by June Portnoy
The Morrisville Opportunity Education Foundation (MOEF) is making a profound impact in the Morrisville School District, bringing unique programs and opportunities to students who might not otherwise have access to them. Founded around 2008, MOEF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that collaborates closely with the school district, local businesses, and community members to fund and implement enriching programs.
From providing music scholarships to launching literacy initiatives, MOEF has become a pillar of support for a school district striving to offer equitable opportunities for its students.
According to Leseh Lentner, Vice President of MOEF and a passionate community advocate, “We are a struggling school district, but our kids deserve the same opportunities as those in larger, more affluent schools.” MOEF’s efforts are driven by dedicated individuals like Lentner, who, despite no longer having children in the district, continue to serve on the board to ensure the foundation’s mission thrives.
Kevin Jones, President of MOEF and a 7-12th grade technology education teacher at Morrisville Middle/High School, describes how the foundation has evolved from its inception. “The first thing we did was defray the cost of field trips. We started small, helping pay for a field trip or two each year,” Jones explained. Over time, MOEF expanded its reach to support school clubs like the LEGO Club and fund initiatives that enrich students’ educational experiences.
Also one of MOEF’s early initiatives was to bring educational speakers to school assemblies such as Dr. B. Kent Wallace, a physics professor from Fisk University in Nashville. “Our students consider Dr. Wallace to be a science rock star,” described Jones. “He’s an educated person of color who connects deeply with our diverse student body, showing them that they too can excel in these fields.”
Lentner was excited to announce that MOEF recently received funding for STEM Stars, an initiative designed to encourage and support high school students from underrepresented groups who are interested in pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields.
“This program will enable us to bring in more varied speakers to inspire students with real-world applications of science, technology, engineering, and math,” shared Lentner.
Jones mentioned that this initiative could enable them to bring in organizations like Mad Science and Elmwood Zoo, just to name a few.
Over the past four years, MOEF has also made significant strides in supporting the arts through its music scholarship program. Recognizing that many students lack access to private lessons due to financial constraints, the foundation established scholarships to provide 10 months of private instruction with a music teacher. Each year a student who has performed with the school band for a minimum of two years has qualified to apply for this scholarship. Thus far, four students have benefited from this program. “These scholarships give students the chance to hone their skills and pursue their passion for music.” Jones noted.
Thanks to a grant from the Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation, MOEF will offer two scholarships this year. Winners will be selected based on their band experience, practice history, financial need, and criteria designated by 3-12th Grade Instrumental Music Teacher, Miss Erica Norris.
In 2020, MOEF launched “Books for Keep,” a literacy initiative aimed at fostering a love for reading among kindergarteners. This program provides each student with four brand new, hardcover books four times a year. “Many of our students come from financially strapped and transient backgrounds, and have never owned their own book,” Lentner explained. “Therefore, owning a book can be a powerful way to instill a sense of pride and a lifelong love for reading.”
The program also features a memorable delivery: the school’s Bulldog mascot hands out the books, turning each distribution into an event students eagerly anticipate.
Another recent innovative program supported by MOEF is Young Playwrights, a collaboration with Bucks County Playhouse. Spearheaded by high school English teacher Angelo Pfaff, this initiative brings actors into the classroom to guide students through the process of writing and refining a play. Students receive critical feedback and see their scripts transformed into performances, fostering creativity and collaboration. “It’s amazing to watch these students take their ideas from page to stage,” Lentner remarked.
MOEF’s success is a testament to the dedication of its board members, local businesses, and community partners. Waste Management, a longstanding supporter, played a crucial role in the foundation’s early days and has since doubled its financial contributions. The board’s commitment is particularly inspiring, as none of its current officers have children in the district. “It’s not just about attending meetings,” Lentner emphasized. “It’s about taking initiative and coming up with ideas to support these kids.”
MOEF’s vision is clear: to continue expanding opportunities for Morrisville students. From securing grants to introducing new programs, the foundation remains steadfast in its mission. As Lentner and Jones both stressed, the students of Morrisville deserve every chance to shine, and MOEF is here to make that happen.
To support MOEF and help bring these programs to life, visit them on Facebook, visit their website at morrisville-opp-ed-found.squarespace.com, or email moef@mv.org. Your contributions can make a tangible difference in the lives of Morrisville students, empowering them to dream bigger and achieve more.