Backing the schools

The Rockland Education Foundation has awarded $23,501 in grants to teachers and administrators in the public schools. Successful proposals include continuing the high school Shakespeare Festival, held every four years and set for March 29-30; providing iPads for high school math classes; continuing the Esten School “Poet in Residence” and the “Destination Imagination” problem-solving challenge at Memorial Park School; field trips; and purchasing books and computer programs. An additional $8,500 was awarded to Superintendent John Retchless to be spent on new programs throughout the school year. The foundation has provided money for instructional materials and other start-up expenses for a full-day kindergarten that begins next fall. The foundation’s primary fund-raiser is a golf tournament held in June, and money also was raised through a dining event at the 99 Restaurant last fall. - Steve Hatch