CHEF announces spring teacher grants

The Cape Henlopen Educational Foundation recently announced eight grants totaling $3,650 to help Cape Henlopen School District teachers enhance educational opportunities for their students.

The grants will support a variety of K-12 programs, including creating a listening center with new books; planting raised gardens; purchasing white boards, academic games and other classroom materials; and sending two classes on educational field trips.

Earlier in the school year, CHEF awarded $5,000 for 12 teacher grants. The grants are a central focus of CHEF’s efforts to provide financial support for classroom resources and innovative educational projects that the school district could not otherwise afford.

Since 2006, CHEF has funded 140 teacher grant requests, as well as student grants, performing arts scholarships and special anti-bullying and homelessness programs, totaling more than $85,000 in educational aid to the nine Cape district schools.

Grant requests are evaluated by a panel of educators, chaired by CHSD Reading Specialist Cathy Miller, and recommendations are submitted to the CHEF board for approval.

“We invite local sponsors - businesses, foundations and individuals - to support the teacher grant program,” said Kim Hoey Stevenson, CHEF development director. “The grant funds provide students with hands-on, beyond-the-textbook learning experiences.”

More information about CHEF, including how to volunteer and be a donor, is available at www.capeeducationfund.org.