Danbury Schools Score Funds For New Initiative

DANBURY. CT — Danbury Public Schools has recently received funding from the Barr Foundation for its initiative "Portrait of the Graduate." The program will focus on making sure that all graduates are well-prepared for jobs and careers after high school, according to a news release.

The Barr Foundation is a private, Boston-based foundation with core programs in Arts & Creativity, Climate, and Education. Founded in 1997 by Amos and Barbara Hostetter, who founded Continental Cablevision, the organization now has assets of $1.8 billion and has contributed more than $1 billion to charitable causes.

In addition to evaluating efforts in the classroom, the POG initiative will also be seeking input from those other than school administrators.

"All schools, from pre-K to grade 12 will be engaged in the process, but this is a community initiative not just schools," said Assistant Superintendent Kevin Walston. "We want to hear from residents, students, teachers, business and community partners.

"The POG will also help inform curriculum revisions from elementary through secondary education so that by the time students graduate, they have acquired the knowledge, skills and behaviors for thoughtful and prepared graduates."

An established POG steering committee is working to organize a Danbury Coalition. Residents interested in participating can send an email to: POG@danbury.k12.ct.us.