NBES gets five grants for curriculum programs (Courtesy of the Spencer New Leader)

NORTH BROOKFIELD — Since the beginning of this school year, North Brookfield Elementary School has received five separate grants designed to improve its various curriculum programs. In September, the school was fortunate to receive notification  from the Target Educational Foundation regarding two of its programs: Literacy Grants and Arts Grants. North Brookfield Elementary School received $2,000 to host a Family Reading Night program this year. This project will invite families of pupils in kindergarten through Grade 3 into classrooms three times per year for a wonderful evening of reading, storytelling and crafts. Pupils will also be able to take home a free book due to this generous funding. Additionally, the school received a $2,000 Arts Grant from Target, which will allow the music program to purchase much needed musical instruments and supplies.

The North Brookfield Cultural Council recently awarded North Brookfield Elementary School a grant of $375 to bring the program titled “Math is Magic” into the sixth-grade math curriculum. Pupils are eagerly awaiting this program, which will be offered in February. The adaptive physical education program received $3,000 in December from the CVS/Caremark Foundation to improve accessibility of the curriculum for students with impaired mobility. Funds will be used for equipment and technology needed to enable all students to benefit from physical education.

Finally, the Massachusetts Cultural Council recently awarded North Brookfield Elementary School a STARS Grant of $5,000. These funds will allow the school to invite an artist in residence into math classes for Grades 3-6. The artist, from the company called Learning By Design, will work with teachers and students on a program titled “Kids Design a Sustainable Future.” This is a STEM-based engineering program that has been presented throughout New England.