In the spring of 2012, a team of Somerset parents collaborated with Principal Morris, Building Services Manager Matt Benson, and a representative from the Audubon Society to develop a small garden on the school grounds.  They were eager to make the most of a new opportunity:  after many years of discouraging school garden programs, recently MCPS reversed this policy.  This “Green Team” developed garden plans that supported the current science and/or social studies curricula for each grade level.  More broadly, the goal was to give students exposure to the growing process, the life cycle of plants, and the source of their salads.  Tending the gardens would provide hands-on, cooperative learning and welcome participation from all grade levels and their families.  The Garden Committee requested funds to buy supplies to create the infrastructure and the planting materials.  Following the recommendation by the SAC, the PTA and Foundation agreed to provide the funds requested with equal contributions.

In March 2012, the Foundation approved a grant request from New Hampshire Estates to purchase additional classroom sets of a document camera (known as an ELMO) and LCD projector to help them implement Curriculum 2.0 and meet the needs of their ESOL learners.  With a staff of 30 classroom teachers sharing 9 sets, the teachers (and their students) have not had sufficient access to this important classroom technology.  The school requested two sets, and the Foundation agreed to provide funds to purchase three sets.  This school faces significant budget cuts as Title I funds are no longer available; the Foundation approved this grant unanimously.

In November 2011, the Somerset Elementary School Foundation approved a grant request from Principal Morris to purchase 30 laptop computers for the students of Somerset. Beginning early in the new year three mobile carts with 10 laptops each will be shared throughout the school to enable students to do project research at their own desks, draft and write papers and stories independently while developing computer skills, and take better advantage of a whole range of emerging digital learning opportunities in math, science, reading, and more.

Mrs. Morris and Dr. Woodward expressed great enthusiasm for the significant curriculum support this technology will provide. Board members were persuaded to approve one of the largest Foundation grants in recent years. As parents, we are excited to see the impact that these mobile computer labs will have on the classroom experience of all students.