GDEF provided funding for material costs associated with continuing the Calm Corner Pilot throughout the GD school district. A Calm Corner is an inclusionary space to support students in regulating their emotions throughout the school day. New classroom spaces in the program will receive a starter kit including various items such as a bean bag chair, breathing visuals, as well as sensory and cognitive tools (fidgets, putty, puzzles, marble mazes, etc.)

This grant provides funding for the kindergarten classes at Swallow Union to participate in the NRWA’s Science-in-Residence (SIR) Program. The SIR program leads students in exploring science in nature with a three part seasonal program: "Discovering Fall," "Winter Animals," and "Spring Aquatic Insects.” Students will experience indoor and outdoor sessions that include the practice of scientific methods, data collection, hands-on experiential learning, and teamwork.

GDEF provided funding to bring the Massachusetts-based published author/illustrator Ralph Masiello to SU. Masiello collaborated with the SU art teacher and all students to create a mural for the front entry hallway of the school. The students worked with the artist on ideas and execution.

This grant provides materials for outdoor learning kits that will augment the new FloRo Outdoor Learning Area. Grade-level specific kits will give educators and students tools to use the space easily and for a variety of outdoor lessons and activities. Kits will contain items such as exercise dice, conversation cubes, dry erase lap boards, insect viewers, and binoculars.

GDEF funded SU’s school-wide assembly featuring world champion athlete and motivational speaker Chris Poulos. Poulos performed bicycle stunts and gave a dynamic presentation that focused on character education, anti-bullying, and the importance of core values.