When Marsha O’Hare, a science instructor at Chatham County Schools’ ONE Academy, began the school year, her classroom was far from complete. “We were lucky to hire Mrs. O’Hare,” said ONE Academy’s principal, Melody Dark. “She is an experienced science teacher who understands science is best learned through engaging, hands-on

Pollard Middle School students pose with their finds after a work session. Did you know that the Chatham PTA Thrift Shop is Chatham County’s largest public-school fundraiser? It’s true. Last year, the PTA Thrift Shop distributed $611,787.19 to Chatham County Schools. Schools received a portion of the funds based on

The Chatham Education Foundation has received a $4,000 grant from the Bynum Front Porch. The grant was presented to CEF board member Ashley Fowler at the Bynum Front Porch’s January meeting.  Bynum Front Porch, formed in 2006, is a nonprofit dedicated to fostering family-friendly events and preserving its unique heritage.

With a grant from the Chatham Education Foundation, Perry Harrison Elementary and Moncure Elementary were able to come together for the first time on March 5, 2025, for an in-school field trip called Science Fun for Everyone. First grade students were all given their own individual science kits and they

New Horizons Downtown has given $7,500 to the Chatham Education Foundation (CEF). Catherine McLeod, store owner, said the impetus for the gift came because she had been wanting to turn her attention to supporting a few organizations financially and CEF board member Howard Fifer had been in the right place

Lindsay Gaines, an English teacher at Chatham Central High School, purchased equipment for her students to create podcasts with a grant from the Chatham Education Foundation. Called Podcasts and Possibilities, this project is allowing her students to listen as consumers and also create as producers. As she explains, students in

Sherry Thurman is a middle school teacher of exceptional children (EC) at Bonlee School. Her daughter, Leann Dunn, is an EC teacher at Chatham Central High School. (Students in the Exceptional Children program may have a disability or are gifted but need special education services.) Together, the mother/daughter duo submitted a grant

The Chatham Education Foundation (CEF) welcomes its newest addition, Heather Bochicco, who will serve as the Chatham Reads program associate supporting the collection and distribution of book donations through our community partners.  Heather is a longtime educator and literacy specialist and has taught high school English and middle school Language

Each year, the Chatham Education Foundation awards Creative Teaching Grants to teachers across the county seeking to bring innovative resources, not available through the district’s budget, to their students. This year, CEF received 31 applications–a record number–totaling more than $36,000. CEF was able to fully or partially fund 29 of

Photos courtesy of Self-Enhancing Education and Development Services (S.E.E.D.S.) On Saturday, November 23, Chatham Reads, a program of the Chatham Education Foundation and Chatham County Schools, gave away 130 children’s books at the Holiday Hub. The event was held at Washington Park in Siler City and was a collaboration of