2020-2021 WEEF Grant Recipients
WEEF funded $11,497.38 to 7 different initiatives for the 2020-2021 school year. Congratulations to the following grant recipients:
1) Ellen Sanfilippo WHS- curriculum to support learning in resource classrooms (executive
functioning, life/study skills, reading, literacy and math) Could be used with in or out of school
instruction, and has the capability to measure success of students/programs.
2) Nick Pendola SSS Reading/literacy books to add to classroom library - relevant people/
topics for excellent talk opportunities.
3) and 4) Susan Ljungberg's WHS/WMS "Sew Fun" sewing class and American Red Cross
babysitting program. Both grants were accepted as after school programs if made available to
students (COVID). Other arrangements could be made possible, if necessary. These programs
will introduce middle students to “home economics” classes at the high school.
5) Marianne Mirando WHS librarian - submitted three possibilities for her Overdrive/Sora eBook
platform. There was a great deal of correspondence with Marianne and I asked for some input
from a few WHS English teachers. This platform will increase eBook access for all WHS
students and opportunities to increase platform with class sets for teachers later.
6) Amy Gryzbowski – WEC – request for funding for RISD scholarships for seven WHS
students to enroll in art classes offered by RISD through the Westerly Education Center. RISD
will match funding for seven more students.
7) Melissa Tallardy – WHS - Last year, Melissa was granted WEEF support for her unit which
included a Trinity play performance and “books in hand” reading of To Kill A Mockingbird.
Now, with civil unrest and the pandemic creating uncertainty, Melissa used spring and summer
to learn more by reading several novels that might expand this unit and support the discussion
of current issues safely in the classroom using literature’s accountable talk. Kudos for her
efforts too! She has requested, Just Mercy, a copy for each student to have a book in hand,
wherever they are, March books 1,2, and 3 by John Lewis as supplementary reading, and an
Upfront magazine subscription for each student.
functioning, life/study skills, reading, literacy and math) Could be used with in or out of school
instruction, and has the capability to measure success of students/programs.
2) Nick Pendola SSS Reading/literacy books to add to classroom library - relevant people/
topics for excellent talk opportunities.
3) and 4) Susan Ljungberg's WHS/WMS "Sew Fun" sewing class and American Red Cross
babysitting program. Both grants were accepted as after school programs if made available to
students (COVID). Other arrangements could be made possible, if necessary. These programs
will introduce middle students to “home economics” classes at the high school.
5) Marianne Mirando WHS librarian - submitted three possibilities for her Overdrive/Sora eBook
platform. There was a great deal of correspondence with Marianne and I asked for some input
from a few WHS English teachers. This platform will increase eBook access for all WHS
students and opportunities to increase platform with class sets for teachers later.
6) Amy Gryzbowski – WEC – request for funding for RISD scholarships for seven WHS
students to enroll in art classes offered by RISD through the Westerly Education Center. RISD
will match funding for seven more students.
7) Melissa Tallardy – WHS - Last year, Melissa was granted WEEF support for her unit which
included a Trinity play performance and “books in hand” reading of To Kill A Mockingbird.
Now, with civil unrest and the pandemic creating uncertainty, Melissa used spring and summer
to learn more by reading several novels that might expand this unit and support the discussion
of current issues safely in the classroom using literature’s accountable talk. Kudos for her
efforts too! She has requested, Just Mercy, a copy for each student to have a book in hand,
wherever they are, March books 1,2, and 3 by John Lewis as supplementary reading, and an
Upfront magazine subscription for each student.
