$30,000 in Grants Given to Bethel Teachers

BETHEL, CT — A total of 11 teachers received grants totaling $30,000 from the Bethel Education Foundation.

The foundation has awarded more than $405,000 in grants to more than 116 teacher-initiated projects since 2007.

Grants will be used to fund projects that focus on innovative technology and flexible classroom seating, according to the foundation.

“Generous donations from Bethel residents and businesses – especially through the Barnum Ball - continue to make these grants possible,” said Heather Pontonio, president of the Foundation. “We are blessed to have strong support from local business with our largest donors currently including Ingersoll Auto of Danbury, Capri’s Pizzeria, and Elmer’s Diner.”

Bethel middle and high schools will receive HP sprout computers and the high school will receive 3D pens for the art program.

The high school fitness center will improve its wellness program with a renovated room and modern equipment.

Rockwell Elementary School will receive supplies and devices for the Maker Space computer class.

“The Bethel Education Foundation grants allow our teachers to provide creative and innovative projects and programs," said Dr. Christine Carver, Superintendent of Schools. "The grants provide opportunities to enhance our students 21st Century Learning skills as part of their educational experience within the Bethel Public Schools.”

Below is a synopsis of grants that were awarded:

Bethel High School
Jessica Wismar - Library Learning Commons Innovation/ Collaboration/Presentation Center, $4,500
Marjorie Overmier - The Drawing Comes off the page… 3D pens, $1,700
Jennifer Variale - Graphing Calculator, $1,400
Mark Caron - Fitness Center Equipment, $5,000

Bethel High & Middle SchoolsDr. Michael Vose - Engaging Learners in Bethel Public School’s Global Competencies with Sprout HP computers, $4,000

Bethel Middle School
Caitlin Boles & Catherine Emerick - Moving for Motivation with Flexible Seating, $5,000

Middle, Johnson, Rockwell and Berry Schools
Lois Brockmann & Erica Herbert - Active Sitting with Core Wobble Chairs for Special Education Classrooms, $1,424

Johnson School
Jill Claridge & Jeff Moscowitz - School-wide Wobble Chair Flexible Seating, $2,480

Rockwell Elementary School
Casey Ragan - MakerSpace, $1,750

Berry Elementary School
Tara Beall-Gomes - Keep Calm and ROAR On with Flexible Seating and hand fidgets, $2,000
Stacey Bianco - Flexible Seating options in the classroom, $750