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Media Release
May 17, 2005
Groton Dunstable Education Foundation

The Groton Dunstable Education Foundation Awards $26K in Grants to District Schools

After receiving requests for $75,000 in funding in its spring grant cycle, the Groton Dunstable Education Foundation (GDEF) voted last week to fund programs costing nearly $26,000.  Out of 28 grants submitted, fourteen were awarded full or partial funding.  The Spring 2005 grants encompass a wide range of learning styles and academic disciplines, and also extend the reach of projects initiated in earlier grants that proved successful.  The Foundation also worked to balance its contribution to the District by funding real-time events for students and teachers as well as equipment and training that will have a more sustained impact on education.

High School students will be able to collect data more quickly using new sensors and scientific devices, allowing them more time to spend analyzing and refining the results of their experiments, while Earth Science students can better understand the local ecosystem with new visual aids illustrating the characteristics of vernal pools.  In the arts, Swallow Union will follow the lead of an earlier grant by hosting artist-in-residence Carol McGrath, and Middle School students will learn about the beauty of inclusion from the Rainbow Players, a theatre group that celebrates and illuminates the unique contributions of individuals with disabilities.

The Foundation continues its focus on curriculum support by awarding two grants that link literature to elementary math skills and another that funds teacher training in new approaches to phonics and spelling for early learners.  Recognizing the importance of teaching the whole child are two grants that address physical and behavioral health through training staff in outdoor adventure skills and providing curriculum aids that enhance students’ understanding of good social and interpersonal communication.

Building on past successes, the GDEF was pleased to expand the learning opportunities forged in earlier grant cycles with continued funding for the Three Sisters Garden project, which teaches elementary students about the role and importance of agriculture and gardening in local and ancient cultures.  Also, further funding was provided to extend the film-making skills for eighth grade drama students. For an overview of grants awarded, visit the Grants page on the GDEF website at www.gdefinc.org.

The GDEF grant program’s mission is to fund those projects or professional development programs that enrich the educational experience in the Groton-Dunstable regional public school system.  While the Foundation's vision focuses on academic-- and arts-oriented programs, GDEF considers any proposal which seeks to engage a student's curiosity, encourage a love of learning and desire to strive for excellence, and foster the overall development of the student.  Previous grant awards have resulted in wide-ranging impact on the lives of students and teachers, and the Foundation hopes that the programs funded this year will be visible to the larger community as well.  The Foundation was honored to have such a rich selection of grant proposals from which to choose and encourages District staff and members of the communities to maintain the creative momentum characterized by the numerous grants submitted this spring.  The GDEF expresses its appreciation for the financial support of the towns of Groton and Dunstable, and the generous spirit in which it is given.