Educational Impact Grant
Educators and other school staff routinely develop creative programs to enhance students’ educational experiences. Often these programs require funding that is not available in the annual school budget. In order to support these innovative endeavors, the Wallingford Education Foundation (WEF) awards funds based on specific requests. Educational Impact Grants typically range from $500 – $5,000. These grants comply with school district guidelines and are intended to provide:
Educational opportunities for students that are not available within current district budget constraints. These may be curricular or extra-curricular.
New initiatives that enhance the educational mission of the schools through collaborative partnerships with the community.
Matching dollars when external grants require the inclusion of local matching funds. Matching grant requests must be related to the above two areas of WEF funding.
Wallingford staff members (any employee of Wallingford Public Schools) who wish to request financing are asked to complete an application and submit it to the WEF via email anytime between March 1 and 4:00 p.m. on April 1. Applicants are urged to read the entire application packet carefully and to pay particular attention to all terms and conditions.
Thanks to an Educational Impact Grant award, these professionals are able to turn their ideas into reality:
Emily Banach & Ilana Rashba (Highland) were successful in securing additional funding for their school beautification project, which involves creating murals connected to the school’s mascot on the hallway walls. Multiple research studies have shown that a school’s physical environment has an impact on academic achievement and social-emotional well-being. It is hoped that these murals will have a positive influence on the school environment by showcasing the culture of the school, creating a sense of community, and making students and parents feel more welcomed, which will lead to greater academic and personal success.
Kate Barrows & Sue Sullivan received full funding to implement a composting program at Highland Elementary School. This initiative is designed to reduce food waste, typically thought of as garbage, by converting it to humus that can be used in the school and local communities. This program will also teach students about sustainability and the environment.
Maria Benitez received full funding to purchase phlebotomy practice arm kits and related materials that will enhance instruction for the students in the Wallingford Adult Education phlebotomy program particularly as it relates to hand veins. Mannequin arms provide a controlled environment for students to practice venipuncture techniques repeatedly thus providing ample practice time before moving on to clinical practice with patients.
Julia Evola (Cook Hill) received full funding for her literacy based grant proposal titled Books Like Us. The goal is to purchase texts that will introduce students to various cultural communities found both locally and abroad. “Window” books will introduce students to experiences they may not normally have, while “mirror” books will present children with a reflection of themselves and their cultural identity.
Sara Fallahi (Stevens) received a matching grant in the amount of $1,500.00 for this year’s International Celebration. This district-wide event, held in partnership with SCOW, provides students with a forum to share perspectives and expertise with the Wallingford community. It also fosters an awareness and appreciation for diversity in language, culture, ethnicity, and traditions.
Gina Hunn received a grant to implement a therapy dog program at Moses Y. Beach. Research supports the positive role animals play in child development in educational settings. It is hoped that this initiative will have a beneficial impact on the social and emotional wellness of students by enhancing empathy and prosocial behaviors.
Kristina Jensen (Lyman Hall) received a grant to establish a no cost thrift shop at the school. This will not only offer students easy access to clothing but will also promote sustainability education through the re-use of clothing items and responsible consumption.
Darlene Kirychuk (Wallingford Adult Education) was successful in securing funding to purchase an electrocardiogram machine for the medical assistant program. It is important to provide students with training on all types of point-of-care testing to enhance their employability in physician offices and clinics.
Laura McCall (Fritz) received requested funding from the Wallingford Education Foundation that will allow her to enhance the science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) based offerings in the school’s makerspace, known as The Studio. This collaborative learning space promotes students’ higher order thinking and investigative skills while also sparking creativity.
Raeshelle Percival received funding to purchase book bins for the Highland library. These bins will provide storage for picture books that can be easily browsed in a face out position by kindergarten students. This will greatly improve the school’s youngest students’ access to books, encourage literacy, and engage them in making better book selections.
