Foundation Grants and Activities

SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY

Smith Middle School Courtyard Classroom - In 2011, granted $6,000 to fund phase two of this outdoor learning space developed in partnership with Glastonbury Partners in Planting, B&B Landscaping, and Smith Middle School students and parent volunteers. The grant will provide materials and equipment that will reinforce student learning in math, science, technology, foods and consumer sciences, reading and writing. Students will study and be exposed to a solar powered mower, grow lettuce and herbs in a raised bed, select plants and shrubs that link to curriculum areas, showcase their skills on the performance patio, and have outdoor classroom space for learning.

Smith Middle School Auditorium Sound System Upgrade - In 2011, granted $26,299 to fund a much needed sound system upgrade to provide high quality reproduction of voice and music in a natural audible manner. This auditorium is used by teachers for student learning, debates and presentations, for student performances and concerts, and for community drama productions, meetings, and lectures among other events. The new sound system will bring significant improvements to the listening experience of audience members.

Classroom Response System - In 2011, granted $24,500 to fund a Classroom Response System for all Glastonbury High School seniors to use in the mandatory lecture hall style Current Issues class. This technology is widely used in colleges and select high schools across the country. It allows students to electronically interact with teachers, so teachers can actively engage students and immediately asses learning.

Greenhouse – In 2009 and 2010 granted $156,000 to fund the construction of an 800 sq. ft. greenhouse at Gideon Welles School. This hands-on laboratory will support instruction and experimentation within the sixth grade Life Sciences curriculum. It will also provide growing space for community groups and extra curricular activities.

Television Production Studio – In 2007, funded the installation of a $160,000 state-of-the-art television production center at Glastonbury High School for school and community use.

Classroom Audio Enhancement Technology - Funded a $13,000 pilot program that improved student classroom participation and performance. The success of this program led the Board of Education to install this technology in every first grade classroom.

Interwrite SchoolPads and LCD Projectors - Funded a $17,500 pilot program for Interwrite SchoolPads and LCD projectors, learning tools that improve interaction between teachers and students. The success of this program led to the distribution of this technology throughout the school district.

ART/LANGUAGE

Unified Theater - In 2011, provided a $6,000 grant to fund the Unified Theater program at Smith Middle School and to launch the program at Glastonbury High School. Unified Theater brings students with disabilities together with their typical peers to create all aspects of a performance. Students work together in a safe, supportive environment that promotes learning, growth, creativity, sharing, leadership opportunities, and socialization. It is a unique developmental program that culminates in a student led, simple, high energy performance that showcases the abilities of all students.

Americans Who Tell the Truth - Funded a public exhibit at Smith Middle School in 2009 of painter Robert Shetterly’s portraits of great Americans included in his book, Americans Who Tell the Truth. The program culminated with Shetterly working with students as an artist in residence and giving a free public presentation.

50 Years of Russian Celebration - Funded a community performance by the Hartford Symphony Orchestra of Russian compositions along with several cultural activities to recognize Glastonbury Public School’s unprecedented 50 year history of teaching the Russian language.

HISTORY/ SOCIOLOGY

Ambassador Andrew Young Appearance - Granted $15,000 to fund a presentation by Ambassador Andrew Young, one of the architects of the civil rights movement, at the MLK Community Initiative's 2011 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. This free community event was held at Glastonbury High School.

Doris Kearns Goodwin Appearance – In 2006, funded an address by Pulitzer Prize winning author and world renowned historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, at Glastonbury High School on the topic of leadership.

Michael Nerney Workshops - In 2006, provided funding for Michael Nerney, a nationally known expert of adolescent brain development, to speak with parents and social service professionals and hold teacher workshops.

COMMUNITY

GHS Alumni Connections - Partnered with the Board of Education to develop the first alumni directory of Glastonbury High School students, and created an online home for alumni to connect with each other, organize reunions, and support their alma mater.

Directory of Service Organizations and Clubs - Published a directory to encourage the evaluation of community funding strategies and collaboration between Glastonbury community groups.

Small Grants - Funded educationally-based small grants to organizations that support families and children: Glastonbury ABC House, Nayaug Playscape Fund, Glastonbury Alcohol and Drug Council, Glastonbury Social Services backpack program for families in need, and Glastonbury Youth & Family Services teen-produced cable television program. The foundation also paid to refurbish donated computers and monitors to distribute to Glastonbury school children without computer access.