MFEE Expands Access to Summer Learning and Fun

Students engage in hands-on science at MFEE's learning center during Oruguitas de Verano.

Summer days have been anything but slow at the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence. In addition to gearing up for the 2026-27 school year, the nonprofit education fund is keeping busy creating summer enrichment opportunities for more than 100 students. The programs reflect MFEE’s mission to remove barriers to learning and create equitable access for Montclair Public Schools students.  

“Summer is a chance to help students grow in ways that aren’t always possible during the school year,” said Masiel Rodriquez-Vars, MFEE’s executive director. “Whether kids are building confidence in math, boosting language skills, or making new friends at camp, these experiences give more children an opportunity to thrive.”

Diving Into Bilingual Learning

For the fourth year, MFEE hosted 30 elementary school students eager to dive into bicultural and bilingual learning. Oruguitas de Verano (Summer Caterpillars) ran for three weeks in July. Each day was packed with exciting activities and instruction in both English and Spanish. In addition to making art, learning Latin dance, and doing hands-on science, students took weekly field trips. They visited the Alonzo Bonsal Wildlife Preserve for hiking, Lackawanna Plaza to create murals and play games, and DeKorte Park, an estuary park with walking paths that allow visitors to see birds and wetlands up close.

MFEE is grateful to MHS science teacher Owen Ambrose, bilingual math teacher Kara Galarza, Montclair State University Department of Speech and Language Pathology professors and graduate students who led literacy instruction, Shannon Thomas, Nahomi Alvarez, and Manuela Soares, and our team of volunteer tutors. The camp was led by Rosario Tula, MFEE program coordinator for bilingual after-school programs.

Dr. Twana Davisson brings foundational math concepts to life in Algebra Kickstarter.

Getting a Head Start in Algebra

“When will I ever use this in real life?” is a question many students ask when learning algebra.

That idea inspired Algebra Kickstarter, a free three-week MFEE summer program, in coordination with Montclair High School, for 20 rising ninth graders. Students strengthened foundational math skills through hands-on projects that connected algebra to everyday life, including budgeting and financial decision-making.

Taught by retired MPS math educator Dr. Twana Davisson, the program combined direct instruction, guided practice, collaborative projects, and student presentations to build both skills and confidence.

Algebra Kickstarter expanded on MFEE’s successful summer math support for multilingual learners, with the goal of giving more students the knowledge, confidence, and momentum to succeed in Algebra 1 and beyond.

Making Summer Enrichment Accessible 

MFEE believes every student deserves an excellent education and an enriching summer, too. That’s why it proudly funded scholarships for 60 students who are eligible for free/reduced lunch to attend summer enrichment camps run by the Montclair Public Schools. The camps serve hundreds of students in kindergarten through eighth grade and are run by MPS staff. Daily activities include arts and crafts, books and games, visits to the Mountainside and Nishuane pools, outdoor play, and much more.

See more photos from Oruguitas de Verano below!