What We Do
The Litchfield Education Foundation provides funding for three types of projects.
- Mini-Grants - requests less than $1,000
- Intermediate Level Grants - requests more than $1,000
- Capital Grants - requests deemed tangible, with lasting value,
have no personnel involved, and are not an event.
Over $100,000 and over 60 grants have been funded by LEF since Spring 2004
A HUGE thanks to all of our supporters for making it happen!
Learn more by viewing these video clips
Oliver Wolcott Library - "Outreach Suitcase" $997.26
    The Outreach Suitcase is available to preschool children through the Oliver Wolcott Library. Day care, Nursery School and Preschool programs have access to storytime packets which can include puppets, flannel board sets , musical backdrops and musical instrument add-ons.
LIS - 3 Lego Mindstorm Kits: $400
   The Lego League program has become so popular that additional kits were needed to accommodate all of the students. Advisors Kevin Dake and Mark Landy were able to obtain the kits for half price through a special offering. Student teams create mechanized miniature lego robots to accomplish a variety of tasks. Students also partipate in competitions with other schools requiring completion of specified tasks and oral presentations about projects at their home schools. Many of these students become involved with the LHS Robotics teams at the high school level.
LHS - Literary Journal - Print-on-Demand: $250
Mr. McGoldrick, creative writing teacher at LHS, is offering students an opportunity to publish written work using a prototype literary journal through an online "Print-on-Demand" company.
Oliver Wolcott Library - "Express Yourself@Your Library" $998
This is a brand new program is sponsored by the Oliver Wolcott Library to encourage teenagers to expand their literary experiences through an exploration of the arts. OWL LAUNCHES TEEN SUMMER READING PROGRAM
Center School - Junior Achievement - "JA in a Day" $1,000
Center School students in grades K-3 learned about the business world on May 12, 2009. Each class was taught by either a member of the business community or a community volunteer. This well established program includes five lessons at each grade level to help students learn how their math, social studies and science skills will be applied in the future.
LHS - World Languages - Digital Voice Recorders: $500
Students at LHS can now use digital voice recorders to practice their foreign language skills. These portable devices can also be integrated with other forms of digital technology.
Center School - Nature Garden: $200
The Center School "Nature Garden" is a collaborative effort with the Litchfield Garden Club and the Litchfield Beautification Commission to increase student knowledge about flowers and plants.
LHS - 2 Digital Video Cameras: $950
Digital Video Cameras are now available for use by staff and students at LHS through a mini-grant request by LHS Technology Specialist Bette Wu. Video clips can be created and shared via iPod, mpeg2 or mpeg4 format. Video clips can also be integrated into student and staff presentations and projects. Easy access to video cameras will be enhanced by technical support from Bette in learning to capture, edit and share the video clips.
LHS Torch Newspaper: $1,000
LEF provided funding for the LHS Torch Newspaper through a mini-grant request to cover the printing expenses. The first edition this school year was released in Fall 2008, it was exceptionally well written by dedicated students under the guidance of Ms. Emily McAdam.
"Story Time to Go" - Oliver Wolcott Library: $994.49
  LEF was very pleased to finance the first request from a community based organization to enhance education in a creative and innovative manner. This request by the Oliver Wolcott Children's Librarian will help the Oliver Wolcott Library to encourage and support early reading for young children. Grant Funded “Story Time To-Go Kits” at Oliver Wolcott Library
Center School & LIS - Books on the Move: $3,187.75
Litchfield High School Technology Student Association: $3,000
CT/TSA hosts 15 competitions that incorporate communications, construction, manufacturing, transportation, leadership and related technologies. The LEF provided funding for three laptop computers to be used by students to prepare and compete at state and national competitions.
Dance, Dance Revolution - Physical Education K-12: $2,274
Students in all three schools will be able to "Dance with the Stars" as they improve their eye-foot coordination skills. As they listen to music, watch a big screen and try to match the steps with their feet on practice pads. They will be exercising in a new and energizing way. This is a fun and creative way to get students moving to the beat!
Kindergarten Weather Stations: $350
Kindergarten students in all five classrooms can now monitor the weather with brand new
electronic weather stations. Classroom charts and activities are also included in this new program
at Center School.
Bird Feeders - Bird Sleuth Program at LIS: $400
Students in sixth grade classes can now observe and collect information about local birds right at
Litchfield Intermediate School. This is a continuation and expansion of the Bird Sleuth program
which is embedded in the sixth grade science curriculum.
Art in a Bag- Second Grade: $908.99
The educational purpose of this art project is to increase students' and parents' knowledge of the
artist Claude Monet while incorporating language arts through reading and writing. All second
graders and their parents will create an “Art Fun in a Bag” project!
Art in a Bag- Third Grade: $942.21
The educational purpose is to increase the students' and parents' knowledge of the artist Pablo
Picasso by incorporating language arts through reading, writing, and then creating their own piece
of artwork with their parents. The "Art Fun in a Bag" project will be done by all third graders
and their parents.
Solar Photovoltaic System - LHS: $22,000
Litchfield High School science teacher, Dean Birsdall (Project Coordinator), was awarded a capital grant to purchase a functional solar photovoltaic system on the roof of the LHS Cafeteria. LHS students will analyze the data collected while saving the school approximately $1,000 in electricity each year.
 Digital Microscopes, Large Network Printers & Smart Boards - K-12: $18,938.78
5 Mega-Pixel Compound Digital Microscopes
Can be used to examine small and microscopic materials and capture those images digitally. Students can then manipulate the images to enhance their understanding of scientific concepts.
3 Deskjet Large Format Network Printers
Can be used to replicate student work that does not fit the traditional format that our current printers can accommodate. 24” by 50 feet in dimension. Network ready for all teachers in every building. Can print out images captured on digital microscopes or graphed on Smart Board.
3 Smart Boards
Can be used by teachers to create highly interactive learning environments which can then be duplicated and distributed to all members of the class or learning community. Can print to large screen printer.
 Photo courtesy of John McKenna Photography
Plumb Hill Fields - Storage Facility: $5,000
The Litchfield Education Foundation provided a $5,000 Capital Grant toward the construction of a storage facility on the new Plumb Hill Playing Fields.
 Photo courtesy of John McKenna Photography
LHS Herb Garden Project: $3,450
Through a matching grant with the Litchfield Hills Food Systems, students in horticulture classes and culinary classes will become involved with growing herbs in a newly created herb garden. Horticulture classes will teach students about growing herbs while the use of herbs and preservation techniques are introduced to students in Culinary Arts classes. These activities will help connect students to the community and the newly created Litchfield Hills Farm-Fresh Market which operates throughout the summer months at Center School.
FIRST Lego League - Grades 4-8: $1,900
Students in Litchfield Intermediate School and 7th and 8th grade students at Litchfield High School were mentored by the Litchfield High School Robotics Team in their first year of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Lego League Competition. Student teams had to create mechanized miniature lego robots to accomplish a variety of tasks. The LHS Robotics Team is looking to encourage younger students to follow their footsteps and become involved with the LHS Robotics Team.
Books on the Move - Grades K-12: $3,187.75
Reluctant readers and those experiencing difficulty with reading will soon be able to follow written text as they listen through portable audio units. These mp3 units will be available for use in all three schools in the Library-Media Centers.
Model UN Program: $2,210
The "Model UN Program" educates middle school students on how the United Nations works to solve world issues. The program is available to students in grades six through eight and meets after school. The program culminates in a day long event at Bentley College.
Life Skills Garden Project - LHS: $1,000
Students in the Life Skills class at LHS will get practical experience using garden tools to create outdoor gardens at Litchfield High School.
Scanner - Photography Classes - LHS: $740
A new scanner was provided for students in photography classes at LHS to allow students to import slides and printed photos.
Physical Pride Tile Project - Center School: $1,000
A joint project co-sponsored by the Litchfield Education Foundation and Litchfield PTO provided funding for the "Physical Pride Tile Project" at Center School. Every student, teacher, and staff member created a tile under the direction of Center School Art teacher Rochelle Clementson. The tiles were glazed and mounted on the walls at Center School. A special thanks to local tile expert John Quesnel for his expertise in mounting the tiles.
Gold Coin Project - First Grade - Center School: $700
First Grade teachers at Center School received $700 to fund the "Gold Coin Project," a project that supports Center School's Project Pride theme. This project motivates students to become outstanding citizens and respectful, caring friends in and out of the classroom.
  Gold Coin recipients at Center School
Spanish and French Films - LHS World Language Department: $150
Spanish and French dvd's and videos allow students to connect with cultures in French and Spanish speaking countries.
School Newspapers - LIS ($850) and LHS: $1,000
Mini-grants were awarded to Litchfield High School ($1000) and the Litchfield Intermediate School ($850) to fund school newspapers.
Bird Sleuth Program - Grade 6 - LIS: $985.88
A mini-grant was awarded to Litchfield Intermediate School teachers Kim Jones and Melissa Brutting for the "Bird Sleuth" Program. The program is designed to give 6th grade students experience with the entire scientific process from hypothesis through publication. Students will be engaged in bird observation, identification and data anaysis.
 Bird Sleuth Program at LIS
Laptop Computer - LHS Robotics Team: $1,320
The Litchfield Education Foundation provided the Litchfield High School Robotics Team with a new laptop computer for use in programming and controlling the robot at robotics competitions.
Digital Cameras - Business Department - LHS: $579.98
Two new digital cameras were purchased for use in desktop publishing classes in the LHS Business Education Department.
Plant Propagation - LHS Science: $225
$225 awarded to John Markelon for Ecosystem Studies. This mini-grant helped to cover expenses and tuition of a plant propagation course offered at the Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, NY. The course emphasized hands-on experience in plant propagation techniques.
Special Education Sourcebooks - Center School and LIS: $503.40
Betsey Lynn, Speech and Language Pathologist was awarded a mini-grant of $503.40 to create a parent resource center for parents and community members interested in learning more about student learning disabilities.
Health Career Awareness - Field Trip - LIS: $225
$225 awarded to JoAnne McCormick to cover transportation cost for 5th and 6th grade students to visit the University of Connecticut Children's Medical Center. The purpose of the trip was to stimulate interest in the health care field.
Apple iBook Lap Computer: $1,000
$1,000 to Stephen Brookes, Band Director and Maurice Steinberg, Choral Director, Litchfield Schools. Apple iBook for use in the Band Room. Allows for Power Point presentations, use with Smart Boards, and runs Smart Music software.
Close-Up Foundation: $1,000
A mini-grant was awarded to "Close-up Foundation" advisor, Kate Crowe. This helped to fund a trip to Washington, D.C. for Litchfield High School juniors to participate in an in-depth study of our government, the American political system and economic system.
LHS Robotics Team: $1,000
$1,000 awarded to LHS Robotics Competition Team. This mini-grant helped defer costs of entrance fees for national competition and ancillary costs such as tools, safety goggles and supplies.
DVD Video Monitor - LHS Reading Program: $230
This unit allows students to follow story themes in video and audio format. The purpose is to assist reluctant readers with literary fluency.
Invasive Species Plant Project - LHS Science: $500
John W. Markelon, LHS science teacher, was awarded 2 mini-grants for programs at Litchfield High School.
The first was for $500 to support and expand a LHS horticulture class project that was actually started by previous classes over two years ago. In May, 2002, LHS students helped the White Memorial Board of Directors adopt a policy of reducing invasive plant species on its 4000+ acre preserve. During the last two school years, approximately 40 horticulture students worked to remove invasive plants from White Memorial and to replace them with native species. This mini-grant was used to expand this community-based program by enabling the class to purchase, grow, propagate and plant native species on the LHS campus and in the adjacent community. This ongoing project served approximately 15 tenth through twelfth graders, and it helped in the landscaping of the new playing fields and courtyards of the renovated school buildings.
Amphibian Monitoring Project - LHS Science: $250
The second grant awarded to Mr. Markelon was for $250 to support ecology and zoology students at LHS involved in two amphibian monitoring projects within Litchfield. A Connecticut Amphibian Monitoring Project (CAMP) survey plot is located within the town of Litchfield and students have assisted in collecting data for this nation-wide effort to inventory amphibians. The town committee on Conservation and Development has also begun a long-term project with LHS students and Northwest Conservation District to locate and register vernal pools within the town of Litchfield. Vernal pools are unique breeding areas for amphibians and other creatures. The grant was used to purchase equipment for collecting specimens.
Good Health - Exercise Video - Center School & LIS: $1,000
An exercise video was provided to every students in grades K-6 featuring the Physical Education teachers at Center School and LIS. Additional materials were purchased to reinforce healthy eating habits and the importance of exercising. This multi-disciplinary approach involved Rochelle Clementson, Center School Art teacher; Brian Mongeau, Physical Education teacher at Center School; Dana Ouellette, Physical Education teacher at LIS; and Joanne McCormick, School Nurse at LIS
This group was awarded $1,000 to implement a fun and creative "Good Health" program for students at Center School and Litchfield Intermediate School. The purpose of the program is to teach students about maintaining good health through good eating habits and regular exercise. This grant will be used to purchase supplies for the production of exercise video/DVDs and motivational kits, one per family. The video/DVD will include two exercise routines performed by the physical education teachers, one for grades K-3 and one for grades 4-6. This will be a year-long program and it will be reinforced by incorporating the Good Health theme in Science, Language Arts, Art and Music classes throughout the year.
After-School Play Therapy Groups - Guidance - Center School: $800
Nancy Basti, School Counselor at Center School, and Ruthellen Griffin, a Creative Arts Therapist received a mini-grant for $800 to fund several after-school play therapy groups for Center School students. The groups were designed to help students who have absentee parents and/or come from families with substance abuse issues. The groups focused on trust building, learning to play with others, relief from stress and pressures through play. The goal of this program was to provide emotional support to students and create a safe, healthy environment where they can express their feelings. It involved collaboration and communication with parents, with confidentiality maintained throughout the duration of the program. The grant funded outside consultant assistance and the purchase of toys for the groups.
 Center School Mini-Grant Recipients
Community Connections - LIS Guidance Program: $500
Donna Begley, Guidance Counselor at LIS received a mini-grant for $500 to purchase equipment and supplies for a "Community Connections" program. The "Connections" program involved all of the students. The students were part of small, multi-grade group that met monthly with the purpose of fostering an increased sense of belonging on the part of everyone involved. The goal was to take the project into the community and to make connections with elderly residents in Bantam and Litchfield. Groups visited residents in their homes to assist with yardwork and household chores.
 Litchfield Intermediate School Mini-Grant Recipients
Digital Recording Equipment: $1,000
Stephen Brookes, Band director and Maurice Steinberg, Choral director, LHS were awarded a mini-grant of $1,000 toward the purchase of digital recording equipment for the LHS Music Department. The equipment purchased enables high quality recordings of live performances, with the ability to quickly edit and transfer these recordings to CD. Its portability makes it possible to record concerts, plays and other performances at the LIS auditorium, the Litchfield Community Center, other schools, and many other venues. Students in the Computer Music class and others interested in recording engineering have gained valuable skills learning to operate the new technology. It will be used to record rehearsals with immediate playback capability, making it a valuable teaching tool. It can be used by other school groups as well.
 Litchfield High School Mini-Grant Recipients
Desktop Publishing Workshop - LHS Business Dept.: $481
The first mini-grant was awarded to Rita Caruso, Chair of the Business Department at LHS. Mrs. Caruso was awarded a grant of $481 to attend a two-day workshop in June 2003 on the essentials of professional-quality desktop publishing and graphic design. The information and resource materials from this workshop were shared with colleagues in the Business Education department at LHS, and benefitted students in grades 9-12 taking the following courses: Desktop Publishing, Web Design, Computer Applications and Marketing. The skills learned were applied to publications created by the Desktop Publishing and Web Design classes for school, organizations and businesses in the community.
Digital Piano - LIS Music Dept.: $700
The second mini-grant was awarded to Maurice Steinberg, Choral director at LHS and LIS.
This mini-grant for $700 was used to help purchase a Kurtzweil digital piano to replace the old upright piano at LIS. The new piano will be used in all of the LIS music classes. Most of the funding for the piano came from the LIS budget.
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