and their 'I wonder.'"
With the new program, each student receives 45 minutes of hands-on lab work in the new, dedicated science classroom each week. In addition, Drury and Tang are leading teachers with a coordinated science lesson in the classroom. They have even created an internal website for the classroom teachers to share student progress, lessons, and links to ensure easy accessibility for all educators.
"The more people that are sharing and teaching the same subject, the more impactful it is going to be for the student," Brian Sullivan, principal at Rheem, emphasizes.
"My first graders call themselves scientists," a teacher recently mentioned to Ana Moon, president of MEF. "To have that be in their vocabulary that they identify as a scientist, it's going to open up so many possibilities for these kids to envision themselves enrolling in STEM electives at JM or taking classes like Biotech or Computer Integrated Manufacturing at Campolindo High School," Moon said.
MEF has been supporting Moraga's public schools for over 40 years. Thanks to the generous community of donors, MEF granted $2.55 million to Moraga public schools this year, making these science teachers and many other programs possible.
Donations fund academics, enrichment, academic support, and student wellness.?
The 2022-2023 Giving Campaign is going on now to raise funds for next year's grant. Donations can be made online at www.moragaeducation.org.


print story

Before you print this article, please remember that it will remain in our archive for you to visit anytime.
download pdf
(use the pdf document for best printing results!)
Comments
Send your comment to:
Reach the reporter at:

This article was published on Page B3:



Quick Links for LamorindaWeekly.com
Home
Archive
Advertise
send artwork to:
ads@lamorindaweekly.com
Classified ads
Lamorinda Service Directory
About us and How to Contact us
Submit
Letter to the Editor
Send stories or ideas to:
storydesk@lamorindaweekly.com
Send sports stories and photos to:
sportsdesk@lamorindaweekly.com
Subscribe to receive a delivered or mailed copy
Subscribe to receive storylinks by email
Content
Civic
Lafayette
Moraga
Orinda
MOFD
Life
Sports
Schools
Business
Food
Our Homes
Letters/Opinions
Calendar
Copyright Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA