GRANTS IN ACTION

2011 Grant Awards

The PTO Science Committee and a group of teachers throughout the district collaborated on a grant entitled “All Eyes on the Future”. This $14,265 award resulted from the “raise the paddle” event at this year’s auction. It includes the purchase of new integrated devices (microscopes and document cameras) that will be spread throughout the school system. Their use enables the greatly enhanced display of objects and other materials for classroom and laboratory viewing.

Laura Waddell will be receiving $4,500 for a project called “The Whole World in our Hands.” This effort will create a set of “globe bags” that will communicate past and present aspects of various international cultures. It is a great way for younger students to become immersed in the global community using hands-on and accessible means.
The K-8 science coordinator, Melissa Hickey, and others will receive $9,225 for educational enhancements to a nature trail that is being built by an Eagle Scout behind the School. The grant targets curriculum connections, educational materials, and educational signage. It will benefit both the students of Spaulding and the community at large.

Elaine Dolnack and Melissa Hickey were provided with $2,600 to educate students to be “Energy Efficiency Experts.” This project consists of various devices and curricula enhancements whose goal is to create young experts in energy conservation and efficiency.
Barbara Dowd and Patricia Thivierge (Grade 4, $3,815) and Kelly Meyer (Grade 5, $2,725) were awarded funding for document cameras. This technology is innovative (and accessible to non-technically sophisticated instructors) and allows for enhanced viewing of all types of presentation materials and enhances student participation.

Steven Wheeler, James M. Noonan, Peter Black, and James Ostrout will receive $2,070 for a project entitled “Men in Life’s Discoveries”. This grant provides seed money for an after school program targeted to at-risk students. It is a collaborative effort between the High School and local agencies that includes enrichment, recreation, community service, and social support.
Joseph DiNatale will be awarded $1,350 for architecture-related software that will enhance the Suffield High School architecture curriculum by allowing students to work on real world projects.
And, $2,500 was awarded to the Rotary Club towards construction of the new sports pavilion. This award is intended to foster out of classroom learning opportunities for high school students to learn how to organize, lead, support, and be accountable for achieving team goals.

Enhanced Inclusion for Special Needs Students – multi-sensory and cooperative learning tools
Classroom Library Connection -books with promotion of home-school reading
Fitness Frog’s Take Home Bags -special take-home backpacks with fitness devices

From Me to the Sea -biology experiments in ponds & Long Island Sound
Family Outreach -in-depth program to enhance parent-child relationships
Visual Arts for Educational Improvement -training to create an art therapy program
Colonial Life in America -an innovative and integrated social study unit
Podcasting -technology to post news, music, poetry, and other events on the SPS website
Document Cameras -new technology for Grade 5 to enhance classroom innovation
Connecticut Historical Society 4th Grade Partnership -training to generate innovative curriculum change.

Entrepreneurship: Business Operation -exploration of potential for a business run by special needs students
Student News Production -training to prepare for a comprehensive effort to create a news operation capability

Readers Helping Readers – creation of audio recordings by students for younger students with reading difficulties
Electricity Efficiency & Conservation – energy usage monitors, light sensors, and data loggers

Integrated Science Literacy -combining science literacy and inquiry-based science discovery