The Essex Elementary School Foundation (EESF), supported by the residents and community of Essex, approved over $50,000 for enrichment programs offered at Essex Elementary School (EES) that would otherwise not be available through traditional funding by the school system and budget.

For the 2022-'23 school year, the approved programs and grants include the return of the beloved World Culture Program (Grade 2), focusing on the three cultures of Haiti, China, and India. Students will gain a deeper understanding of each country’s customs through a study of art, food, and history. Once again, EES will collaborate with the Essex Historical Society to provide a comprehensive Historian in Residence program to help students learn about the rich history of Essex, Centerbrook, and Ivoryton. For a third year, grades K-6 will be inspired to solve grade-level specific math problems in designated locations around town through the Summer Math Passport Program. These math equations are designed to spark an interest and curiosity in children as they explore their world through the lens of mathematics. The Connecticut River Museum will again work with the Essex Elementary School grades 4-6-to provide experiences to increase students’ knowledge of their town and connection to the Connecticut River Other continued grants and programs include Bloom Art instruction, Lego Engineering, and 3D Printing Makerspace afterschool programs.

As previously announced, the new Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) lab construction has been completed at EES. Doors to the new lab opened at the beginning of the new school year in September. To further bolster the commitment to STEM learning at EES, a dedicated mathematics consultant has been funded by the foundation to facilitate ongoing programming in the STEM lab for both students and teachers. In addition, an ongoing partnership with the Connecticut Science Center has been established to continue to provide curriculum support and in-classroom and remote STEM extension activities to work toward achieving the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and broader STEM Learning. The focus of this work will be on tying classroom activities to learning more about STEM-related careers and skill building to increase awareness at a younger age. Lastly, the Connecticut Science Center is also working in collaboration with the Scientist in Residence Program (K-6) from the CT Audubon Society’s Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center (CAS/RTPEC) Scientist in Residence to ensure an optimum outcome in all STEM-related learning.

“Our commitment to enhancing the learning experience at Essex Elementary School continues beyond the construction of the new STEM lab. We want to ensure that students and staff feel supported by ongoing programming to facilitate day-to-day activities that help to raise interest and provide long-term results” says Bill Jacaruso, EESF President. “As always, we remain grateful for the generous support from our local parents and community members to make these programs possible.”

The Essex Elementary School Foundation’s Annual Appeal begins in early December. Learn more by visiting www.essexesf.org.

Since its inception in 1996, the Essex Elementary School Foundation’s primary goal has been to create a significant endowment that can support the school’s strategic vision and engage all students in a rigorous and collaborative educational program. Each year, at least 5 percent of the EESF endowment is allocated for supplemental enrichment programs and projects proposed by the Essex Elementary School administration that would otherwise not be available through traditional funding by the school system and budget. Programs funded include the construction of a state-of-the-art STEM lab, Justus W. Paul World Culture Program, literacy support materials, equipment for musical and physical education, playground improvements, 3D printers, an iPad labs, and an Engineering with Legos program. For more information, visit www.essexesf.org.