2022-2023 MAEF Grant Recipients

MAEF GRANTs

MAEF Grants are available to licensed staff to pay for materials that will enrich classroom educational opportunities. MAEF Grants are available because of generous donations from community members.

Mahtomedi High School - Fine Arts

A MAEF Grant was awarded to purchase a mobile Raku pottery kiln to be used for the high school pottery classes. A Raku kiln changes the chemistry of the glaze, producing beautiful metallic finishes not capable in a regular kiln. This is especially beneficial to AP Pottery students working on their portfolios.

Mahtomedi High School - Career and Technical Education Business Pathway

A MAEF Grant was awarded to augment a new Career and Technical Education Business Pathway at Mahtomedi High School. Funding will help supplement classroom materials and integrated learning experiences such as field trips to local businesses, guest speakers, interactive board games, digital cameras, and DECA competition materials. These classroom tools will provide students with an opportunity to develop collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills

Wildwood Elementary School - Wellness

A MAEF Grant was awarded to construct a soothing sound and lighting system in the special education classroom at Wildwood Elementary. Many students with disabilities react to music and lights in a positive way, so the calming room will help students safely calm down when they become dysregulated. Students are able to calm down and be integrated more quickly back into the classroom with their peers.

Wildwood Elementary School - Health and Wellness

A MAEF Grant was awarded to help fund a second Lu Uno system to be used exclusively at Wildwood. Lu Uno is an interactive playground that uses lights, sounds, and video to transform any gym into an engaging, immersive video game. It changes the way we see physical education as it appeals to younger generations that are more involved with video game technology, and it is a way to innovate what teachers do in physical education to maximize movement and wellness toward a lifetime of health. The system also comes with a program to support cross-curricular activities that are engaging and proven to help students learn. The Lu Uno system can project onto the wall or floor and responds to the students’ movements, and it is also a great way to incorporate reading and math skills into the gym as well.

Wildwood Elementary School - Mental Health and Wellness

A MAEF Grant was awarded to a Wildwood second-grade teacher to purchase eight flexible seating stools to be used at the guided reading, math, and small group table in the classroom. Multiple times throughout the day every student works at the small group table. Wobble stools have been shown to help students focus by allowing them to move around in a contained space, providing needed sensory input that encourages brain stimulation.

Mahtomedi Middle School - Mental Health & Wellness (MAEF Grant & Oliver’s Fund Grant)

A grant was awarded to the middle school WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) program to purchase activities and games for group interactions and community building between the student leaders and sixth graders. WEB is a yearlong program that trains eighth graders to be student leaders and mentors to the incoming sixth graders. The student leaders plan multiple events to ensure the sixth graders feel connected to the middle school community, promoting joy and fostering trusting relationships.

Since the pandemic students are having a harder time interacting with each other. Access to structured group games and fun shared experiences that encourage social interaction at school, can build a stronger school climate and encourage friendship building. The middle school strategic plan states all students will feel valued and connected within the Zephyr community. Providing multiple options for eighth graders to interact and mentor the sixth graders will support connections and community within the building.

*MAEF awarded a grant in ‘21-’22 to help fund the training of two WEB staff advisors.

Mahtomedi High School - Mental Health and Wellness

A MAEF Grant was awarded to a Mahtomedi High School social worker to purchase an iPad Air, Apple pencil, and Logitech keyboard case that will be used to take notes during conflict resolution with students. These tools will allow the social worker to remain engaged with students, provide eye contact, establish trust and the ability to keep notes in a more private and organized place.

Mahtomedi High School - Science and Engineering

A MAEF Grant was awarded to the Mahtomedi High School Science and Engineering department to purchase two of the latest generation of iPad Pros to use with new 3D scanning options in the Fab Lab. The primary goal for adding the iPad Pros is to increase student interest and knowledge in 3D scanning. Through the implementation of this new 3D scanning option, students will have increased options in choosing what they can scan, which will allow for greater flexibility in how the scans are used. The iPads would be used in the Fab Lab serving all the Engineering courses and extracurricular groups that meet there as well. The 3D scanning process is a key learning target in the Engineering 1 course and is used throughout other Engineering courses.

Mahtomedi High School - Art Department

A MAEF Grant was awarded to the Mahtomedi High School Art Department to purchase high-end silicon carbide shelves and cordierite posts for the new pottery kiln used to fire students' work. The silicon carbide kiln shelves are made of a high strength material that provides a more consistent fire when used in the new kilns. The quality of the shelves will provide multi-year use and durability for the numerous pottery classes.