A Message from the Hingham Education Foundation President

For nearly 20 years, Hingham Education Foundation has helped provide funds to enrich the teaching curriculum for our public schools.  Our work has always been appreciated, however now that we’ve seen the school budget get stretched to meet the needs of our increasing school population,  it appears that Hingham Education Foundation grants are needed now more than ever.  In fact, last year we received a record number (68) of grant requests totaling almost $300,000, three times more than what we had available to fund.   As a board we had to make some tough decisions between the many worthwhile projects Hingham teachers sought to bring into their classrooms.

Typically, whenever we award grant requests, we look at how many Hingham students will be affected by each request, because many times we are funding programs and initiatives that are not now supported by the school budget.  That’s why, especially when we have seen such need, we have focused more on department based (i.e. literacy, math or science departments) or grade level grants that reach all schools and ultimately benefit more students.    We’ve continually funded grants to keep our school technology current by providing updated computers and interactive white boards.  This year we funded a grant to revamp the school wide website – look for future improvements to the site!   We’ve replaced much needed equipment for elective classes such as band equipment, sewing machines, table saws, a wood planer, a ceramics kiln, and special printers and cameras for art/graphic classes.  We’ve provided significant improvements to the high school auditorium which is used by many organizations in town.  We’ve funded phenomenal speakers from a teen psychology workshop to a powerful story about bullying targeted to middle/high school students and parents.   For our younger audience, we funded an enlightening presentation by Ruby Bridges, an African American woman who was an integral part of the civil rights movement.  Every fourth and fifth grader in each elementary school was lucky enough to hear her speak firsthand about her history making experience.   Our grant list continues....and it is our hope that every child in the Hingham school system has benefited from our many grants throughout the years.

All of these grants (and more) are funded solely by fundraising dollars.  We are extremely lucky to live in a community where people are so giving of their time and financial support.  Special thanks to all those who have been part of our core fundraising group – those who have hosted an Entertaining for Education party (many who host a party every year!), or ran in the Boston Marathon with one of our fundraising bib numbers or purchased a SMART Board.  Thank you to those who always send back our phonathon pledge cards with a donation or attend an Entertaining for Education party or supported one of our marathon runners.   It is the combined effort of many that allows our foundation to be so successful.
This year, in lieu of our marathon fundraiser, we are excited to launch a new event: a town-wide Spelling Bee.  The Spelling Bee will be open to elementary school students in grades 2nd thru 5th and will take place on March 4th.  We look forward to establishing a new tradition that not only supports education and involves students but also fosters community spirit.  Stay tuned for registration details! 

Thank you for your continued support of Hingham Education Foundation. 
Katherine Forbes
President, Hingham Education Foundation