Since its establishment in 1998 by five passionate community members, the East Rockaway Education Foundation has been a cornerstone of support for the district's students, educators and schools. Built on a mission to engage students, empower learners and strengthen the community, the Foundation has raised over $650,000 to date, funding more than 250 innovative projects and granting nearly $60,000 in scholarships to deserving students.
This year, the Foundation has continued its legacy of giving with two impactful contributions to East Rockaway UFSD that underscore its commitment to both student learning and well-being.
The Foundation recently donated a 3D printer to East Rockaway High School’s technology department, marking its third contribution of this kind. This state-of-the-art equipment enhances hands-on learning across multiple grade levels and subjects. Students in the Design and Draw for Production class are creating educational toys for children ages 2–10, while 8th-grade students are designing functional fidget spinners. The Digital Fabrication Club leverages the printer to explore creative and advanced projects, providing students the freedom to turn their ideas into reality. 7th-grade students are engaged in 3D modeling using 3D pens, laying the foundation for advanced technological skills in the future.
In addition to advancing educational opportunities, the Foundation recognizes the importance of emotional well-being. To this end, it has approved a grant for therapy dog visits to all grades, K–12, through Therapy Dogs of Long Island.
This initiative will provide five therapy dog visits per school annually, strategically scheduled during high-stress periods like midterms, finals and the holidays. These visits aim to alleviate stress, foster a sense of calm and create a more welcoming and supportive school environment for students of all ages.
Beyond this year’s initiatives, the Foundation has a long history of enriching the educational experience for East Rockaway students. Recent projects include an outdoor classroom at Rhame Avenue School and a library revitalization grant to replace books lost during the pandemic.
The Foundation’s enduring success is a testament to the strong partnership between the community and East Rockaway schools. By consistently asking, “What more can we do for our students?” the East Rockaway Education Foundation continues to serve as a vital resource for enriching learning opportunities and fostering a supportive environment for all.
To learn more about the Foundation’s work or to contribute to its mission, visit https://eastrockawayedfoundation.org
Date Added: 11/26/2024