A variety of Plainville school district programs and initiatives are underway this year thanks to grants received from the local Elizabeth Norton Trust Fund.

Linden Street School second grade teacher Joan Corey received a grant to purchase “wobble stools,” cushions and sensory items for the classroom, which allow students to focus and move freely while completing work and participating safely in lessons.

At the secondary level, Middle School of Plainville art teacher and PRISMS Club advisor Laura Meehan received a grant for the club to create and stock a “Giving Shelf” for students. The shelf holds a variety of hygiene products that middle schoolers can access or donate to.

Earlier in the year, Meehan rescued and rehabbed an old, wooden bookcase for the project, and PRISMS Club members recently painted and decorated the piece.

Plainville High School Social Worker Jenna Jorel received a grant to assist the middle and high school student support staff to attend a two-day virtual training seminar that focuses on supporting students in addressing how their trauma impacts their ability to learn, and how to support teachers to provide trauma-informed instruction.

Elementary school Band Director Michael Boncimino received a grant to purchase two drum sets for Frank T. Wheeler and Linden Street schools. The drum kits help to modernize the music curriculum, offer a broader variety of instruments for students to access, and improve ensemble quality by providing enriching percussion experiences.

District Volunteer Coordinator Sue Bradley received a grant to support the district mentoring program’s “Mentor Fun Muse Night,” which provides the opportunity to reconnect the district’s volunteer mentors, student mentees and their families for an in-person, interactive program, following a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

“Elizabeth H. Norton Fund grants have been an incredible, long-time resource in support of school district improvement efforts,” Superintendent of Schools Steven LePage said.

“We extend our sincere thanks to the Elizabeth H. Norton Fund Grant Committee for their unwavering support to so many programs and services that benefit our students each year.”