For Immediate Release

Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: [email protected]

Rockland Education Foundation Awards $45,000 in Grants

ROCKLAND — Superintendent Alan Cron is pleased to share that the Rockland Education Foundation has awarded $45,000 in grants to the school system to support new programming, events, technology and materials.

Rockland educators and staff apply to the foundation each September for grants, and funds are awarded based on originality, diversity and alignment with Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s School Core Curriculum.

This year, the foundation awarded $18,440 to Rockland Public Schools through the A. Scott MacKinlay Impact Grant, which is given annually in honor of retired Rockland High School Principal and Co-Founder of the Rockland Education Foundation A. Scott MacKinlay. The grant allowed Rockland Public Schools to purchase 85 Chromebooks, one for each eighth grade student at John W. Rogers Middle School.

Rockland High School technology education teacher Bryan Conklin was also awarded $4,000 by the foundation this year to purchase a Woodworking Share II CNC Machine to support vocational education. The machine is a state-of-the-art tool that will enable students to complete high quality woodworking projects.

The grants have also funded various events, programming, equipment and materials at Rockland Public Schools this year.

This Tuesday, April 9, a “Top Secret Science” night was made possible by the grants at Memorial Park Elementary School, and Scientist Michael Bergen spent three days at the school doing experiments with students in each grade.

“Rockland Public Schools is so fortunate to have this foundation to support our students,” Superintendent Cron said. “These grants have funded an incredibly diverse range of programs, materials, technology and events for students at all grade levels and in all subject areas. Thank you to the Rockland Education Foundation for their continued work to support our schools.”

Additional initiatives this school year made possible by the grants include the purchase of assistive technology for students with communication disabilities at Rockland Preschool, 10 iPads  for art and music at Jefferson Elementary School, a live performance about Ben Franklin at John W. Rogers Middle School and a parent academy at Memorial Park Elementary School to familiarize parents and guardians with the curriculum.

About the Rockland Education Foundation

The Rockland Education Foundation was formed in 1996 by graduates of Rockland High School and community members. The foundation raises funds through private donations and an annual gold tournament each June at the Riddler Country Club. This year’s tournament will take place on Friday, June 21, and registration will soon be available at the foundation’s website at rocklandeducationfoundation.org.

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