Mary E. Griswold WINS!!

Kensington, CT (March 8, 2016) – Two months ago, Mary E. Griswold Elementary School entered a $200,000 national education contest hoping for a chance at one of the 14 prizes that would be awarded to recognize the best in K-12 innovation. In addition to completing an online application for the fifth annual Follett Challenge, Griswold School also submitted a short video to promote its innovative programs that teach students the 21st century skills they need to be prepared for life.

Griswold’s application and video highlighted the implementation of eBooks into the classroom curriculum. This year, Griswold school challenged their grade 3-5 students to build upon their 21st century learning skills while immersed in medieval period roles and costuming. They unleashed a six-week ebrary Quest, which consisted of enticing literature via eBooks, partnered with an engaging Follett Shelf online platform, and packaged in a motivational medieval theme. “In just those short 8 weeks, Griswold students surpassed our goal, reading over 4000 eBooks!” stated Griswold librarian, Danielle Salina.

Griswold School competed against 38 schools that were also successful in making it to the final round. The $8000 Popular Vote award was premised solely on online votes. Griswold knew the majority of schools that they were competing against would have the advantage of students voting in school. The age requirement for voters was 13, a disadvantage for the elementary school. But Griswold school was prepared. Griswold rallied their students, parents, teachers, and their surrounding community. They used social media and town stores, such as Stop-and-Shop where they dropped 3000 lollipops attached with the voting message, to help spread the word. “This was really a movement – an exciting movement!” shared Salina. “We knew we needed 1000 votes a day. Our community came together and supported us, so that we could then support our students. It was amazing!”

On March 7th, Follett officially announced online that Griswold had placed FIRST in the Popular Vote, with over 5000 votes in just five days!!! “We are already brainstorming great ways to spend the $8000 worth of Follett products for our students!” shared Salina. Students had gathered in the library to watch the streaming video announcement. Their excitement and smiles were contagious, and many decided that the school should celebrate with a permanent chocolate fountain in the library!!

Laurie Gjerpen, the principal of Griswold school, stated “We are so proud of how the school and community pulled together to support learning at Griswold. Mrs. Salina continues to advocate for our school and we are so appreciative of her efforts! She has already reached out to staff to get feedback on what new books they would like to see in the library!”.