Home > Grants Funded > Literacy, Arts, and History

Origami Basics Program (2023)

The Brookfield Education Foundation funded a grant request from Willian Chen, Troop 5, Brookfield, to launch an origami program at the Brookfield Craft Center as part of his Eagle Scout project. The program involves a 5-day class where students,...

Library Storywalks (2020)

The Brookfield Education Foundation awarded a major grant for ongoing storywalk programming.  Championed by Debbie Brooks, Head of Children’s Services at The Brookfield Library, this reusable Storywalk will be available to the entire community for years to come.  This...

WMS Music & Mentors (2016)

This grant, championed by special education teacher, Nicole Forstrom, will provide a mentor structured program incorporating music, movement and social interaction between students. Special needs students at WMS will have the opportunity to learn from other students in areas...

BHS Author Visit (2018)

Championed by Jennifer Rocca at BHS, the Brookfield Education Foundation has funded the “One Town, One Read” author visit of the book My Dear Hamilton. The book is a work of historical fiction but is based off of the...

Summer Experiences Through Reading (2015)

The Brookfield Education Foundation awarded a major grant to Whisconier Middle School’s “Summer Experiences Through Reading”. Championed by Library Media Specialist Sue Crean, this amazing program will give struggling and reluctant readers a positive summer reading experience by linking...

Summer Experiences Through Reading! (2014)

The Brookfield Education Foundation awarded a major grant to Whisconier Middle School’s “Summer Experiences Through Reading”. Championed by Library Media Specialist Sue Crean, this amazing program will give struggling and reluctant readers a positive summer reading experience by linking...

Making Music Come Alive! (2014)

Grant champion and music teacher Margaret Fitzgerald was awarded a BEF major grant to fund a program spread across the music departments of Center Elementary School, Huckleberry Hill Elementary and Whisconier Middle School. The Music Department will receive funding...

Book Search Kiosk (2014)

Students at Whisconier Middle School will find searching for books at the school library easier, thanks to a BEF mini grant funding a dedicated book search area. Championed by 21st Century Skills teacher Sue Crean, the project both facilitates...

Costumes for Plays (2013)

Fourth graders at Huckleberry Hill Elementary School have added a creative layer to their literary productions thanks to a mini-grant from the Brookfield Education Foundation. Championed by teacher Lee Morgan, the grant allowed for the purchase of costumes and...

Early Literacy Project (2012)

A mini-grant has allowed the funding of the Brookfield Library’s “1000 Books Before Kindergarten” project. This early literacy, self-paced program encourages parents to read to their children from infancy throughout the toddler and preschool years, helping to develop literacy...

Library iPod Program (2012)

Center Elementary School was the recipient of a major grant for the Library iPod Program. Headed by CES librarian Joyce Zaldo, the project provides funding for 20 iPods and 50 audiobooks, allowing emerging readers audio feedback as they read....

CES Seeing Stars (2012)

A mini grant will enable Center School teachers to help regular and special education students meet or exceed grade level expectations in reading through the Seeing Stars program. This project teaches children how to visualize the identity, number and...

Fluency Consortium(2012)

A mini grant to Huckleberry Hill Elementary will fund a consortium of reading staff, special education staff, and a representative from the university community to promote the exploration of new ideas and promising practices in fluency assessment, materials and...

Iditarod Dog Race Adventure (2011)

The Brookfield Library has received a mini-grant to fund a presentation by columnist, oral historian and three-time Iditarod participant Karen Land. This program will explore the history of the Iditarod Dog Race, as well as the culture and will...

“Cinderella” one book-one school (2011)

This literacy initiative will bring the entire school community together around the presentation of several different cultural versions of the story “Cinderella”. Using a blended curriculum of literacy, art, music and theater, the program aims to promote text comprehension,...

Sharps & Flats (2011)

This mini-grant provided funding for the Brookfield Senior Center’s “Sharps and Flats” musical group. Under the direction of coordinator Rita Zullo-Lubinhis innovative group looks to enhance music education and appreciation for the entire community. Click here to enjoy a...

Wilson Language Program (2010)

This multi-sensory method of teaching reading and writing skills helps provide the foundation for life-long literacy for all students. This major grant enables the implementation of the Wilson’s language basics foundations program at Center Elementary School. Grant requested by...

One Book, One Lake (2009)

The five surrounding towns of Candlewood Lake will participate in a “one book, one lake” summer program, using A Walk in The Woods. The project will involve outreach to community organizations including scouting groups, the Historical Society, the Senior...

Playaways (2009)

Students can hear books by using a device called Playaways. These small machines are similar to books on tape. Grant requested by, Maureen Fitzpatrick, Huckleberry Hill Elementary School

“Books to Food” (2009)

Children will earn items for the Brookfield Food Bank by reading books. This will allow students to maintain or improve reading skills during school vacation months, while learning how their efforts can directly benefit others. Grant requested by Mary...

Gurski farm blacksmith shop (2009)

The Brookfield Education Foundation will contribute matching funds to renovate the Brookfield Historical Society Blacksmith Shop. This renovation will be part of a major renovation of the Gurski Farm property. The blacksmith shop will house year round education programs...

Gender reading discrepancy (2008)

Funding was provided to two third grade classrooms for the provision of male-oriented reading materials, with the goal of narrowing the gender gap in reading skills that becomes evident in third grade and continues through high school. Grant requested...

Hand in Hand literacy program (2007)

Twenty-eight volunteers – senior citizens, parents and high school students – will enhance the learning of developing readers and writers. Each trained volunteer will spend an hour a week inviting one child into the world of books and written...

Shakespearean Actors Workshop (2006)

Two actors from the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Artist-in-Residence program will hold a ½ day workshop for 5th and 6th grade humanities students. Students will explore the social and historical contexts for Shakespeare’s plays in a learning environment similar to...

IRIS scanning pen (2006)

The IRIS scanning pen for enhancing special reading instruction will help students who struggle with reading. Grant requested by Tamara Priestley and Laurie Iovanno, Whisconier Middle School