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Newsletter
April 30, 2026

Can you still picture your favorite teacher—the one who made you feel seen, capable, and excited to learn? As Teacher Appreciation Week approaches, we’re reminded that behind every thriving community are teachers who help our children learn and grow. In our schools, those moments happen every day—through thoughtful lessons, creative projects, and connections that stick with students long after they leave the classroom. Through our grant program, we’re proud to support teachers as they bring new ideas to life for their students. This week, we invite you to celebrate the educators who made a difference for you, your children, and our community—and to share in the gratitude they so deeply deserve.

Thank you for being part of a community that champions teachers and believes that smart ideas, paired with big hearts, can change lives. Follow us on social media Facebook, X, and Instagram to find out more about these events and see more grants in action! Click here to help fund the next cycle of grants, creating memorable educational opportunities for our students.

 
The Foundation in Action
West Hartford Education Association Grant: Connecticut Culture and History Comes to Life

Fourth graders at Whiting Lane had the opportunity to see and touch historical artifacts at the CT Museum of Culture and History, thanks to a grant written by Wendy Martin. Students participated in engaging hands-on activities like grating real nutmeg, examining charter oak artifacts, and analyzing pictures and maps. These activities promoted the sharing of knowledge and critical thinking. In addition, they had the opportunity to engage in a question/ answer session with historians to enrich their personal knowledge and advance their CT History project. As a result of this experience, students have developed a deeper understanding about Connecticut history which they are incorporating into their “All About CT” research project. 

 
James M. Ellis Memorial Grant: The Sky’s the Limit: Building Future Meterologists

Alison Lessard, a 6th grade science teacher at King Philip Middle School, was able to turn meteorology into an immersive, hands-on scientific investigation, thanks to a grant from the Foundation and an instructor from the Eli Whitney Museum in Hamden. Students combined real-world science and engineering skills to build weather stations. These stations can be used to collect weather data, including temperature, wind direction, wind speed, and rainfall, and make forecasts for future weather. Because students were able to bring their weather stations home, they can continue to track data, extending learning beyond the classroom and fostering long-term curiosity about meteorology. Lessard plans on using data from these stations for her upcoming extreme weather unit and repeating this project with future grades. 

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Help us continue our mission!

The grants we award fund opportunities above and beyond what the school budget allows. This is why your support is so important to the work we do. Your donation to the Foundation directly supports innovative, memorable opportunities for West Hartford Public School students.

Visit our website for more information about our organization.

DONATE

Foundation for West Hartford Public Schools
50 South Main St., #420
West Hartford, CT 06107

860-561-8755
fwhps@westhartfordct.gov 

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