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,