When schools moved to distance learning last spring, BEF knew many of our teachers would create innovative ideas to make this new approach to education work better for their students. Thanks to our generous donors, BEF’s Learning Innovation Fund for Teachers and Students (LIFTS) began supporting these new ideas immediately including:
- Transitioning a Poet-in-Residence program online ensuring third graders at Raleigh Park could still experience learning to write and appreciate poetry.
- Purchasing special instruments for a music teacher at Beaver Acres to send home with special education students to continue a movement and music class.
- Supporting student-led initiatives such as Brainy Bags, delivering fun and educational toys purchased from a local business to 50 low-income families allowing students to have exciting things to do while they sheltered-in-place.
- Working with educators to transition the Safe and Sound 4 School Success (S4) program into an online after-school club where academically at-risk middle schoolers could connect with peers and teachers.