The school year is in full swing and the Foundation is getting ready to read and award the second round of grant applications. We have committed to fund up to $90,000 in grants for the 2022-2023 school year. 25 grants were awarded in the first round and board members have been visiting the schools to congratulate the recipients and present them with award certificates.

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter for breaking news on the second round of awards and up to date information on all the 2022-2023 grants as they are implemented!

Thanks to the generosity of so many, the Foundation has funded close to $2 million in grants derived from the creative minds of our WHPS educators. Our formula is simple: dynamic teachers with innovative ideas plus financial support from our community equals exceptional learning in the classroom and beyond. Some of the programs and projects we fund are for one classroom and others are for an entire grade level or school. Once in a while, we receive a proposal that impacts students across two or more schools in the district. The Carson Family Grant: Choral Fest– A Day of Singing as a Community is the perfect example of a 2022-2023 grant that was awarded for 8 schools and 8 grade levels. Jessica Nix, Webster Hill, created this project not only to enhance the music curriculum but to foster a sense of community among the participants and help them grow in cooperation, kindness, respect, patience and active listening. Students in grades 5-12 will be participating from the following schools: Braeburn, Bristow, Charter Oak, Conard, Duffy, Sedgwick, Webster Hill and Wolcott.

The Hall High Class of ’59 recently celebrated their 63rd reunion. To honor this milestone, classmates collectively donated $1,550 to the Foundation’s Annual Fund and as a result a grant will be named for the Hall High Class of ’59 in the upcoming year.

The Foundation’s Named Grant Program is a wonderful opportunity to support the Foundation and the students and teachers in the West Hartford school district while honoring those that are meaningful to you. The Foundation will name a grant for your high school class, family, business or in memory or honor of someone special of your choosing with a gift of $1,000 or more to the Annual Fund. Sponsorships are also available.  Visit our website or contact the office for more information.

Danielle Herbette, Bubgee 5th grade teacher, reflects on the innovative, hands-on 2-day outdoor learning experience last school year.“ This grant supplemented and enriched our science curriculum in ways that in-classroom learning simply could not. Students were able to engage in hands-on learning experiences involving matter, energy, the natural and man-made world, systems and processes in living organisms, ecosystems, and Earth sciences. These inquiry-based learning experiences delved into the three central domains of science- biology, physics, and chemistry. In addition, engaging in teambuilding activities, solving problems, taking risks, and encountering challenges helped to build/strengthen students' leadership skills, effective communication and collaboration practices, healthy risk-taking, self-advocacy, and confidence, all valuable skills as students prepare to begin the next chapter of their lives. All in all, "Nature on Wheels" engaged, educated, encouraged, and excited our learners and provided an extremely memorable capstone experience to celebrate the culmination of students' elementary years. We are so grateful to have had your generous support in making this possible this year!”

The grants we award fund opportunities above and beyond what the school budget allows and that is why your support is so important to the work we do. Donate now and help us continue to create excellence beyond the school budget limits!

For 2022-2023 sponsorship opportunities, email us at fwhps@westhartford.gov