Bethany Carbone, 4th grade teacher at Smith STEM Elementary School, believes every student should have access to books in which they can see themselves and relate to the characters. This grant, “Tom Moore Superintendent Grant: Diversifying Classroom Libraries”, has helped them achieve their goal! To enhance their classroom libraries, grant money was used to purchase books that feature different perspectives, cultures, traditions, and family structures. Ms. Carbone reported the new books were loved by all, and the 4th grade teachers all noticed an increase of students recommending books to others in the rooms. These new books not only encouraged students to read more frequently, but they also spurred many conversations about empathy and compassion, and helped students feel like they belong and they are seen. The books are a permanent fixture on the classroom library shelves so future 4th grade students at Smith will enjoy them as well.

Students with disabilities in West Hartford’s Post Secondary program now have the opportunity to interact with their peers without limitations in various recreation and leisure activities, thanks to this grant awarded by the Foundation. According to lead applicant and special education teacher, Elizabeth Emanuelson, many leisure activities can be adapted by simply finding the appropriate tool/material to use. Since purchasing these new materials, activities such as indoor bowling, arts and crafts, music, and indoor play are now accessible to all students in the program. Everyone is able to enjoy recreational time together, and the new tools also allow students to independently participate in social opportunities. It is Ms. Emanuelson’s hope to continue to build upon the foundation this grant provided and be able to offer even more opportunities for growth and learning in West Hartford’s Post Secondary Program.

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. Please support the Foundation now and help us continue to create excellence beyond the school budget limits!

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