Grant Is Nothing To Cluck About At Southington School

Main Street Community Foundation

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Recently awarded grant funds have students and staff at one Southington middle school clucking for joy, as it will help pupils study agricultural practices and animal care.

The Bristol-based Main Street Community Foundation awarded a $900 grant to Joseph A. DePaolo Middle School to support its “Kids Koop” animal care program.

It came from the Lynda M. Mazur and Michael F. Colomonico Jr. Hands-On Fund.

"The 'Kids Koop' animal care program at DePaolo Middle School was the perfect fit for this fund," wrote the foundation in an announcement.

This grant supports the installation of a chicken coop on the farmland beside the school, which is located at 385 Pleasant St., Southington. The school garden is also nearby.

The “Kids Koop” project brings together students in the Animal Helpers Club and the Garden Club to maintain and care for five chickens there.

In doing so, students learn the daily responsibilities associated with caring for livestock and, even, the business of agriculture via managing egg sales.

"The chickens are growing fast and will soon be moved into the chicken coop," wrote the foundation.

The fund itself supports non-sport, noncompetitive programs and activities for children attending elementary and middle schools in Southington.

Programs and activities supported through grants from this fund involve direct and active participation by the children, and promote self-expression and personal accomplishment, according to the foundation.

The Main Street Community Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for both present and future generations in the communities served and works with donors in Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington, and Wolcott.

For more information on the Main Street Community Foundation, click on this link.