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 a “magic” themed, interactive evening of fun, outside of their traditional weekly mentoring sessions at school.
“Emotional well-being is one of the district’s continual areas of focus and my hope is that this activity may provide a sliver of joy, peace, and excitement that our mentor/mentee pairs can share and have as a memory,” noted Bradley.
The Plainville Adult and Continuing Education Department received a grant to provide a ServSafe Food Handler course, exam, and certification to 50 mandated Adult Education students, connecting them to a pathway within the context of a career cluster entitled “Hospitality and Tourism.” In addition, enrollees will be invited to participate in a customized "Interview Etiquette Session" developed by a College and Career Readiness Tutor and delivered on demand, at Plainville High School.
Jill O’Brien, Plainville Adult and Continuing Education Coordinator, commented, “Whether applying the information learned in the course to safe home meal preparation or a work context, the engagement experience encourages lifelong learning.”
Additionally, Frank T. Wheeler Elementary School Instructional Resource Teacher, Lenore Butler, received a grant to fund the “Finding Gobi” project, which will include a school visit from the author of Finding Gobi, Dion Leonard, along with his dog Gobi, during the 2025–2026 school year. Dion’s visit will empower students to recognize the importance of overcoming challenges and achieving success. The story of Finding Gobi shares themes of friendship, kindness, hope, and dedication. Wheeler students will embark on a journey of learning about deserts, countries, cultures, languages, animals, travel, exercise, health, compassion, kindness, and teamwork.
“The author visit and text reading from Finding Gobi will directly benefit all of Wheeler’s families, nurturing young minds and inspiring a love for reading,” said Butler.
“The grant award is wonderful news because it supports more opportunities for our students to explore their interests,” said Superintendent of Schools, Brian Reas.