Supporting Dobbs Ferry's schools for over 20 years!

HIGHLIGHTS OF PROGRAMS & INITIATIVES FUNDED BY THE DFSF

The International Baccalaureate Program:

The Foundation funded the initial adoption of the IB Diploma program and, in recent years, the expansion to the Middle Years Program, funding comprehensive teacher training which brings benefits to all students in grades 6-10, whether or not they eventually pursue an IB diploma. The Foundation has supported ongoing professional development for teachers and administrators over the several years of implementation. The IB curriculum's cross-disciplinary approach has given students new ways to think about their work across many dimensions.

Science Research Lab:

The Foundation has been instrumental in facilitating the District's commitment to advance the Science Research Program as part of the ongoing district support of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) The Foundation provided the seed money to purchase and install the initial equipment and software in the high school, and, over several years added, among other items, a large format printer, Windows computers and software to analyze and present results.

Math:

Purchased one year of the math on-line service used for practice and reinforcement at home and at school in conjunction with Springhurst’s math curriculum. Provided professional development training for Springhurst teachers in conjunction with adoption of Singapore Math curriculum.

IB Film Program:

Purchased new cameras, mikes and tripods for IB Film program in high school.

New Pianos for Springhurst:

Purchased 4 new pianos for music instruction and performance.

Google Expeditions

Classroom kit of Google Expedition hardware that allows teachers to take students on virtual reality field trips anywhere from inside the human body to civil war sites to Machu Picchu

MS/HS Auditorium Renovation:

Contributed funds toward the refurbishment and renovation of the MS/HS Auditorium and provide support for the District’s ongoing fund raising efforts for the renovation.

Springhurst Playgrounds:

Planned, purchased, and installed the Georgienne Dempsey Kindergarten playground and the first and second grade playground with the Board of Education.

TV Studio:

The DFSF initiated and funded this state of the art facility used by both High School and Middle School students.

Audio Recording Studio:

Purchased and installed electronic keyboards and recording equipment, facilitating the study of audio recording and sound engineering.

New computers:

Purchased and installed new computers for Springhurst, Middle School and High School computer labs.

Middle School Math Lab:

Purchased and installed equipment and software with assistance from IBM for hands-on technology programs.

Destination Imagination:

Provided support to winning teams from all three schools to attend DI Globals in Tennessee in 2008.

MS Journalism:

Funding for a program allowing students to write, design and produce their own newspaper.

Clearwater Classroom:

Supported the annual all-day seminar on board a Hudson River sloop enhancing experiential learning for 4th grade in both science and social studies for 10 years.

Environmental Art:

Funded a two month residency for 5th grade to study environmental artist Andy Goldsworthy and create their own earthworks.

Language Lab:

Purchased Language Lab for use by High School and Middle School foreign language classes.

Reading Incentive Program:

The Principal Kissed a Pig! funded the extraordinary reading initiative at Springhurst in 2008, where students read over 20,000 books to see Principal Berry kiss a pig.

Classroom Libraries:

In Springhurst and the Middle School, these libraries facilitate instruction for students with varying reading levels to support reading goals set for the year. Springhurst funds were raised through matching grants of parents and the PTSA.

Outdoor Classroom:

Provided major funding to support creation of an outdoor learning area for K-5 students to study sustainable gardening and environmental stewardship. Also includes a performance space for individual classroom use. Continued to support gardening initiatives throughout the years since.

Smartboards:

Partnered with the district and NY State elected officials to purchase and install interactive whiteboards in classrooms and libraries of all three schools.

Sound Systems:

State-of-the-art sound systems for the cafeteria and new gymnasium at Springhurst.

Performances and Workshops:

Visits by renowned performers from the Westchester Philharmonic, The Joffrey Ballet, Philharmonia Virtuosi, American Ballet Theater, Mayhem Poets Performance Poetry and many more.

SCHOLARSHIP FUND:

The DFSF is the underwriter of the IB scholarship winners and JBK Personal Achievement scholarship winners of each graduating class. This fund also provides need-based support for students to attend travel programs and field trips in our district.