Grants: 2006-2007
Memorial School
Author’s Tea Books – 5th graders have their writing project “published” in their own hardcover book. This initiative inspired and encouraged creativity and enthusiasium in writing.
Kindergarten American Sign Language Program - An instructor provides an overview of American Sign Language and deaf culture to the Kindergarten program. Classes include games that teach signs of animals, colors and feelings. Sign language will be taught to accompany songs that the children are learning in class. Research has shown that sign language helps strengthen skills in reading, math and other academic pursuits.
1st & 2nd Grade Lego Robotics Program - Our young students have a great time exploring science and engineering as they create and build together as a team. It is a great first step to understanding “how does this work?” and “I want to figure this out!”
4th Grade Pilot Laptop Program – 50 new Apple laptops and 2 carts were purchased for use by the 4th grade class as a pilot to encourage keyboarding and proficiency in software, and to give our children today’s tools for learning and exploration
Rights to 5th Grade Play, “High School Musical” – this grant supported the annual 5th grade play, “High School Musical”. This play is an outstanding initiative that promotes teamwork and creativity for each class.
Essex Elementary School
Poster Printer/Laminating System – a much needed piece of equipment used by teachers and administrators at the Elementary School.
Ballroom Dance Project – a fantastic program that integrated Spanish, Physical Education, and Music all in one.
Middle and High School
Multicultural American Author Visit - An author visits our middle school and speaks to the 7th & 8th grade in reference to researching and writing a book about multicultural America.
Roland Digital Piano – This beautiful piano is a much needed and welcome addition to the Middle/High School Music Room. Students make use of this instrument as an accompaniment to music education classes, chorus, and dramatic performances.
DECA Funding - DECA is an organization of high school marketing students who learn how to apply general marketing concepts in a realistic and competitive scenario. The high school’s DECA team has been phenomenally successful over the years – often traveling and winning in national competitions. Spaulding has been a consistent supporter of this important MERSD organization so that they have the resources necessary to travel and compete.
“Remember the Titans” - Spaulding helped to fund this program which brought some of the original members of the 1971 football team the “Titans” to Manchester/Essex High School. This team spoke bought the hurdles and challenges they faced as they integrated both black and white players onto one team. The presentation focus was on overcoming racial and social boundaries.