As the 2024-2025 school year continues, the Mountain Education Foundation (MEF) is excited to report a successful start filled with events aimed at fostering community and supporting students. In the first few weeks of school, MEF hosted several activities to bring parents, students, and staff together. These included a pool party for rising 6th graders of the Signal Mountain Middle/High School (SMMHS), a Boohoo Breakfast for kindergarten parents at Nolan and Thrasher Elementary Schools, and a special presentation by Elizabeth Burton, LPC from Burton Counseling, who addressed anxiety and mental health at SMMHS’s open house. These initiatives have highlighted MEF’s ongoing dedication to supporting our students and building a vibrant community.
“Being a part of both the SMMHS rising 6th grade pool party and the open house with Elizabeth Burton was truly special,” shared Catherine Fore, MEF Board Member. “These events highlighted MEF’s mission to support the whole student, providing them with resources for success in every aspect of their lives. They also underscored our commitment to building a strong, supportive community where every student can thrive. It’s inspiring to see how these efforts are creating a nurturing environment for both academic and personal growth.”
One of the standout events at both Nolan and Thrasher Elementary Schools was the MEF-PTA scavenger hunt during their open houses. This engaging activity invited parents and students to visit various locations throughout their schools to see the direct impact of MEF funding on programs and resources that enhance education. From classroom resources to school-wide initiatives, participants had the chance to learn more about how their donations make a difference. (Funding priorities and staffing decisions are determined annually by principal-led school teams in collaboration with the PTA/PTSA.)
At Thrasher Elementary, families were able to visit key areas of the school to see several examples of how MEF funds are put to use for the 2024-25 school year, showcasing not only specific locations but also a broad range of educational resources and enhancements:
- Response to Intervention (RTI) Programs: RTI offers tailored academic support to address learning gaps and enhance student achievement. Funding includes the salary for an additional interventionist to deliver this specialized support.
- Professional Development: Thrasher teachers are provided with resources for their professional growth, including conference attendance and training sessions. Meals during these development days ensure that teachers are well-equipped to provide the best education possible.
- Teacher Resources, Including Web-based Subscriptions: Students benefit from essential tools such as BrainPOP for engaging learning support, field trip grants that enrich educational experiences, and iXL licenses for personalized practice.
- eLab: Funding supports the eLab, providing students with hands-on access to cutting-edge STEM resources that foster problem-solving and innovation.
- Kiln and Art Classroom: Families learned about the upcoming addition of a kiln, which will allow students to explore ceramics and expand their creative horizons as soon as space is available. MEF also funds essential art materials for the classroom.
- Car Line and PikMyKid App: The implementation of the PikMyKid app, funded by MEF, streamlines the car line pickup process, enhancing safety and reducing wait times for parents and students.
At Nolan Elementary, families explored a variety of programs and initiatives supported by MEF, including:
- Classroom Resources (K-5): Key programs and web-based subscriptions like Handwriting Without Tears, Storyworks, Reading Eggs, and iXL support student learning across various subjects and grade levels.
- Spanish Program: Funding supports both the salary and materials for Nolan’s Spanish program, helping students expand their language skills.
- WIN Program: Through funding for multiple tutors, the WIN program provides tailored support to students needing extra help with key academic skills.
- STEM eLab: Students engage in STEM activities with consumable materials that spark curiosity and hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, and math.
- Nolan Courtyard, Outdoor Pavilion Lunch Patio: The new outdoor pavilion offers students a space for fresh-air lunches and outdoor activities, promoting a healthy and enjoyable environment.
- Art and Music Classroom: Nolan’s art and music rooms are well-stocked with tools to foster creativity. This year, the music program has expanded with new drums, allowing students to explore rhythm and percussion more deeply, while the art room is equipped with materials for meaningful artistic projects.
MEF’s support extends throughout all Signal Mountain schools. Although there was not a scavenger hunt at the SMMHS, the school benefits from numerous essential resources funded by MEF, including:
- Learning Center: The Learning Center benefits from MEF funding for the coordinator, an additional tutor, and necessary supplies to offer academic support.
- ELA and Foreign Language Teachers: MEF funds key teaching positions in English and foreign languages, ensuring a robust education in these core areas.
- IB and Exceptional Education Assistants: Funding supports educational assistants for programs such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) and special education, providing targeted support for students.
- IB Fee Assistance: Fee assistance ensures that all students can access the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, a valuable educational opportunity.
- Media Center and Technology Equipment: The media center is equipped with modern technology and learning resources to support student research and learning.
- College ACT Prep Materials: MEF provides resources for ACT prep to help students prepare for college admissions.
These are just a few examples of the wide-reaching impact MEF has on our schools. To see the full list of MEF-funded programs and resources, visit www.MEFtoday.org/your-investement-at-work.
To continue these resources and meet additional needs, all parents and community members are invited to sponsor a student with a committed monthly donation. To learn more and become a recurring donor, please visit our website at www.MEFtoday.org.
As the school year unfolds, MEF looks forward to continuing our mission of enhancing opportunities for all Signal Mountain students. We are grateful for the community’s support and excited to see what we can accomplish together.