Faculty, administrative staff, and faculty-mentored students of the Old Rochester Regional School District are able to apply. Grants are available for projects in the following categories:
- Curriculum Enrichment
- Faculty-Mentored Student Projects
- Professional Development
Grant-Funded Projects
Project: Empowering, Engaging, and Motivating Students with Learning Differences (2024-2025)
Based on a body of research known as the Science of Reading, children were provided with engaging multi-sensory and interactive materials which attend to the individual needs of students who benefit most from this approach. This grant will equip the teaching team with state-of-the-art tools to effectively support diverse learning styles.
- Ms. Carolyn Pawlishen, Grade 2 Teacher, Center School
Project: World Language Curriculum Enhancement (2024-2025)
Each student in Sra. Ochoa's Spanish class received their own copy of a Spanish language book which the class read and studied together. Students were able to take their book home, make notes, highlight text and not worry about returning it for someone else to use.
- Señora Kelly Ochoa, Spanish Teacher, ORRHS
Project: Button Maker and 3D Printer (2024-2025)
Since the Old Rochester Regional High School Library Commons Makerspace was established with a Lighthouse grant in 2017, it has evolved into a vibrant hub where community members gather to collaborate on projects, share ideas, and access a wide range of equipment and supplies. We are deeply grateful to the Old Rochester Tri-Town Education Foundation for their generous grant, which enabled us to add essential new equipment—a 3D printer and a button machine—further enhancing the accessibility and usability of our Makerspace.
- Allison Barker, Teacher Librarian, ORRHS
Project: Laser Cutter and Software (2023-2024)
Junior High School STEM classes are the critical link between students and STEM careers. We purchased a laser engraver/cutter which has allowed us to teach in greater depth with our students. The curriculum was redesigned with the new tools and software in mind. Students can now dedicate more time to designing, testing and learning and less time on constructing models. The depth of theory we’re able to reach because of the time saved on construction allows for the design and execution of more advanced structures. The ability to redesign and retest gives more opportunity to develop critical and creative thinking skills which is the ultimate goal of the course.
- Mr. Brian Almeida, TechEd Teacher, ORR Junior High School
Project: Original Composition and Collaboration Between Students and Composer (2024-2025, 2023-2024)
The project funded by the Tri-Town Education Foundation was a resounding success, and we are forever grateful for your support. Our greatest accomplishment was bringing the new composition, “The Scorpion Slayer,” to life, from conception to performance, by collaborating with Haley Woodrow, an internationally renowned composer, and our school district's musicians. The following narrative includes the experiences of various teachers and students involved in this remarkable project.
- Richard Laprise, General Music and Band Teacher, ORR Junior High School
Project: Disc Golf Course (2024-2025, 2023-2024)
Disc Golf has been a great success! The equipment purchased through the ORR TTEF grant led to the expansion this popular club at the JHS and facilitated the addition of participants from the HS. Increasingly, the decision-making has been student-driven with participants mapping and planning the challenges. In partnership with facilities and groundskeeping staff, we were able to expand the course and maintain students' enthusiastic participation in Disc Golf Club. Grades 7-12 are now welcome because of the resources made available by the grant. Thank you!
- Mr. Andrew Apperson, Social Studies Teacher, ORRHS
The Old Rochester Regional Tri-Town Education Foundation Fund is a growing endowment fund under the auspices of the SouthCoast Community Foundation.