About the Glen Ridge Educational Foundation
The Glen Ridge Educational Foundation enhances educational opportunities and promotes community involvement in the Glen Ridge public schools. The organization attracts private financial and other resources to help the Glen Ridge School District trial and implement programs that elevate student achievement in today’s competitive world. This not-for-profit group is endorsed by, though independent of, the Glen Ridge School District. Led by corporate and community leaders, the organization identifies, incubates and funds innovative teaching and learning programs that the school budget does not have the leeway to address. Over the last 23 years the Foundation has granted more than $1.3 million dollars to projects and programs in the Glen Ridge Public Schools.
The Ashenfelter 8K Classic and The Tom Fleming Mile are produced by the Glen Ridge Educational Foundation.
The 2017 race was another GREAT success with records set everywhere from most runners to fastest times to most volunteers largest number of sponsors! Many thanks to all who participated in any way. YOU ARE WONDERFUL!!!!
What do thousands of people do before they indulge in Thanksgiving dinner?
They join family ad friends from all over for the Ashenfelter 8K and Fleming 1M.
The A8K Classic and the Ton Fleming One Mile, held just before the featured A8K Classic, always draw a large crowd and enthusiastic gallery of spectators with runners from 3 to 83 years of age.
Proceeds help fund the many grants we award and projects we support.
To learn more, become a sponsor, or to see photos, go HERE.
Project One to One
When teachers wanted to take their students and teaching methods to the next level, GREF responded immediately. Partnering with the Board of Education, within two months every student in grades 7 through 12 was issued a Chromebook enabling teachers to bring new experiences and learning opportunities to their classes. Facilitating the learning and teaching process resulted in an enhanced enthusiasm in both students and teachers, keeping Glen Ridge students on the path to success.
GRHS students are no longer limited by attending a “small” high school!
Our donors have made it possible for them to take over 250 different courses in order to meet requirements, resolve scheduling conflicts … or because they are interested and just want to learn! More information can be found HERE.
Donate for free!
Join us in raising funds to benefit all students in the Glen Ridge Public Schools through the Boiling Springs Savings Bank Community Alliance Program (CAP). Click HERE for more info.
Are you looking for a way to say “Thank you!” to teachers and staff for contributing to your child’s education?
Learn how HERE.
Summer 2015 Major Project Sixth Grade Science Room
It had been more than half a century since the science room used for all 6th grade students at Ridgewood Avenue School had been upgraded.
- There were no lab tables for experiments, just uneven, tipsy desks.
- There was insufficient counter space for lab materials.
- The storage units were inefficient, antiquated and damaged.
- The lack of facilities made it difficult for students to work collaboratively and to complete more complex experiments.
Improving the situation was critical for our STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) program, especially given the implementation of the new N.J. Core Curriculum Content Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards developed by the National Research Council. The new curriculum places a greater emphasis on hands-on learning, including personal observation, analysis, experimentation and communication. More labs are required and the course demands a higher level of understanding to draft lab reports that are aligned with the Middle School program.
A transformation from this (below left) to this (below right)! A laboratory environment that stimulates students interests in and knowledge of the sciences … an environment to explore for the future!
Two Decades of Funding Projects for All Glen Ridge Students!
Since 1993 the GREF has raised over $1,300,000 to fund projects that affect students of every age in all disciplines. These projects include:
- Ridgewood Avenue School Auditorium Renovation
- Virtual High School
- Communications Project / TV Studio
- Lucy Calkins Writing Program
- Leveled Reading Libraries at Forest and Linden
- Junior Great Books
- Impact Concussion Project
- Foreign Language Lab
- Equipment to enhance fitness education at the High School
- Macbeth: The Rock Musical – written, directed and produced by the High School Drama Club
- CAD Lab
- Staff Development for Teachers
- Programs and Technology for Special Needs Students
- Hundreds of Mini-Grants
Recent STEM projects include:
- Synergistics Lab at Ridgewood Avenue
- High School Robotics Team and 8th grade class – electronics equipment
- 3D printer for CAD and engineering classes at Middle and High Schools
- teentech™ – conference for High School girls interested in exploring STEM-based career options
Through the generosity of donors, the Foundation funds innovative programs that increase the academic excellence of our Glen Ridge schools and elevate student achievement in today’s competitive world. Please contribute to our continuing effort to support our students by adding the 6th grade science lab to the list of projects that would not be available without GREF funding.
Board of Trustees
Anne Alix • Glen Bronstein • Arthur Dawson PhD • Duval Graham • Ali Hilberth • David Lefkovits, CFA • Ann Marie Linke • James Lisovicz, Esq. • Mary Louise Malyska PhD • John McCusker, Esq • Maureen Mycka • Marcia Horton O’Grady • Dirk Phillips • Bill Potter • Gwen Schoenfeld, Esq. • Linda Seyffarth • Anthony Turiano • Fran Wong • Tom Wright
The Glen Ridge Educational Foundation is classified as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law and qualify for corporate matching programs. Donations can also be made if the form of securities which may be advantageous in regards to capital gains. For additional information please email theGREF@comcast.net and consult your tax professional. Tax ID Number 22-3258018.