To support summer learning, the New Bedford Education Foundation has announced the award of $25,000 in Summer Grants for a total of 11 nonprofit organizations who plan to work with nearly 3,500 New Bedford Public School children throughout the city this summer.

This story was first published in the Standard-Times on June 8, 2018 – HERE

“We are pleased to award this critical funding to organizations that will engage thousands of New Bedford Public Schools’ students in innovative, interactive, inter-disciplinary learning programs that provide experiential learning opportunities,” said Gig Lang, committee chair for the New Bedford Education Foundation’s Summer Grants program, in a news release.

2018 Summer Grants awardees include:

• $1,500 for the SeaLab Marine Science Education Center Scholarship Fund
• $750 to the Sharing the Harvest Summer Education Program of YMCA Southcoast
• $4,500 for the YWCA of Southeastern MA YWKids School Age Program
• $2,000 to fund the New Bedford Art Museum/Artworks! Artmobile
• $500 for The Kids on the Block program of The ARC of Greater New Bedford
• $3,500 to the Community Boating Center for its Summer Youth Sailing Program
• $1,500 to fund the KoolDays initiative of the City of New Bedford Department of Community Services
• $2,000 for the Boys and Girls Club of Greater New Bedford TRIPLE Play program
• $3,000 to Youth Opportunities Unlimited for its Explore Your Environment: GEAR program
• $3,750 to fund the Creative Careers Summer Program from Dream Out Loud
• $2,000 for the Culture*Park Theater and its Stories to Stage program

The New Bedford Education Foundation (NBEF) supports educational opportunities for New Bedford public schools’ students beyond what is funded through the school budget. NBEF solicits and channels funds used to enhance and expand the educational opportunities provided to students of New Bedford public schools. NBEF is independent of the School Committee and public revenue sources, and it is a fund of the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts.

This story was first published in the Standard-Times on June 8, 2018 – HERE

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NEW BEDFORD — New Bedford history is about to get the “Hamilton” treatment.

“HipHistory NB” will be the theme of a youth engagement program in three New Bedford schools — Roosevelt Middle School, Nativity Preparatory School, and Global Learning Charter Public School — thanks to grants awarded to AHA!, 3rd EyE Unlimited and the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts from MassHumanities and the New Bedford Education Foundation.

“Working with AHA!, the schools and local cultural institutions on the HipHistory NB project is an amazing opportunity for 3rd EyE Unlimited,” said Keri Cox, board president of 3rd EyE. “Continuing the work from the Youth Ambassador Program with the Park Service, the HipHistory program could be the first step to meeting local youth who will use hip hop and spoken word as a vehicle to connect with the New Bedford community.”

This story first appeared in the Standard TImes – HERE

The first phase will include an interactive assembly program at the three schools that will reinterpret historical narratives using spoken and musical performance.

These performances are based upon the model developed by YAP! (Youth Ambassador Program), a collaborative program between 3rd EyE and the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. These interactive performances will be facilitated by members of the 3rd EyE team that developed the content.

“This is such an exciting opportunity to engage the schools and community in a common goal that will impact the students in a positive way,” said Lynn Souza, director of Fine Arts for the New Bedford Public Schools. “Not only will students be learning about their community, but they will be working together with students from different schools. There is so much investment in the students from all partners and I can’t wait to see the culminating performance!”

A grant of $7,500 from MassHumanities and $1,000 from the New Bedford Education Foundation were awarded for the program, which has three primary goals:

• To introduce middle school students to their local history in an engaging and meaningful way.

• To give interested students the opportunity to participate in a primary research process in which they can discover information, reflect on the process, and create their own interpretations of the histories

• To connect middle school students from different school environments through a working project.

“We’re thrilled to be able to launch a project that will connect local students with the identity of their city and the evolving nature of civic engagement,” said AHA! Director Lee Heald. “HipHistory NB will share the resources of the community with local schools, connect kids from different schools and culminate in performances which give back to the community.”

Phase Two is a pilot after-school group for students from all three middle schools. Meeting once a week for 10 weeks, students will be introduced to local scholars and institutions which support the cultural collection of materials and interpretation and will have a chance to showcase what they are learning through spoken word, lyrics and poetry.

HipHistory NB will culminate in public performances in local libraries and AHA! nights in the participating institutions, as well as a video for local cable access TV.

The project will partner with local historians from the New Bedford Historical Society, the Fishing Heritage Center, New Bedford Whaling Museum, the Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum, and New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.

These scholars will connect the students with the identity of their city and the evolving nature of civic engagement, a press release about the initiative stated.

The weekly themes include whaling as an industry, abolition and the Underground Railroad focusing on Frederick Douglass, and maritime work and fishing, among others.

The final project of student performances will focus on how the identity of the city is reflected in the written and spoken voices of its people and how the future will be narrated by youth.

AHA! (Art, History & Architecture) is New Bedford’s free Downtown Cultural Night and collaborative cultural organization with over 60 downtown venue partners. Its mission is to be a cooperative venture dedicated to invigorating the downtown New Bedford cultural scene using the power of the arts and cultural enterprise, creativity and collaboration to forge a new economy. This includes creating a platform for local and regional artists, cultural groups and educators to present and being a key partner in the city’s creative economy initiatives.

Since 1995, area residents have been turning to the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. The Community Foundation is a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern – improving the quality of life in Southeastern Massachusetts. To date, the Community Foundation has distributed over $25 million from 200 funds to humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in the region.

This story first appeared in the Standard TImes – HERE

Read more:  NBEF Mini Grants in the News

Discretionary Grants Awarded, Fall 2013 – Spring 2014:

• Fall 2013, $9,179: NB District Music/Art iPad Donation & Normandin Middle Keyboard Lab:
  NBEF partnered with NB Director of Fine Arts, Kerri Anne Quinlan-Zhou, to fund the purchase of technology to aid the Art and Music programs. NBEF donated fifteen Apple iPads, and funded the completion of a keyboard lab at Normandin Middle School. The keyboards and the iPad devices provide integrated technology opportunities for students and teachers to work in 21st Century modalities. These tools enable students to compose music, integrate instrumentals, develop, capture and share performances – fostering innovation, technology, collaboration, and problem solving skills.The use of iPad technology enables the collection of student growth data that will be a component in the music teachers’ educator evaluation and comprises the “non-traditionally tested subject” pilot assessment of New Bedford’s proposed DDM (District-Determined Measures) plan as submitted to the state this year.
• Fall 2013, $7,000: Technology for Parker Elementary School:
  Working with Dr. Pia Durkin, NBEF awarded funding to the District for the purchase of much needed technology for the recently designated Level 5 Parker School. NBEF funded the purchase of four (4) LCD projectors, four (4) Document Cameras and one (1) White Board Technology. These additions to Parker Elementary enabled the NB Administration to immediately extend resources to educators and students at Parker, and in preparation of the Turn-around plan being implemented.
• Spring 2014, $10,080: Homework Helpers Cable TV Show for Fall 2014 – Spring 2015:
  NBEF responded to a request from school Administration to reinstate the call-in math homework cable TV show “Homework Helpers” for this coming academic year. This Discretionary Grant was approved, however funding will not be distributed until fall, 2014. However, knowing that funding is forthcoming, NB school District can plan accordingly to reinstate this important tool to foster math literacy and expand resources to students and families.
• Spring 2014, $4,320: Nine iPads for the Normandin Science/Math teaching core:
  NBEF scaled an Educator Mini-Grant from a Normandin sixth grade teacher to fund the purchase of nine iPads for the 6TH grade math/science core of teachers at Normandin. These devices will enable collaborations on curriculum development and student assessments, and they represent NBEF’s continued commitment to aid in the development of excellent educational programs for New Bedford Public Schools’ students.

Fall 2013 Educator Mini-Grant Recipients: nine schools, pre-K – high school, 1,019 students

• K’Nex Forces, Energy and Motion Challenge: Ms. Carolyn Dubois, Pacheco Elementary School, 5TH grade. Students build roller models to test concepts of physical science.
• Ocean Explorium Field Trip: Ms. Caroline Dewey, DeValles, K. Touch Tank discoveries.
• Create a School Community Online: Ms. Eileen Cassidy, Betsy B. Winslow, K-5TH. Students use technology to build content online, collaborating with other students and teachers.
• Bones; Your Inner Animal: Ms. Andrea Curtis, Rodman, 1ST-5TH.Students visit UMD exhibit and study correlation between design and function of anatomy and organism structure.
• Hands On Equation: Ms.Jannell Pearson, DeValles, 3RD – 5TH. Kits of Math pieces/projects.
• Build Your Wild Self: Ms. Stephanie Couto, Parker, 3RD – 5TH. LCD project using animal images and research to compose self-made body parts best designed to aid survival.
• Arts in the Classroom: Ms. Gretchen Cholette, Renaissance School, Pre-K – 2ND. Camera.
• The Mitten: Ms. Meagan DaRosa, Gomes, Pre-K. Students read, make, explore mittens.
• The Dining Experience: Mr. Bruce Tench, Whaling City, Jr-Sr High. Male students partner with female community volunteer to learn life skills through art, music, exhibits & dining.
• Art Library: Ms. Cara Beller, Alma Del Mar, K – 4TH. Books to build in-school Art Library.

Spring 2014 Educator Mini-Grant Recipients: six schools, pre-K – high school, 1,045 students

• Impact Learning with Technology: Ms. Gillian Amaral, Renaissance Community School for Arts, K-2ND. Purchase Document Camera to integrate art into core subjects.
• Investigating the Ocean: Ms. Margo Moore, Keith Middle School, 8TH grade. This is a follow- on to last year, now using the video from “Smithsonian Ocean: Our Water, Our World.”
• Frederick Douglas Performance: Ms. Margaret Mongrello, Roosevelt Middle, 7TH & 8TH grades. All seventh and eighth grade teachers collaborated on this 3-applicant grant to fund a field trip to the Zeiterion to experience the Frederick Douglas performance, and to participate in a follow-on debate at Roosevelt following the performance.
• Creating Dry Erase Boards: Ms. Jannelle Pearson, DeValles Elementary School, 3-5TH grades. Transform dormant walls into inter-active learning surfaces using Dry Erase paints.
• Field Trip to Plymouth Plantations: Ms. Susan Kiley, DeValles Elementary School, 3RD grade. Field trip to Plymouth Plantation following classroom study to see history come alive!
• Butterflies: Ms. Ellyn Gallant, Gomes Elementary School, Pre-K. Age-appropriate introduction to the wonders of art and science using the butterfly transformation journey.
• Enrique’s Journey: Ms. Pamela Oliveira, AP 11TH, 10-12 Twilight School. Students receive book, and participate in relevant discussions/activities regarding immigration.

Explore Your Environment (EYE), Trips For Kids, New Bedford – 90 students
Trips for Kids takes students on daily bicycle educational journeys throughout New Bedford and region. Students plan and execute adventures through an inquiry-based approach, discovering local resources.

Divas of Data, Northstar Learning Center – 20 students
NorhtStar Learning Center will partner with NB Public Schools, Ashley & Lincoln, to teach Elementary School girls how to write computer code for computer-based programs and games. Girls gain confidence AND learn skills.

Discovery Days, Buzzards Bay Coalition – 275 students
Buzzards Bay Coalition works with local non-profits summer camp New Bedford Public Schools’ students to conduct on-site hands-on science discovery learning programs, in mostly coastal, marine locations.

Multi-Cultural Dance for Pre-K, New Bedford Ballet – 25 students
New Bedford Ballet Foundation will run a one-week program with PACE Head Start preschool children where students learn about different cultures and traditions, including many dances associated with cultures.

Sailing Into Knowledge STEM, Community Boating Center, NB – 13 students
Thirteen students from under-represented communities in New Bedford will participate in the US Sailing REACH program, using sailing to teach STEM, including coastal environmental science, and celebrate NB resources.

Sea Lab Marine Science Education Center – 15 students
NBEF sponsored scholarships for New Bedford Public School students for the summer Sea Lab Marine Science enrichment program, running for six weeks. This is an academically serious Marine Science Summer Program.

Summer Camp, Friends Academy – 50 students
Friends Academy will partner with Alma Del Mar Elementary School, sponsoring 50 students in the academically rigorous Summer Camp program, including Teacher Training for Alma Del Mar Teachers.

Enhancing Summer STEM Experiences, Ocean Explorium – 500 students
Ocean Explorium will participate in the visit of the Charles Morgan whaling ship with the WOW traveling hands- on ocean science exhibit and programs, available free to students & families, at the dock near the Morgan.

New Bedford Art Museum ArtMOBILE – 2000 students
Travelling Art Mobiles visit New Bedford Public Schools’ students at various sites across the city. Students get access to the arts in their neighborhoods by visits to playgrounds, schools, parks, and housing authority sites.

Lloyd Center for the Environment, Boys & Girls Club Summer Program – 120 students
Partnering with the Boys & Girls Club and Dennison Memorial of New Bedford, LCE will provide on-site, hands- on environmental science programs for disadvantaged youth.

Shakespeare 4 Kids, Culture Park – 40 students
Working with teens in gang-prone neighborhoods of New Bedford, Culture Park partners actors with students to produce theatrical scenes from Shakespeare that promote anti-violence, tolerance, and collaboration.

Something Fishy, Whaling History Alliance – 48 students
Something Fishy runs 2, 1-week sessions that engage students in the history and the life of the waterfront, learning about history, fishing, boating, kayaking and hiking, all along the coastline of the NB harbor.

World Tour, YWCA Summer Camp – 66 students
YWCA girls study cultures through geography, climate, food, music, field trips, and a garden.

Some of life’s most important lessons come early and stick with us. For New Bedford businessman Neal Weiss, life’s lessons hit hard in the mid-1980s when his wife was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor that left her mentally and physically disabled until her death four years later.

At the time, Weiss’ two sons were 3 and 6. He was working as a salesman in Brookline, commuting from the family’s South Dartmouth home, for an electronics company that was just beginning to explore a new and untested field of fiber optics.

For four years, Weiss lived with daily uncertainty — of what would happen to his wife, his family, and his career.

But when the clouds finally cleared, he had a new perspective on life, one he says had more empathy for the daily family struggles people encounter, as well as a strong desire to share his passions and good fortune.

“The good news about bad news is that it puts your life in perspective very quickly,” Weiss said. “You realize that there is family, friends and your health; nothing else really has value.”

Today Weiss runs his own fiber optics company, has been married to his second wife, Marjorie Waite, for 22 years, and is a generous and passionate supporter of the local arts and music communities, a wrestling coach and mentor for New Bedford area youth, an education advocate, and a community and business leader.

For his contributions to making this region better, Weiss was chosen as the first recipient of SouthCoast Media Group’s Irwin M. and Joan K. Jacobs Leadership Award and will be honored at an April 23 event at the Whaling Museum. Nominations for the award came from the community with the winner selected by representatives from the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Fund, SouthCoast Media Group and the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts.
“When we established the Jacobs Leadership Award last year, we wanted it to celebrate the virtues that we believe have allowed Irwin and Joan Jacobs to have such far-reaching impact,” said Bob Unger, editor and associate publisher of SouthCoast Media Group, which publishes The Standard-Times and the SouthCoast Business Bulletin. “We are so pleased that Neal Weiss was chosen as the award’s first honoree. His entrepreneurial and innovative spirit, boundless energy and generosity make him a model of what great business leaders should be.”

“I think Neal is a great choice,” said Craig Dutra, president of the Community Foundation and member of the award selection committee. “He is a business leader that has been involved in a variety of charitable organizations. He is a great president of the New Bedford Education Foundation, which is part of our organization. He is a very philanthropic man who runs a successful business and has a record label.”

Although he has started two businesses, one technical and one creative, Weiss, 67, refers to himself as a reluctant entrepreneur who never set out to own or run a company.

Faced with the prospect of losing his sales job, and needing employment that allowed him to care for his young boys, Weiss worked out a complex deal with his then employer and friend to buy the fiber optics piece of the business. He then relocated it to New Bedford, and, in the 22 years since, has grown it to a staff of 30.

Many people walk by Fiber Optics Center’s small building off Water Street, under the sign that still says Kaller Beef, and never know that within those historic walls employees are sending out as many as 100 orders a day supporting the creation of high-tech data networks all over the world.
In its early years, Weiss hired women with no technical backgrounds who were looking to transition from state aid to employment, to sell his equipment. As long as they were motivated and could speak and write well, he offered them a job.

“I had women here in the ’90s selling to engineers, selling high-tech fiber optics, and learning the business with no sales experience, no computer experience, and, in some cases, no education, not even a GED. That didn’t matter,” said Weiss.

In 1999, he founded Whaling City Sound, satisfying a passion for jazz by helping select musicians record and produce their music. Although an economically shaky venture, the studio has a respected reputation in music circles, and this winter had a CD top the playlist, with the most airtime for six straight weeks, for a nationwide group of 60 to 80 jazz stations.

The studio has also earned Weiss respect locally for his willingness to connect musicians with nonprofits in ways that benefit New Bedford.
“He supports and organizes benefit concerts for local non-profits … integrating the musicians he sponsors with an opportunity to benefit the larger community, wrote Candace Lee Heald, AHA! New Bedford director, in one of four award nominations received for Weiss.

To this day, if a community group is putting on a local jazz event, they often turn to Weiss for advice and just as often receive more than expected, including booked and paid for musicians and assistance promoting events. During the warmer months, Weiss also hosts monthly free AHA! concerts at FOC’s location.

While music is a passion for Weiss, so is art, education, and the YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism and empower women. He is a long-time supporter and former board member of the New Bedford Art Museum and continues to pay their mailings for them. He is a dedicated volunteer for the YWCA, serving on its Capital Campaign Committee and is the board chair of the New Bedford Education Foundation, where he works to solicit business donations that support teachers and students.

Weiss also works directly with children, coaching young wrestling athletes, ages 4 to 14, for the past 40 years, the last 10 through the New Bedford Public Schools.

“Few folks come to Neal Weiss for help with worthy projects and get turned away,” wrote New Bedford resident Jean Bennett in her nomination letter.
As the Jacobs award winner, Weiss ironically counts Qualcomm, Irwin Jacobs’ giant firm, as a customer. Fiber Optic Center makes a microscopic glass sphere, he said, whose properties of light caught the eye of one of Qualcomm’s departments.

“There is a division of Qualcomm that has purchased these balls,” he said. “It’s top secret; they won’t tell us (what they use them for).”
Weiss has met Jacobs and connected with him through the education foundation, which the Jacobs have supported. He admires him for his generosity and effectiveness in creating useful programs.

To be in his company is an honor, he said.

“It’s an amazing honor, because he is revered by me and by almost everyone I know,” said Weiss. “It seems that he knows what it takes to get the desired result. He’s not just putting money out there. He has developed programs and ideas that have produced results.”

By BETH PERDUE
bperdue@s-t.com
April 20, 2014 – 12:00 AM

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