Third Round of Grants from the Adams-Cheshire Educational (ACE) Fund
September 16, 2006
Adams, MA — The Adams-Cheshire Educational Partnership (ACE) Fund awarded its third round of grants to three projects totaling $3,200. This Fund was created with a challenge grant from the Barrett Fund for Adams, Cheshire and Savoy and built entirely with private contributions from area businesses and interested individuals. It promotes excellence in the Adams-Cheshire School District by supporting projects above and beyond those offered by the standard curriculum.
A committee consisting of students, faculty and community members reviewed applications based on excellence of the project, impact on the school community and ability of the applicant to carry out the project.
Grants were awarded for the following projects:
Time Travel to Ancient Civilizations: $500 for hands-on projects that allow students to feel the culture, challenges and accomplishments and what life was like for various civilizations being studied. Time periods or geographic areas will include the Neolithic Age, Mesopotamia, Egypt, Phoenicia, ancient Israel, ancient Greece and ancient Rome.
Therapeutic Horseback Riding for Special Needs Students: $700 for 5 weeks of horseback riding lessons to be given to special needs students. The program, provided by Equus Therapeutic, Inc. at Oakhollow Farm, has proven to maximize the students’ physical, emotional and intellectual potential.
Purchase of Die Cut Machine: $2,000 towards the purchase of an Ellison Die Cut machine to be used to enhance curriculum activities by the staff of the school district. The machine enables the user to produce letters, numbers and various shapes and figures that can be used to enhance reading, math, science, art, music, student publications, certificates, and awards.
“It’s always a rewarding experience to see these kinds of needs being served by the ACE Fund,” stated Howard Wineberg, Chair, ACE Fund “We are excited to be able to provide needed funding for equipment and programs that serve to enhance the educational experience our children receive by the Adams-Cheshire schools. It’s these types of grants that have attracted our communities’ generous donations to this endowment fund.”
The next deadline for grant applications is October 31, 20007. Applications are available at the Superintendent’s Office and online at www.acrsd.net and will be accepted for consideration anytime prior to the deadline.
Tax exempt contributions in the name of the ACE Fund can be made at any time c/o Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, 271 Main Street, Suite 3, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
The Fund was established in 2002 in response to a countywide initiative by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, through which the ACE Fund received $31,500 for initial grant making and as a challenge to grow an endowment. As an endowment the Fund will be able to provide grants in perpetuity for enrichment projects.
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