Tolland Education Foundation Funds School Technology, Supplies

The Tolland Education Foundation has awarded $3,475 to fund a Smart Board at Tolland Intermediate School and rugs for the Birch Grove Primary School preschool program.

To date, the nonprofit organization has given more than $132,000 in grants and donations to the district.

The majority of the money, $2,800, was given to fourth-grade teacher Stoddard Slayton, who is using the newly installed Smart Board and overhead projector to implement a forthcoming computer-based enrichment program for Tolland students.

“Integrated technology and the enrichment process go together naturally,” Stoddard said of the increased opportunities now available to Tolland Intermediate students.

Students will able to access the online enrichment program, designed by UConn’s Dr. Joseph Renzulli, during half-hour learning lab sessions. According to Stoddard, the students will be allowed to use the program after completing other assignments. The program is versatile and will provide additional practice for students who are having trouble with a concept while also challenging more advanced students.

“It will extend their learning,” Stoddard said, explaining that students at the intermediate school would be able to use material up to the 10th and 11th grade level.

While the enrichment program is still being developed, Stoddard’s students are already enjoying the classroom’s Smart Board.

“They think it is so cool,” he said. “They all want to use it.”

Stoddard says the interactive board has already motivated his students and expanded his teaching style.

“We’re really excited for all the possibilities,” Stoddard added.

The remaining $675 went to the preschool program at Birch Grove Primary School. Teachers Christine Riesbeck and Valerie Gaulin received brightly colored rugs for their classrooms, decorated with letters, shapes and numbers.

“We use it to identity the pictures and the letters,” Gaulin said, adding that the rugs are already a hit. “We’ve gotten a lot of compliments on it,” she said.

Tolland Education Foundation member Barbara Lasher said that group’s grants are delivered to stimulate motivation and excellence in Tolland schools, with a particular focus on strengthening academics and meeting district curriculum requirements.

She said that grants in the past have funded a variety of programs from professional development to installing technology.

“We support anything that leads to improved student achievement,” she said.

The 11-member foundation started in January 2004 to support the local school system. Two annual fundraisers, an auction and a letter campaign, raise the majority of funds, all of which go into the educational grants.

Lasher called on all Tolland teachers to put on their thinking caps and apply for a grant.

“We’re here because we want to help you,” she said. “Come up with an idea and apply.”

For more information on the Tolland Education Foundation, visit their Facebook page.