Hammonton Education Foundation awards

over $34,000 in grants for 2026-2027 school year

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Foundation Supports 8 Innovative Programs Across All Hammonton Schools

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The Hammonton Education Foundation (HEF) is proud to announce the awarding of $34,425 in grants to fund eight innovative and impactful projects across Hammonton Public Schools for the 2026–2027 school year. 

 

These grants are direct testament to the mission of the foundation.

 

“We are once again pleased to fund the array of grants submitted by each of the schools in our district. The opportunities the programs will provide is an investment in our students, staff and community,” said Lynne Comunale, co-chair of the program allocations committee. “We remain committed to giving a high-quality educational experience to the individuals who make up Hammonton Public Schools.”

 

Grant recipients and their awarded projects include:

 

Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC)

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• STEM Explorers – $9,706.21 awarded to Tara Merlino, Krista Leach, Jennifer Aloisio, and Gina Giralo for the purchase of manipulatives and Magnetic Wonder Tiles builder sets that encourage students to think critically while building, creating, and experimenting in a supportive and interactive environment. By incorporating meaningful play experiences, STEM Explorers will help students strengthen creativity, confidence, and essential thinking skills while remaining actively engaged.

 

Warren E. Sooy Elementary School (WES)

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• Lego Education Computer Science & Al Kits  – $4,628.00 awarded to Cynthia Rongone for the purchase of Lego Education Computer Science and AI Kits, which will provide expanded opportunities for WES Elementary students in Grades 2-5 to explore computer science, coding, and artificial intelligence through hands-on STEM learning. Integrated into WES’s existing STEM and Computer Science curriculum, the program will help students build computational thinking and programming skills while encouraging creativity, teamwork, and innovation. 

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Hammonton Middle School (HMS)

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• Hatching Curiosity: A Hands-On Life Science Experiment – $3,357.02 awarded to Pryce Bouchard and Amy D’Ambrosia for materials needed to incubate and hatch chicken eggs while observing and caring for chicks as they grow. Students will engage in an authentic, hands-on learning experience that connects directly to life science standards, including animal life cycles, ecosystems, adaptations, and responsibility for living organisms. Through daily observation, data collection, journaling, and collaborative discussions, students will explore scientific concepts in a meaningful and engaging way.
   

• Vision Screening Program – $4,195.00 awarded to Kimberly Scavo and Jamie Rizzotte for the purchase of a Titmus Vision Screener to enhance student health services by providing more accurate and comprehensive vision screenings in a private, student-friendly setting. Unlike traditional eye chart screenings, the device can assess farsightedness, nearsightedness, peripheral vision, color and depth perception, and muscle imbalance, while also accommodating students with language barriers or varying learning and focus needs. 

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• Gaga Pit - Phase 2– $6,338.80 awarded to the physical education faculty for the installation of a second recreational gaga pit for use in the physical education program to enhance current curriculum while aligning with the district’s commitment to health and wellness initiatives. The addition would help accommodate the school’s large physical education classes while reducing overcrowding and increasing student participation. Integrated into the curriculum, Gaga Ball promotes teamwork, inclusivity, sportsmanship, and healthy competition, while encouraging students to build friendships, confidence, and positive social connections through active outdoor play.

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• Student Leadership Development Exchange– $1,425.00 awarded to applicant Kelsey Coyle to fund a year-long initiative designed to bring together middle school student leaders from Hammonton and neighboring schools to build leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Through three full-day exchanges in the fall, winter, and spring, students will participate in interactive workshops, collaborative activities, and guided reflection focused on teamwork, conflict resolution, and ethical decision-making.

 

• Weather at the Ballpark– $2,069.60 to Sarah Manna for ESL students to attend the “Weather at the Ballpark” program at Citizens Bank Park, where they will learn how weather impacts outdoor sporting events. Local meteorologists will teach students about weather conditions, forecasting, and stadium safety in a real-world setting. ESL students will have the opportunity to with connect classroom learning to an iconic part of American culture while helping students build confidence using English in everyday situations.

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Hammonton High School (HHS)

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• Makey Makey Unit – $2704.00 awarded to Manny Martinez for the purchase of Makey Makey hardware kits for students enrolled in Music Technology to explore creativity, engineering, and music production through a hands-on STEAM unit. Students will design and build their own MIDI controllers, use them to create music in digital audio workstations, and gain a deeper understanding of music technology and sound production. The unit will culminate with students connecting their custom-built controllers to rhythm games such as Guitar Hero and Rock Band, blending technology, music, and interactive learning in an engaging real-world application.

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Since its inception, HEF (a recognized 501(c)(3) organization) has remained committed to enhancing educational opportunities by funding programs that extend beyond the district’s operating budget.  Since 2005, HEF has awarded more than $661,000 worth of grants. 

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“The Hammonton Education Foundation’s ability to enhance the quality of education for students in the public school district is possible only because of the tremendous support we receive from the community,” said Monica Kemp, also a co-chair of the foundation’s program allocations committee. “On behalf of our trustees, I want to express our gratitude to everyone who has contributed to our organization’s success by sponsoring, attending, and supporting our fundraisers, including the ThanksForGiving Gala which is returning November 14, 2026 at Sweetwater Marina.”

 

For more information about the Hammonton Education Foundation or to support future grants, please visit www.hefonline.org.

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