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Author: Mark Bieler

Call for Weston Education Foundation Community Grant Applications

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The Weston Education Foundation is calling for applications for their Community Education Grants Program. Download the Application Form here.

The purpose of these grants is to provide funds (up to $1,500) to Weston-based organizations or individuals to develop innovative educational programs that benefit their constituents and/or Weston residents. Preference is given to organizations that can demonstrate sustainable funding for their project after the completion of the grant. Additional criteria may be found here.

Since its inception in 1994, WEF has disbursed more than $850,000 in community, technology and teacher grants. Previous Community Education Grants have helped fund programs such as art and education classes at Lachat Town Farm, the Weston Historical Society oral history series, Weston Against Cancer’s educational fair, the Weston Town Library MakerSpace, and much more.

There are two grant cycles available for Community Education Grants: the first is from September 1-October 15; the second is from February 15-April 1. Community organizations must wait for 12 months to apply for another grant if they are a current grant recipient; additional grant requests are expected to cover new projects.

To learn more about our Community Education Grants Program, please contact the Grants Committee at grants@westoneducationfoundation.org.

WEF Honors Hurlbutt Elementary School Librarian Sharon Rodko with David Trigaux Award

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Sharon Rodko is the Weston Education Foundation’s (WEF) 2019 recipient of the renowned David Trigaux Innovation Award. WEF gives this award annually to teachers who demonstrate a unique level of originality and dedication to creative teaching. The $2,500 award may be used by the recipient in any way that fosters educational innovation, including travel, studies, or work outside the classroom. “WEF’s objective is to enable recipients to pursue their work with increased vigor,” said Grants Chair, Sandy Hart.

Ms. Rodko has made a profoundly positive impact on Hurlbutt students and the Hurlbutt community over her career. Through her creative and collaborative efforts, she has developed many new and innovative projects and study plans for various age groups, including the use of BeeBot robots to practice first grade math facts and new Breakout Edu puzzles to help second graders learn money facts. She also effectively incorporates and models the principles of emotional intelligence in conducting the various sessions that she leads in the Learning Commons. “Ms. Rodko’s generous and unassuming nature makes her a favorite with students and adults alike, and she is a very worthy recipient of this award,” said WEF President, Marcia Hamelin.

This Award is named for David Trigaux — former teacher, principal, program administrator, and superintendent of the Weston Schools — who was widely recognized for encouraging creativity in education and for his support of teachers who brought it to their classrooms. He also played a critical role in the creation and early evolution of Weston Education Foundation.

Click here to see the full listing of past award winners.

PHOTO CAPTION: L-R: WEF Vice President Mark Bieler, WEF President Marcia Hamelin, Weston BOE Member Ruby Hedge, Sharon Rodko, WEF Founder Liz Stokes, WEF Treasurer Tammy Roberts, WEF Grants Chair Sandy Hart, WEF Secretary Robyn Tas, Hurlbutt Principal Laura Kaddis, Weston Superintendent Dr. William McKersie.

Weston Education Foundation Call for Community Grant Applications

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The Weston Education Foundation (WEF) is calling for applications for our Community Education Grants Program.

The purpose of these grants is to provide funds (generally up to $1,500) to Weston-based organizations or individuals to develop educational programs that benefit their constituents and/or Weston residents. Preference is given to organizations that can demonstrate sustainable funding for their project after the completion of the WEF grant.

Since its inception, WEF has disbursed more than $850,000 in community, technology and teacher grants. Previous Community Education Grants have helped fund art and education classes at Lachat Town Farm, the Weston Historical Society oral history series, Weston Against Cancer, and much more.

There are two grant cycles available for Community Education Grants: the first is from September 1-October 15; the second is from February 15-April 1. Community organizations must wait for 12 months to apply for another grant if they are a current grant recipient; additional grant requests are expected to cover new projects.

To learn more about the Weston Education Foundation’s Community Education Grants Program or to obtain an application, please contact the Grants Committee at grants@westoneducationfoundation.org, or explore our website, westoneducationfoundation.org.

Weston Education Foundation Coat Drive Announced

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On Friday, November 16th, the Weston Education Foundation (“WEF”) kicked off a Coat Drive to benefit Person to Person (“P2P”) in Norwalk. WEF is a local 501(c)(3) educational foundation that supports educational initiatives in the Weston schools and community.

P2P provides local individuals and families with food, clothing, housing, financial assistance and on-going support.

  • Each month, at P2P’s Norwalk location alone, 700-800 families come for food, clothing and other basic needs.
  • Last year, because of the generosity of people throughout the community, P2P was able to help 23,267 men, women and children in Norwalk and surrounding towns, including Weston.

Please consider donating any new or gently-used coats, jackets, hats, scarves, gloves – anything that might help someone of any age stay warm this winter.

Collection bins are located in Weston through Sunday, December 16 at Fairfield County Bank, Peter’s Liquors, Lang’s Pharmacy, and all four schools.

Thank you in advance for your acts of kindness. It takes a village!

Trailblazing Scientists at Work in Weston High School

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New honors-level science research class is launched with funding from WEF and the Weston PTOs

Ocean acidification, removing carbon dioxide from car exhaust, bacterial breakdown of pesticides, degrading petroleum with mushrooms, exploring ways to make photosynthesis more efficient – these are just a few of the exciting topics currently under scrutiny in Weston High School’s new Honors Science Research Class.
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