Principal Morris requested a grant to purchase Words Their Way spelling curriculum, a literacy curriculum referenced and recommended by Curriculum 2.0.  While MCPS promotes this method of teaching spelling, it cannot afford to provide the necessary materials to schools.  In May 2012 the Foundation agreed to provide funds so the school can purchase this program, in time for it to be implemented for school year 2012-13.

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.