SFES was recognized for creating "outstanding educational opportunities within their local community." SFES was selected for their significant contributions to improve science literacy and learning experiences within the Suffield Public Schools. SFES has underwritten over $110,000 in grants in the past few years.

TOTAL FUNDING FOR 2010: $51,848

List of All Grants Awarded in 2010:

1. Integrated Science Literacy in K-5 - The purchase of non-fiction books and associated enhancements to the science curriculum will integrate science literacy and inquiry-based science discovery.

2. Enhanced Inclusion for Special Needs Students - Multi-sensory learning tools will be purchased and used to enhance special education programs so that children of all abilities will be better able to learn from each other. For students at Spaulding.

3. Home/School Classroom Library Connection - Classroom libraries will be enhanced with materials that will be used in innovative ways to promote independent reading using a strengthened home/school connection. For students at Spaulding.

4. Fitness Frog's Take Home Bags - Classrooms will have special backpacks containing fitness-related devices; they will be rotated among students who take them home & document their physical activity. For students at Spaulding.

5. From Me to the Sea Biology Program - Science classes will be enhanced by incorporating biological experiments in local ponds and Long Island Sound; the results will be shared with students at other schools. For students at McAlister.

6. Family Outreach/Community Involvement - An in depth parenting program and seminars by well regarding professionals will focus on strengthening parent-child relationships and overall family dynamics. For students at McAlister.

7. Visual Arts, General Education & Targeted Services - Training funds will be provided to create an art therapy program to supplement the class day and help targeted students enhance their academic and social skills. For students at McAlister.

8. Social Studies Unit on Colonial Life in America - An integrated study unit will be developed that will align with new state frameworks on third grade social studies in a way that will make the subject more interesting to young learners. For students at McAlister.

9. Podcasting - Technology will be used to post news, music, poetry, interviews and other events on the School website so that communication is improved within the community. For students at McAlister.

10. Document Cameras for Grade 5 - A simple, but flexible and robust technology will be purchased and used to enhance classroom innovation; the document cameras allow for ad hoc projection without prior planning. For students at McAlister.

11. CT Historical Society 4th Grade Partnership - Teacher training will be funded with the intent to generate innovative curriculum changes that meet new social studies guidelines that focus heavily on the State of Connecticut. For students at McAlister.

12. Entrepreneurship: Business Operation - The potential for a business run by students, including special needs students, will be explored and funds will be made available for supplies if needed during the school year. For students at SMS.

13. Student News Production - News production training will be funded so that later in the year a comprehensive study can be undertaken to determine ways to create a student news production capability. For students at SMS.

14. Readers Helping Readers - High school students with reading difficulties will be coupled with non-disabled students to create audio recordings of books for elementary school students. For students at SHS.

15. Electricity Efficiency & Conservation - Electricity usage monitors, light sensors, and data loggers will be purchased and used to help students understand energy use, efficiency, and conservation. For students at SHS.