Elizabeth H. Norton Trust Fund Grants Support District Initiatives
Several school district programs and initiatives received additional support this year, thanks to grants received from the Elizabeth H. Norton Trust Fund.
Volunteer Coordinator, Sue Bradley, received a grant to support the district’s volunteer-based Mentor Program. Specifically, the grant funding will support the annual “Mentor Fun Night” event in March, where district volunteer mentors will gather with their student mentees to participate in an interactive evening of fun, outside of their traditional weekly mentoring sessions at school.
“Thanks to this generous grant, we are able to plan an extra-special Mentor Fun Night as we celebrate 35 years of our district’s mentor program,” said Bradley.
The Plainville Adult and Continuing Education Department received a grant to provide a (web based) ServSafe Food Handler Course, Exam, and Certification to 50 mandated Adult Education students, connecting them to a pathway within the context of the Hospitality and Tourism Career Cluster. Students may access the course at home, and also during designated time with support from an onsite Computer Lab Mentor, at Plainville High School. Enrollees will also be invited to participate in a customized "Interview Etiquette Session" developed by a College and Career Readiness Tutor, and delivered on demand, onsite at Plainville High School.
“In Connecticut, Food Safety Classes are required for Cottage Food Operators (making and selling homemade food for profit). Whether applying the information from the course to safe home meal preparation or at work, the experience will build practical skills, reinforce best practices, and promote confidence in real-world food safety application,” noted Jill O’Brien, Plainville Adult and Continuing Education Coordinator.
Plainville High School Choir Teacher, Todd Helming, received a grant to support the PHS Chamber Choir performance trip to Washington DC in May. As part of the trip, the high school student group will perform in the National Memorial Day Concert at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC with the U.S. Air Force Band, under the direction of Dr. Craig Jessop, former Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Music Programs, Director of the U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants in Washington, DC, and Music Director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, perform at the opening ceremony for the 2026 National Memorial Day Parade in front of the National Archives, attend ceremonies and tour Arlington National Cemetery, attend the National Memorial Day Concert on the West Lawn of the White House, rehearse and learn from a nationally renowned choral director, visit, learn, and reflect in multiple Smithsonian museums, national monuments and memorials along the National Mall, and more.
“This will be an inspirational trip with once in a lifetime opportunities including performing in the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts with the U.S. Air Force Band, celebrating the 250th anniversary of our country performing in the National Memorial Day parade, and learning about our country in the Smithsonian museums and at the National Memorial Day concert at the White House,” noted Helming. “This trip will allow our students to connect their school learning with real-world experiences at the highest level our country can offer!”
Additionally, Plainville Family Resource Network Coordinator, Donna Cavallaro, and Jennifer Thomas, Chair of the Family Fest Committee, received a grant to support the annual Plainville Family Fest event at Linden Street School to be held on May 9th. The event is an admission free day of fun, entertainment and activities for children and families of Plainville and the surrounding towns. Local businesses, organizations/clubs are invited to attend (free of charge) and highlight what they have to offer the community while only being required to offer a free activity for children.
“We are incredibly grateful for this grant, which allows us to continue offering Plainville Family Fest as a free, welcoming event for families in our community and surrounding towns,” said Cavallaro. “This day is about bringing families together, supporting children, and highlighting the many local businesses and organizations that make Plainville such a strong and caring community.”
“The grant award is wonderful news because it supports more opportunities for our students to explore their interests,” said Superintendent of Schools, Brian Reas.