Avon, CT – May 30, 2025 – The Avon Education Foundation (AEF) is pleased to announce the recipients of its Spring 2025 Grants, aimed at funding innovative educational projects that enhance student learning experiences across the district. These grants will support various initiatives designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, and engagement in the classroom.
1. Empty Space: The Scale of the Solar System,
Developed by Jon Moss, Grade 5 teacher at Thompson Brook School. This project will create an art installation that accurately represents the scale and relative space between the planets in our solar system. Fifth-grade students and National Art Honors Society members from Avon High School will collaborate on this project, aligning with the Next Generation Science Standard: 5-ESS1-1.
2. Navigating the Tween Scene – A Caregiver/Educator Book Group.
Developed by Jon Moss and Melissa Morgan-Hostetler, Principal at Thompson Brook School. The project developers will lead a book club and discussion group for caregivers and educators. This initiative will provide a supportive environment for discussing the developmental changes tweens undergo, enhancing caregiver engagement and resource sharing.
3. Self-Regulation Toolkits to Support Independence in Upper Elementary Grades.
Developed by Jon Moss and Christine Talarico, School Counselor at Thompson Brook School. The project will provide classrooms with self-regulation toolkits. These resources aim to help students manage their emotions and behaviors independently, improving their academic success and classroom participation.
4. Meeting the Sensory Needs for Early Childhood Elementary Students.
Developed by Devin Van Patten, Kindergarten teacher at Pine Grove School. This project will implement multisensory activities to support the sensory needs of Kindergarten and First Grade students, particularly those in Special Education. The use of diverse materials will promote sensory integration and encourage positive social interactions across various subjects.
5. Strategy Games to Enhance K-4 Math Skills.
Developed by Amy Press, Grade 1 teacher at Pine Grove School. This project will introduce strategy games to enhance mathematical skills for K-4 students. These games will develop mathematical thinking, spatial awareness, and problem-solving abilities, while also fostering collaboration and resilience.
Avon Education Foundation is an all-volunteer organization that has supported education in Avon since 2004. Grant applications are submitted to the Grant Committee of the Board, which consists of ten volunteers from the Avon community. The grant committee members evaluate each grant application before it is reviewed and decided upon by the full Grant Committee, based on each member’s input and assessment.
The Avon Education Foundation remains committed to supporting educational excellence and innovation in Avon, CT. For more information about the foundation and its initiatives, please visit www.avonedfoundation.org.
Media Contact: Nicole Nunziata, AEF Communication and Publicity Chair, nicole.nunziata@gmail.com
Grant award winners Devin Van Patten and Amy Press from Pine Grove School with AEF board members, Debra Chute, Chairperson of the Avon Board of Education, and Jess Giannini, Assistant Superintendent.
Grant award winners John Moss, Melissa Morgan-Hostetler, and Christine Talarico at Thompson Brook School with AEF board members and Debra Chute, Chairperson of the Board of Education.
