MFEE Executive Director Masiel Rodriquez-Vars was honored to be the first guest on the 'Glenfield Pod!' When Glenfield Middle School students were seeking their first guest for their very first episode of the "Glenfield Pod,” they turned to Masiel Rodriquez-Vars, executive director of the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence. That’s because their school’s new podcasting studio was made possible by an MFEE IdeaLab grant, which this year focus on the theme “civics in our s

The Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence has served the Montclair Public Schools community for 35 years, fueling innovation and equity across our District. National Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 19 - 25) is the perfect opportunity to thank the community that serves us. Year-over-year hundreds of students, teachers, administrators, parents, retirees, business leaders, artists, and supporters of public education volunteer with MFEE. In 2025, it was 400 volunteers! So

MFEE funded a lending library featuring neurodiverse characters. April is Neurodiversity Celebration Month, but Bradford Elementary School’s SATp committee and special education teacher Laura Giasone wanted to enhance the conversations about belonging and acceptance happening at school all year long. Thanks to a grant from the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence, Bradford staff now have access to a new Neurodiversity Lending Library. It’s stocked with books that prov

Hillside's native plants garden is made possible by an MFEE grant. (Photo courtesy Sally Solo) The Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence is proud to support Hillside Elementary School's new native plants garden! Science teacher Susan Bartol was awarded funds to create the garden as part of this year's educator grants program. With the help of grant co-writer and Master Gardener Sally Solo , Hillside has repurposed an unused grassy area on Hillside Avenue for the garden

Because adults need recess, too—and when Montclair comes together, everyone wins. The Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence is staging another town-wide event to build community and support our public schools. This spring’s fundraiser – “Minute to Win It” – promises an evening of fast-paced party games and friendly competition, all in support of the 6,000 students who attend Montclair Public Schools. The event will take place on Thursday, May 28, from 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.

How do you get students excited about reading? Make it an event. That’s what Bradford Elementary School second grade teachers Jessica Michaud and Kristen Freeh are doing with their weekly book chats, supported by a grant from the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence. Each week, parent or community volunteers come into their classrooms and read aloud with students in a small-group setting. Kids get to dig into context clues, learn new vocabulary words, and build readi

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

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

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

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

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,