Elizabeth H. Norton Trust Fund Grants Support Numerous District Initiatives
Posted on 02/07/2023
A variety of school district programs and initiatives are underway this year thanks to grants received from the local Elizabeth Norton Trust Fund.

Linden Street School second grade teacher Joan Corey  received a grant to purchase “wobble stools”, cushions and sensory items for the classroom. The items allow students to focus and  move freely while completing work and participating safely in lessons.

At the secondary level, Middle School of Plainville art teacher and PRISMS Club Advisor Laura Meehan received a grant for the club to create and stock a  “Giving Shelf” for Middle School students. The shelf holds a variety of hygiene products that middle schoolers can access if needed, or donate to if they would like. Earlier in the year, Meehan rescued and rehabbed an old, wooden bookcase for the shelf project and the PRISMS Club student members recently  painted and decorated the piece, which is now a fully stocked resource for students at the Middle School.

Plainville High School Social Worker Jenna Jorel received a grant to assist the Middle and High School student support staff to attend a two day virtual training seminar that focuses on supporting students in addressing how their trauma impacts their ability to learn and how to support teachers to provide trauma-informed instruction. “For some students, managing trauma responses in the school setting where there is high potential for triggers can feel unmanageable,” explained Jorel. “As a result, students may experience a variety of negative emotions and stressors that often impact their emotional well-being, and in turn affects their ability to access their education. As a school district, we strive to provide students, teachers and families with the support they need both in and out of school to help them navigate these areas.”

Elementary Band Director Michael Boncimino received a grant to purchase two drum sets for Frank T. Wheeler Elementary School and Linden Street School. The drum sets support continuing to modernize the music curriculum,  and offer a broader variety of instruments for students to access,  while also  improving ensemble quality by providing  enriching percussion experiences for all elementary students in the Plainville school district.

District Volunteer Coordinator Sue Bradley also received a grant to support the district mentor program’s “Mentor Fun Muse Night” to be held on March 1st. The mentor event provides the opportunity to reconnect the district’s volunteer mentors, student mentees and their families for an in person, interactive program,  after a three year hiatus due to the pandemic.

“Elizabeth H. Norton Fund grants have been an incredible, long-time resource in support of school district improvement efforts. These project ideas were each developed, proposed and implemented by dedicated school staff who seek to expand services and opportunities for our students. We are incredibly grateful to these staff members for their ideas and pursuit of these grant resources to make them possible. We extend our sincere thanks to the Elizabeth H. Norton Fund Grant Committee for their unwavering support to so many programs and services that benefit our students each year,” said Superintendent of Schools, Steven LePage.