ESCA Receives Archdiocese of Hartford Innovation Grant

East Shoreline Catholic Academy is very excited to receive the Archdiocese of Hartford Innovation Grant. This grant was prepared by Melanie Hartmann, Grade 3 Teacher/STREAM Coordinator (Grades 1-8) and Cara Moore, Kindergarten Teacher/Early Childhood Director, and will be used to develop the Laudato Si Learning Lab (LSLL). The vision and purpose of the LSLL will be a collaborative garden as well as an outdoor classroom/makerspace and prayer space that educates the whole child in faith and social emotional well being. The LSLL will also connect to classroom learning expanding the curriculum to an outdoor space where they will use the Engineer Design Process, creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This project will also engage all students, parents, parishioners, alumni, and community members.

The design of this learning space supports ESCA’s mission as a dynamic PreK-8 STREAM school, preparing individual students to be our future leaders rooted in faith, service, and academic excellence. Our students have already crafted designs during the school year for the LSLL utilizing the Engineering Design Process. These prototypes will guide the design of the outdoor space enabling students to see their work come to life.

We feel very blessed to have been given this opportunity to develop the Laudato Si Learning Lab here at ESCA. Watch for updates on this amazing space!

East Shoreline Catholic Academy (ESCA) is a dynamic Pre-K3-Grade 8 STREAM model school, preparing individual students to be our future leaders rooted in faith, service, and academic excellence. ESCA is NEASC accredited and is the successor school of Our Lady of Mercy School in Madison and Saint Mary School in Branford and is supported by Saint Margaret Parish, Madison, Saint George Parish, Guilford, and Saint John Bosco Parish of Branford.