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New Grants Fuel Innovation in Civics, Arts, Science, and Beyond
An innovative project that unites architecture, printmaking, and civics is among the first educator grants awarded by the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence for the 2025-26 school year. The interdisciplinary project, dreamed up by Buzz Aldrin Middle School art teacher Deborah Guzman Meyer , in collaboration with social studies teacher Jessica Eden-Mintz , will help more than 120 middle school students engage deeply with the Bill of Rights and the Amendments to the U.S

Erin Madigan White
Dec 17, 20253 min read


Teachers Spark Learning Through Observation
Hillside elementary school science teacher Susan Bartol first saw “ Observe r” at a national convention for science educators in Philadelphia last year. The film focuses on the power of observation, how scientists and artists look differently at the world, and how paying attention can spark discovery and reframe knowledge and understanding. “To be an observer, you must find your portal into the wonders of the world. There is a universe everywhere you turn,” the film's trail

Erin Madigan White
Dec 9, 20253 min read


Longtime Board Member Hudson-Plush Named MFEE Deputy Director
The Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence is thrilled to announce that Sarah Hudson-Plush is joining MFEE this January as Deputy Director, overseeing day-to-day operations and working closely with the Executive Director to drive strategic growth. Having served on the MFEE Board of Trustees for seven years, Hudson-Plush is deeply familiar with MFEE’s work to nurture teachers and promote equity and classroom innovation across the Montclair Public Schools. She has served a

Erin Madigan White
Dec 4, 20252 min read


Grant Uplifts Indigenous Women’s Voices at MHS
MHS 10th grade English students with new books provided by an MFEE grant. When Katelynn Costello and Elizabeth Voltman , teachers at Montclair High School, wanted to incorporate more Indigenous women’s voices into their classroom, they turned to the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence for support. MFEE awarded them an Educational Excellence grant – the first of the 2025-26 cycle – to purchase new books for the English 10 curriculum. The teachers told MFEE they hope t

Erin Madigan White
Nov 12, 20252 min read


Thank You for Helping MFEE Empower Multilingual Learners
It was another record year for Sabor Montclair ! Thanks to our generous community, we raised more than $45,000! These critical funds allow us to continue our work, including programs that serve 200 multilingual students who attend Montclair Public Schools. We sold 279 meals, including 40 that were donated to Toni's Kitchen. A special thanks to our sponsors: * Matthew and Lisa Russman * Ray Vars and Masiel Rodriquez-Vars * Jennifer Odell and Robert Nossa * Jennifer Caldarella

Erin Madigan White
Oct 29, 20251 min read


Weston Awards: Meet Watchung Elementary's Brittany Kramer
2025 Peer Inspiration Award Winner This is the latest in our series spotlighting the winners of the 2025 Judy Weston Awards for Inspired Teaching. Follow along each week to learn more about the impact these educators are making in the Montclair Public Schools. +++ The Peer Inspiration Award is unique in that it is based on nominations from colleagues. Those who nominated Watchung Elementary School's Brittany Kramer for this honor see first-hand the impact that she has on ev

Erin Madigan White
Oct 20, 20252 min read


Weston Awards: Meet High School Counselor Chanda D. Fields
This is the latest in our series spotlighting the winners of the 2025 Judy Weston Awards for Inspired Teaching. Follow along each week to learn more about the impact these educators are making in the Montclair Public Schools. +++ Montclair High School counselor Chanda D. Fields believes in her students. She believes in their ability to persevere. She believes in their potential to succeed. And, most importantly, she never gives up on them, even in the face of incredibly

Erin Madigan White
Oct 14, 20252 min read


Cheers to 10 Years! Celebrating a Decade of Impact in Public Schools
Masiel Rodriquez-Vars celebrates 10 years of leadership with MFEE staff. October marks an important milestone for the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence: Masiel Rodriquez-Vars is celebrating 10 years as executive director! Founded almost 35 years ago as a non-profit dedicated to supporting public schools in Montclair, MFEE has grown significantly in the past decade. Under Rodriquez-Vars’ leadership, the organization has piloted programming for students and teachers,

Erin Madigan White
Oct 14, 20254 min read


Weston Awards: Meet Kay Whang, Charles H. Bullock Elementary School
This is the latest in our series spotlighting the winners of the 2025 Judy Weston Awards for Inspired Teaching. Follow along each week...

Erin Madigan White
Oct 7, 20252 min read


Sabor Montclair! What's at Your Family Table?
It's time to celebrate Sabor Montclair! MFEE asked students at Northeast and Edgemont elementary schools: "What's at your family...

Erin Madigan White
Oct 2, 20252 min read


Weston Awards: Meet Renaissance Math Teacher Mark Stulbaum
+ This is the latest in our series spotlighting the winners of the 2025 Judy Weston Awards for Inspired Teaching. Follow along each week...

Erin Madigan White
Sep 29, 20252 min read


Weston Awards: Meet Watchung Elementary's Christina Sparacino
. This is the latest in our series spotlighting the winners of the 2025 Judy Weston Awards for Inspired Teaching. Follow along each week...

Erin Madigan White
Sep 22, 20252 min read


Weston Awards: Meet Gerald Silvera, 'Champion of Students'
This is the latest in our series spotlighting the winners of the 2025 Judy Weston Awards for Inspired Teaching. Follow along each week...

Erin Madigan White
Sep 16, 20252 min read


Sabor Montclair! Celebrate Community, Culture, Montclair Kids
Reserve a delicious takeout dinner and support public education Reserve your meal today! Join the Montclair Fund for Educational...

Erin Madigan White
Sep 11, 20252 min read


Weston Awards: Meet Montclair High School Teacher Gary Rudoren
This is the latest in our series spotlighting the winners of the 2025 Judy Weston Awards for Inspired Teaching. Follow along each week...

Erin Madigan White
Sep 8, 20252 min read


Weston Awards: Meet Nishuane Special Ed Teacher Regina Polzella
This is the latest in our series spotlighting the winners of the 2025 Judy Weston Awards for Inspired Teaching. Follow along each week...

Erin Madigan White
Sep 3, 20252 min read


‘IdeaLab’ Grants to Fuel Impact With a Focus on Civics
Montclair Public Schools teachers may apply for grants Aug. 28 - Oct. 31 The Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence (MFEE) is piloting...

Erin Madigan White
Aug 27, 20252 min read


Weston Awards: Meet Bradford Teacher Samantha Martinez
2025 Weston Award Winner This is the latest in our series spotlighting the winners of the 2025 Judy Weston Awards for Inspired Teaching....

Erin Madigan White
Aug 25, 20252 min read


Weston Awards: Meet Nishuane teacher Gladys Kiernan
This is the latest in our series spotlighting the winners of the 2025 Judy Weston Awards for Inspired Teaching. Follow along each week...

Erin Madigan White
Aug 18, 20252 min read


Weston Awards: Meet Edgemont First Grade Teacher Judith Grodner
This is the latest in our series spotlighting the winners of the 2025 Judy Weston Awards for Inspired Teaching. Follow along each week...

Erin Madigan White
Aug 11, 20252 min read
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