Latest News
June 2016
Center for Robotics, Engineering, Science and Technology (CREST) lab
The Board of Education accepted a $100,000 grant donation from the Glastonbury Education Foundation for a state of the art “Center for Robotics, Engineering, Science, and Technology” (CREST) lab that will be established at Glastonbury High School scheduled for a fall 2017 opening. It will provide Glastonbury students the opportunity to explore and learn new and innovative technologies and practices in science and engineering which is directly aligned with the mission of the Glastonbury Education Foundation. The CREST lab was a cumulative effort on behalf of Glastonbury’s Director of Science, Christine Tedisky, and six science teachers who worked diligently to make their ideas and vision a reality for students. The lab was designed with two main goals in purpose. First, to provide students the opportunity to improve their problem solving and critical thinking skills while applying real world applications to identify solutions. The second goal was to increase awareness of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) career options and to create interest in those fields. The Board of Education, the Glastonbury High School and science department and the Glastonbury Education Foundation are extremely excited about the endless possibilities the CREST lab affords our students and community.
Spring 2016
Hopewell School Learning Commons
With support from the Glastonbury Education Foundation, the library at Hopewell Elementary School will be transformed into a unique space where technology will be utilized to create and solve problems by students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Computer science, robotics, engineering, video creation and computer programming will all play a vital role as students engage their creativity and real life problem solving skills. Students will be able to print 3D structures, produce movies while gaining knowledge about video and creation skills and will also learn the Blockly computer programming language.
BE THE KEY INITIATIVE SECURES STATE FARM GRANT
Glastonbury High School received a $100,000 grant from the Celebrate My Drive contest of State Farm Insurance company. The grant will support the Be The Key safe teen driving program, which was launched with a $5,000 grant from the Glastonbury Education Foundation earlier this year.
February 2014
TEEN SAFE DRIVING PRESENTATION
The Glastonbury Education Foundation sponsored a Teen Safe Driving presentation given by Timothy Hollister and Garry Lapidus. Mr. Hollister lost his teenage son to a motor vehicle crash in 2006 and was a member of the Connecticut state task force that enacted the graduated teen driving laws implemented in 2008. Mr. Hollister is the author of the book, “Not So Fast: Parenting Your Teen through the Dangers of Driving,” and publisher of “From Reid’s Dad,” an award-winning national blog for parents of teen drivers. Mr. Lapidus is a Physician Assistant and Director of the Injury Prevention Center at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center/Hartford Hospital. He directs the Injury Prevention Center Research Program and is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Public Health at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. Read a recap of the presentation in the Hartford Courant here: http://www.courant.com/community/glastonbury/hc-glastonbury-teen-driving-1227-20140226,0,3926131.story
November 2012
The Gala
Over $66,000 was raised at The Gala to benefit the Glastonbury Education Foundation on Nov. 16, 2012 at Glastonbury Hills Country Club. Sponsorships, ticket sales, Diamond Wishes sales and auction purchases by the sold out crowd contributed to this outstanding result. Guests enjoyed music by Opus One, a select orchestra group of Glastonbury High School students directed by Dr. Nola Campbell, as they viewed and bid upon the wonderful array of auction items donated by local and area businesses and families.
During the event, the Foundation presented a grant of $33,000 to purchase educational programming for the new planetarium located at Glastonbury East Hartford Magnet school. The grant will also fund a presentation by a guest speaker from NASA. This educational programming will enhance the science curriculum for Magnet school stucents as well as students attending Glastonbury public schools who will attend field trips at the planetarium. The planetarium will also be open for public viewing and birthday parties once fully operational.
May 2012
Wellness Across America Program
Funded by a $6950 grant from the Glastonbury Education Foundation, Wellness Across America is a proven nutrition education program that was delivered through Glastonbury School’s Health and Physical Education department to all K-5 students and their families beginning in the fall of 2012.
Here is it involved!
• A series of easy-to-understand Family Action Cards™ delivered throughout the year with simple activities to quickly highlight key nutrition facts
• Nutrition section in school newsletter with up-to-date information, guidelines, tips and recipes
• Live webinars with a registered dietician available for parents/guardians and students to review educational content and ask questions
• Initial parent survey designed to help provide relevant customized content
• Creating awareness often results in small behavior modifications to create life-long healthy habits.
Bill Landers Building Bridges Memorial 5k Run
A record 622 people registered for this fourth annual run, of which 464 crossed the finish line at Hubbard Green on Saturday, May 12. Congratulations to first place male Brian Graca of Rocky Hill, CT, and first place female Tenley Godfrey of Pawcatuck, CT, as well as first place adult team CT Leathermen, and first place Youth Team Gideon Welles Run Club. Hebron Avenue Elementary School was awarded the Glastonbury Elementary School Spirit Award in a tight race that showcased the wonderful community spirit of all of our elementary schools. This run was made possible due to the generous sponsorships and donations of our local businesses and families, as well as the many volunteers who made the event run smoothly. CLICK HERE FOR RACE RESULTS – CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS
April 2011
Let Loose for Learning
A sold out crowd enjoyed a fantastic benefit performance by The FourFathers on April 1 at the Irish American Home in Glastonbury. The event raised almost $8,000 which will be used to fund educationally based grants for the Glastonbury community. Many thanks to everyone who supported and attended the event, and especially to The FourFathers band members who generously donated their time and talent and created a very enjoyable evening. Click our Facebook link to view photos.
January 2011
Ambassador Andrew Young
Through a grant form the Glastonbury Education Foundation, Ambassador Andrew Young spoke at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration presented by the MLK Community Initiative. Having an audience with one of the architects of the Civil Rights movement, who worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, was a truly memorable event for all attendees.
November 2010
Golden Harvest Auction Gala
Over 340 people attended the Foundation’s major annual fundraiser, the Golden Harvest Auction Gala, on November 19, 2010 at the Glastonbury Hills Country Club. The event included hors d’oeuvres, dinner, a silent auction and a live auction. Sponsorships, ticket sales, and auction sales raised over $63,600. These funds will support the grants and activities of the Foundation. Click our Facebook link to view photos.
September 2010
Greenhouse Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
The Board of Education officially opened the new greenhouse at Gideon Welles School with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony. The greenhouse was funded by a $156,000 grant from the Glastonbury Education Foundation, made possible through the generosity of our donors and sponsors. The greenhouse is surrounded by beautiful landscaping installed by Glastonbury High School Agriscience and Technology program students. In addition, over 100 families and businesses purchased personalized pavers to create a permanent brick walkway from the school to the greenhouse. The walkway was installed through a generous donation of labor by B&B Landscaping.
Photos by Peter Billard
June 2010
Little Black Dress Luncheon
About 80 women treated themselves to a delightful Little Black Dress Luncheon on June 5. Bill Graham entertained the audience with a presentation on how to accessorize a “little black dress” for any occasion, while making beautiful and creative floral arrangements to compliment each look. Attendees then enjoyed a delicious lunch and social hour. Thanks to Atelier Salon, BeautiControl/Marianne Zinzarella, CAbi/Maggie Hicks, Tapestry Rose, and the Foundation Board Members who donated baskets to this successful fundraiser. This event raised over $3,300 to support the grants and activities of the Foundation. Click on the facebook link above to view terrific photos from this event. Thank you to all of the women who attended this event!
May 2010
Bill Landers Building Bridges Memorial 5k Run/Walk a Success!
The second annual run/walk to raise money to fund the Bill Landers Memorial Scholarship and the grants and activities of the Foundation was a huge success. To view the official 5k race results, CLICK HERE. Click the Facebook link above to view photo albums of the race. About 400 people participated in the event held on Sunday, May 16 at Hubbard Green in Glastonbury, which raised over $8,000. We are very appreciative of our presenting sponsor, Global Mail Express, and the local businesses and families who ran, walked, volunteered and made donations in support of this event. This year, two $1,000 Bill Landers Memorial Scholarships were presented to GHS seniors who will attend one of the CT University System schools in the fall.
April 2010
Greenhouse Construction Underway
Construction began in earnest in April on the 800 sq. ft. greenhouse being funded by a grant from the Foundation. A Dedication Ceremony and Ribbon Cutting is planned for September 16, 2010.
March 2010
New Members Elected to Foundation Board
The Foundation welcomed Dr. Jack Lavalette and Joseph P. Williams to the Board of Directors in March, along with Lisbeth Becker who will represent the Glastonbury PTSO as an ex-officio member. All three new members live and are raising their families in Glastonbury. Dr. Lavalette owns SmartStart Pediatrics in Glastonbury, and as an avid runner is joining the Foundation’s Bill Landers Memorial 5k Committee. Mr. Williams works for Shipman & Goodwin in Hartford and will focus on the Foundation’s Grants Program with the Distribution Committee. Ms. Becker is an active volunteer with several organizations in town and will work on the Foundation’s outreach program through the Parents and Community Committee.