In addition to providing support to our school district's classrooms, the Maranacook Education Foundation also supports local non-profit organizations who serve students within our school community. We consider Fayette part of our school community since so many of their students attend Maranacook Community Middle and High Schools. One of our grants this year was awarded to the Underwood Memorial Library (UML) in Fayette. Michelle Briggs, the Director of the UML, submitted a grant to purchase materials to enhance their STEM program at the library in an effort to expand their educational programming. STEM instruction includes the study of science, technology. engineering, and math, and specific materials are needed to effectively deliver instruction. Michelle reported that the grant has enabled the library to help their children expand and explore their creativity. The children continuously amaze all with their ability to find solutions, and how to make things work. The staff sets aside two nights every month for children's activities at the UML and having these STEM Kits enables staff to work them into their programming multiple times a year, a great addition to what they are able to offer the children. The kids really love them and the parents seem to enjoy them as well.
All of the grants the MEF awarded this school year are listed here, and we hope to highlight more of them in the coming months. Please visit our website to learn more about our organization and to donate if you would like to help us in our efforts to support our school's students and staff.