Be Innovative Grant (BIG)

Thanks to the incredible fundraising efforts of the PTC, including challah and concession sales, and your participation, we are able to award over $19,000 in grants through the Be Innovative Grant on behalf of the entire community. The grant was created by the PTC to support our faculty and staff in implementing innovative projects and ideas that would otherwise go unfunded.

You can help raise money for BIG through supporting the following PTC efforts:
  • Purchase Spirit Gear from the BZ Spirit Store.
  • Order weekly Challah delivered to your student each Friday. 
  • Order Mabel's Labels! Mabel’s Labels are personalized, durable, and waterproof—perfect for shoes, clothing, water bottles, and backpacks. These customizable labels are dishwasher, laundry, and microwave safe.
  • Make your photo & gift purchases count by shopping at Minted using Bernard Zell's unique code at checkout, FUNDRAISEBZAEDAY.
  • Join us for monthly BIG Bites - after school treat sales to support the grant. 

2024-25 Be Innovative Grant Winners

๐ŸŽ‰ Mazel Tov to the 2024-25 Be Innovative Grant (BIG) Winners!
 
1. Gaga Pit: Kyle Sheahan, Nicky Mintz, Ashley Johnson
The PE Team purchased a brand new Gaga Pit to be enjoyed by all grades. This will be used regularly by the PE team to enhance lessons, introduce new curricular ideas, and foster student engagement through fresh and exciting activities. We can’t wait to see some exciting gaga games play out!
2. Cricut Club: Jenny Einberger 
Jenny Einberger received a cricut to be used in a new Middle School Cricut Club. The Cricut Club will bring kids from different grade levels together to showcase their creativity in new ways. This will help students create unique items for holidays, school events, fundraisers, and personal projects. Be on the lookout around school to see some of their work!  
3. Enhancing Wit and Wisdom: Rachel Silverberg
Last year the Be Innovative Grant funded a new knowledge based reading curriculum in the lower school. Funds from this year's grant will be used to enhance this curriculum and purchase new books so that each child can have a book to use. These books will continue to be used for years to come, as we welcome new students into Lower School. 
4. Student Furniture Upgrade: Jamie Wendt
Jamie Wendt, Middle School Reading and Writing teacher will be testing out new flexible seating in her classroom. These new desks and chairs will allow for flexible seating and more collaborative options of groupings for students to work in pairs, groups, or independently. The furniture will also allow for easy movement in the classroom and support students with diverse learning needs.
5. JK Intergenerational Shabbat with Grandfriends at the SelfHelp Home: Abby Aloni
This year the JK students had the opportunity to have an intergenerational Shabbat experience with Grandfriends at the SelfHelp home. Funding from the grant went towards bussing to the SelfHelp home for the 2024-25 school year. We are thrilled that this program will continue for the 2025-26 school year.
6. Middle School Student Services Space: Sarah Sweet
The Middle School Student Services space is getting an upgrade! Funds from this year’s grant are going towards a redesign of dedicated student services space. The new space will include designated zones for students including a quiet study zone, a group learning zone, a de-escalation and sensory zone, and an organization/supplies zone. Students will be encouraged to use the space that we have in a more productive way as well as allow more students to physically be in the space.

 

PTC Executive Board 2025-26

President:
Sara Morris

President Elect:
Diane Welbel

Ex-Officio:
Katie Schaffer

BIG Chairs:
Nikki Riskin, Jennifer Dorfman and Sara Berman

Chair of Community Engagement:
Emily Burley

Marketing & Communications Officer:
Rebecca Bass

Secretary:
Ashley Wayne

Treasurer:
Nahva Tollinche

Grade Coordinator Chairs:
Elizabeth Darvick and Carrie Lukes