Providing Grants to Bring Innovation to the Classroom
A student playing a guitar funded through CPEF
Our student liaison Cylan Southwick had the opportunity to go interview Mr. John Keefner, a music educator at Cortland High School about his grants and more. Mr. Keefner has become one of the Cortland Public Education Foundation’s (CPEF) most dedicated partners. Since learning of the Foundation, Keefner hasn't missed a single grant deadline and has secured an estimated 9 to 12 grants over the years. With school budgets constantly tight, he calls CPEF an invaluable supplemental resource that sparks growth and brings creative classroom ideas to life.
These grants have directly transformed his students' musical experiences. Keefner's most recent funding, “On the Road Again, Pt. 2,” provided upgrades to the instruments for the district’s Modern Band program. Looking back, his most memorable project was a 2017 grant in Virgil that brought a professional songwriter into the classroom to write and perform original music with students. Keefner’s passion for teaching began with opportunities in his own high school days, leading him to share his deep connection to music through education rather than pursuing professional performance.
Cylan also interviewed Mr. Keefner about elements outside of the classroom: His favorite solo is an acoustic break in John Mayer’s "Neon", he holds a neutral stance on Weezer (finding them a bit repetitive which is totally fair), and prefers pancakes over waffles—though he notes that depends entirely on the butter. Ultimately, Mr. Keefner believes CPEF's true value lies in student self-discovery, stating that he wishes kids had more opportunities to decide on where they want to go in their life. It is his sincere belief that CPEF helps with that.
CPEF Grants Awarded for Spring 2025
Impressions of Creativity: Exploring Art Through Gelli Pad Printmaking - $310 for Grades 7 and 8 art classes to learn printmaking techniques through use of Gelli pad and printmaking supplies purchased (trays for workspace organization, various textures) to create dynamic and intricate prints. Written by Kathryn Haessner and supported by John Zarcone.
Computer Science for All - $979 for funding improvements to the offerings of Makerspace at the Jr-Sr High School. Added are interesting, innovative and hands-on items to improve scaffolding of materials and ideas across Makerspaces in the school district. Interdepartmental collaboration will be encouraged. Written by Jon Herr and supported by Kristen Cinquanti.
Heart Math Sensors - $996 for Four Heart Math sensors that will be used in health classes where students and staff will practice measure, monitor and change heart rate variability to improve awareness and development of one’s emotional skills. Written by Amy Johnson and supported by Janesa Cornish.
Printing Brick by Brick - $630 for providing students hands-on printmaking experience as part of a creative process encouraging collaboration as well as problem-solving. Students will explore various techniques and develop new skills in relief and block printing. Written by Elizabeth Moshkowski and supported by Kristen Cinquanti.
Social Studies: Holocaust Class - $599 for Grades 11 and 12 Social Studies classes to view a virtual (live) visit with a certified tour guide of the Auschwitz concentration camp. Written by Jeremy Milligan and supported by Janesa Cornish.
Total Amount Awarded for Spring 2025: $3514
CPEF Grants Awarded for Fall 2024
Audio Amplification System - $812 for one amplification system in Barry Primary School. This is a two-part request. Written by Shannon Bush and supported by Katherine Swanson.
Art Easels/ Drafting Tables - $700 for 24 table-top easels and two drafting tables for the art classes at Smith School. Written by Elizabeth Moshkowski and supported by Jen Block.
Green Tech in the Makerspace - $946 for expanding opportunities to introduce students in the Jr-Sr High School to future green tech careers. Items include air compressors, Sea Perch robotics kits, an AI robotic arm, and solar exploration kits. Written by Jon Herr and supported by John Zarcone.
Live Sound Gear for Modern Band - $987 for purchasing specific equipment for live performances including a mobile PA system, a mic for guitar amps, etc. Written by Jon Keefner and supported by John Zarcone.
Banding Wheel: Art Supplies - $504 for twenty banding wheels for use in the HS ceramics and sculpture class. Written by Sarah Panzarella and supported by Joseph Mack.
Total Amount Awarded for Fall 2024: $3949
CPEF Grants Awarded in 2023
Meteorological Instruments - $1,000 for the 8th-grade science classes. Includes an anemometer, rain gauge, wind vane, thermometer, barometer, and hydrometer. This grant was written by Lacey Mikochik and supported by Kevin Cafararo.
Musical Instruments - $997 for the “Play at Home Project Part 2” and expands upon a Spring 2022 grant. This includes 3 guitars for the Modern Bands Class at the Jr/Sr High School. This grant was written by Jonathan Keefner and supported by Kevin Cafararo.
Esports Streaming Equipment - $965 for the Esports team expansion. This includes purchasing 5 capture cards that will allow the Cortland Esports team to elevate their program at the Jr/Sr High School. This grant was written by Jonathan Herr and Jordan Prignon and supported by John Zarcone.
VR Equipment - $1,000 for the “Leveling up Makerspace” in Cortland Jr/Sr High School. This includes two VR headsets and is the first step into adopting Virtual Reality technology into the classroom. This grant was written by Jonathan Herr and Kim Hay and supported by Janesa Cornish.
Total Amount Awarded Spring 2023: $3962
Students from 7th-12th grades showing off the robotic hand and electric skateboard projects purchased through CPEF.
8th-grade students collect weather data with meteorological equipment purchased with a CPEF grant.
Fidget toys provide a quiet option for students who have difficulty concentrating in class.
Applying for a CPEF Grant
Teachers in the Cortland City School District may apply for a grant from the CPEF by filling out an application and mailing it to the superintendent’s office. Requests for funding may not exceed $1,000.
The application deadlines are: January 15 for spring grants and May 15 for fall grants.
Applications must include a summary of the purpose of the grant and an explanation of how the project will enhance the curriculum and expand the education of Cortland students. Teachers also need a letter of support from their school principal or administrator.
Here are the guidelines for the grants and here is an application.
For more information, contact the CPEF at info@cortlandpef.org.