Page 6 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • January 27, 2010 Franklin Lakes Foundation grants over $250,000 to public schools In an effort to offset recent budget cuts, the Franklin Lakes Education Foundation recently granted more than $250,000 in funding to the district’s public K-8 schools in direct response to teachers’ requests. The foundation, which is comprised of 20 parent volunteers, is dedicated to enriching the quality of education in the K-8 schools by granting resources for innovative programming that would not be possible within the limitations of the board of education’s budget. Twice each year, Franklin Lakes teachers from the three elementary schools and the middle school come before the foundation to request resources for programming, technology, equipment, or special activities that explore areas beyond the scope of the standard curriculum. “Recently, we have seen a significant increase in the amount of requests from classroom teachers of kindergarten through eighth grade for technology-related items, passionately needing and wanting innovative teaching tools,” said FLEF Co-president Ken Mathieson. “To this end, the foundation recently committed to put a SmartBoard – an interactive whiteboard that uses touch technology – in every classroom for each teacher who wanted one. “This single technologicallyadvanced piece of equipment reaches learners of all levels and excites teachers and students alike creating a learning environment that encourages participation and teamwork.” Other grants that were supported by the foundation this year include the completion of a district-wide fiber optic network; acquisition of more than 50 computers; purchase of video cameras, microscopes, green screens, and books; and continued resources for such programs as the Discovery Center, television studio, differentiated learning centers, and musical and dramatic performances. Although the foundation raises money during the year employing various fundraising activities, their financial success is also reliant on direct donations from families and businesses in the community. “These are financially trying times for individual families, local businesses, and the board of education, which makes the foundation’s work even more vital to ensure that the quality of our children’s education is not compromised,” said FLEF Co-president Laura McMichael. “Providing teachers with the tools and support to positively and significantly impact our kids in the classroom on a daily basis is what we strive to do.” For more information about the foundation, visit online at flef.net. WINTER CLEANUPS SNOW PLOWING LAWN MAINTENANCE FULL SERVICE LANDSCAPING ANY JOB OR SERVICE W/COUPON • Exp 3/31/10 • Not Combinable 15% OFF NEW CLIENTS ONLY ASK ABOUT OUR PRE-PAYMENT CALL 201-891-0955 • SEASONAL DISCOUNT! WWW.CIRINOLANDSCAPING.COM Ski the HUNTER MOUNTAINS in the Catskills, and stay at our SKI RETREAT. Stay 2 nights, get the 3RD NIGHT FREE! www.VacationRentalsRetreats.com Call 201-891-0955 for information Valentine Packages give the gift of relaxation. 90 Minute Warm Stone Massage and 60 Minute European Facial  $215  60 Minute European Facial and 60 Minute Swedish Massage  $160  30 Minute European Facial and 30 Minute Swedish Massage  $105  GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE ONLINE Araya Rebirth Make-Up, Massage Therapy & Skin Care Studio 10 Garber Square • Ridgewood, NJ 07450 P: 201-445-7005 • www.araya-rebirth.com HOURS: TUES & THURS 11-8 • WED & FRI 10-6 • SAT 9-5 ������� ����� ������� ���������� ������ ����� ������������ ������ ������ ���������� ���������� ����������� ������ ������ ������������ ����� �������� ����� �������� ������� �������� �������� �����