2021-22 Mini-Grant Recipients
Awards distributed to teacher trainees in TRP program
The CES Foundation awarded two $3,000 awards on Nov. 10, 2021, to participants in the Connecticut Teacher Residency Program (TRP) to help cover the supplemental costs associated with their efforts to become certified teachers. The program was created in 2019, with approval from the state’s Department of Education, to increase the number of teachers of color in Connecticut’s schools. Click here to read more about the honorees.
Cutting Edge Work Skills
David Banas, Sharyl Cordone / Developmental Learning Center (DLC)
Funds were used to purchase a Cricut Maker 3 machine and the accompanying equipment and materials. DLC students, ages 13-18, used the machine to create products such as greeting cards, placemats, holiday ornaments, and more. The goal is to expand their vocational and community experiences as they prepare for the transition to adulthood.
The Power of Podcasts
Danielle Damone / Therapeutic Day Program (TDP)
Funds were used to purchase iPod Touches to allow students access to podcasts that facilitate learning and improved critical thinking, while allowing opportunities to develop creativity and independence. The audio-only format of podcasts is important for students with difficulties in emotional, behavioral, social and academic functioning because it allows them to listen while engaged in other activities, such as exercise or art.
Personalized PieCES by TLC & Co.
Donna Jacobellis, Kristin Magazine, Virginia Porto, Stephanie Wanzer / Transition Learning Center (TLC)
Funds were used to purchase a Cricut Heat Press and materials that students, ages 18-22, used to form a small business selling items they created, such as tote bags, baseball caps, and oven mitts. The project allows students to gain hands-on experience in a vocational setting, improve language and communication skills, increase independence, and develop behavior skills suitable for a workplace.
The TDP Therapeutic Community Garden
Colleen Pendagast / Therapeutic Day Program (TDP)
Funds were used to purchase materials needed to build an outdoor gardening space for students in TDP’s high school component. Developing and maintaining a garden presents the students with an opportunity to use a space that is relaxing and peaceful, while providing them with a sense of being connected. The project will promote the students’ social and emotional health and help them to understand how to manage life’s difficulties.
Enhancing SEL with Everyday Speech
Dana Bossio, Cristina Sorenson / Six to Six Magnet School
Funds were used for two grants serving different populations of students to purchase iPads and licenses to access the Everyday Speech online platform and its library of resources. With opportunities for direct social skills instruction reduced by the pandemic, this project allows for students in need of support to gain improved self-awareness skills and the ability to regulate and manage emotions and behaviors.
Enhancement of Social Emotional Learning and Sensory Integration
Lisa Brady / School Readiness
Funds were used to purchase items to support continued social and emotional growth with the students in the preschool program. Items purchased include a playground communication board to assist students with communication and social skills, Geo Spheres and liquid motion bubblers to provide visual support with deep breathing practice, and weighted laptops to make sitting for longer periods possible.
Cozy Classroom
Lauren Costello, Marissa Martinez, Brandi Soares / School Readiness
Funds were used to purchase furniture and other items to create space in the classroom where students can go for a calming, comforting environment. Preschool students in need of consistent opportunities for emotional regulation will use the “cozy” space to expand their understanding of social and emotional regulation and strategies for that regulation.
The Written Word in Performance
Krissy Dorn, Katie Sparer, Nick Urda / Regional Center for the Arts
Funds were used to organize a lecture and workshop series that featured professional artists giving students a look at the potential career paths in performing arts. Each of the guest artists have careers that rely heavily on writing. They shared their life experiences and discussed what led them to use writing as a vehicle for performance.
The CES Foundation awarded two $3,000 awards on Nov. 10, 2021, to participants in the Connecticut Teacher Residency Program (TRP) to help cover the supplemental costs associated with their efforts to become certified teachers. The program was created in 2019, with approval from the state’s Department of Education, to increase the number of teachers of color in Connecticut’s schools. Click here to read more about the honorees.
Cutting Edge Work Skills
David Banas, Sharyl Cordone / Developmental Learning Center (DLC)
Funds were used to purchase a Cricut Maker 3 machine and the accompanying equipment and materials. DLC students, ages 13-18, used the machine to create products such as greeting cards, placemats, holiday ornaments, and more. The goal is to expand their vocational and community experiences as they prepare for the transition to adulthood.
The Power of Podcasts
Danielle Damone / Therapeutic Day Program (TDP)
Funds were used to purchase iPod Touches to allow students access to podcasts that facilitate learning and improved critical thinking, while allowing opportunities to develop creativity and independence. The audio-only format of podcasts is important for students with difficulties in emotional, behavioral, social and academic functioning because it allows them to listen while engaged in other activities, such as exercise or art.
Personalized PieCES by TLC & Co.
Donna Jacobellis, Kristin Magazine, Virginia Porto, Stephanie Wanzer / Transition Learning Center (TLC)
Funds were used to purchase a Cricut Heat Press and materials that students, ages 18-22, used to form a small business selling items they created, such as tote bags, baseball caps, and oven mitts. The project allows students to gain hands-on experience in a vocational setting, improve language and communication skills, increase independence, and develop behavior skills suitable for a workplace.
The TDP Therapeutic Community Garden
Colleen Pendagast / Therapeutic Day Program (TDP)
Funds were used to purchase materials needed to build an outdoor gardening space for students in TDP’s high school component. Developing and maintaining a garden presents the students with an opportunity to use a space that is relaxing and peaceful, while providing them with a sense of being connected. The project will promote the students’ social and emotional health and help them to understand how to manage life’s difficulties.
Enhancing SEL with Everyday Speech
Dana Bossio, Cristina Sorenson / Six to Six Magnet School
Funds were used for two grants serving different populations of students to purchase iPads and licenses to access the Everyday Speech online platform and its library of resources. With opportunities for direct social skills instruction reduced by the pandemic, this project allows for students in need of support to gain improved self-awareness skills and the ability to regulate and manage emotions and behaviors.
Enhancement of Social Emotional Learning and Sensory Integration
Lisa Brady / School Readiness
Funds were used to purchase items to support continued social and emotional growth with the students in the preschool program. Items purchased include a playground communication board to assist students with communication and social skills, Geo Spheres and liquid motion bubblers to provide visual support with deep breathing practice, and weighted laptops to make sitting for longer periods possible.
Cozy Classroom
Lauren Costello, Marissa Martinez, Brandi Soares / School Readiness
Funds were used to purchase furniture and other items to create space in the classroom where students can go for a calming, comforting environment. Preschool students in need of consistent opportunities for emotional regulation will use the “cozy” space to expand their understanding of social and emotional regulation and strategies for that regulation.
The Written Word in Performance
Krissy Dorn, Katie Sparer, Nick Urda / Regional Center for the Arts
Funds were used to organize a lecture and workshop series that featured professional artists giving students a look at the potential career paths in performing arts. Each of the guest artists have careers that rely heavily on writing. They shared their life experiences and discussed what led them to use writing as a vehicle for performance.
