Students who are in West Hartford’s School Engagement Program had the opportunity to truly shine thanks to the Greenspan Family Grant: Reach for the Sky 2023. This grant brought in a professional facilitator to support team building, improve students self esteem, help students think outside of the box in brainstorming possible solutions to problems, create a sense of connection and community, and help students reach their full potential. Students were able to challenge themselves and gain the confidence they needed to know that they can do anything they set their mind to; and if they didn't complete the task, they knew they could try again and re-evaluate. Students were able to be outside and engage in activities that made them use their positive decision making skills, their coping and social skills, their patience and collaboration skills.  

The final challenge brought the students to a local outdoor challenge course where they were able to not only participate in low-element activities but also climb the Wall and the trees.  Lead applicant Anna Swierczynski said, “The students were energized, excited, amazed and amazing!  They all were able to work on their individual and group goals to persevere and have fun as a group. In my opinion, the grant had a tremendous impact on student learning. Just take a look at their faces while participating in all the activities.”

Lead Applicant and Special Education Teacher Tracey Rotella at Sedgwick Middle School was able to purchase a multi-sensory writing program called “Step Up to Writing”, thanks to the Catherine and Martin Woods Family Grant: Specialized Writing Instruction For All. This program, which can be utilized across all content areas, uses an explicit, systematic approach to writing that benefits students' reading skills, such as comprehension and fluency, and builds overall communication skills.

Ms. Rotella’s students were able to complete a narrative and an argument essay, along with learning how to read and answer multiple choice and open-ended questions more thoroughly. She said her students exceeded expectations and received more real world practice that will prepare them for their time in high school. Ms. Rotella plans to continue using the program in her classroom in the years to come.

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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