April 26, 2022 By Ally Donnelly
Carolyn Bixby, a 3rd grade teacher at Foster Elementary, wanted to have bandages and crayons that better matched the skin tones of her students. Unfortunately, the school budget had already been set and the money to pay for the supplies would have to come from Bixby herself or another source. So, the resourceful teacher turned to the Hingham Education Foundation, or HEF.
Each year, HEF grants funds to deserving teachers throughout Hingham Public Schools. Projects range from grants like Bixby’s to larger initiatives like last summer’s Summer Acceleration Academy. Eryn Kelley, president of the HEF board says, “One of the greatest pleasures of the work we do is funding high-impact, scalable grants that enrich our students’ curriculum. It’s a privilege to see the commitment of our teachers and staff to our kids and their well-rounded education.” Bixby added, “The Crayons and Bandages for Change has served as a springboard for valuable conversations and discussions. Art…sets the foundation for an inclusive, multicultural class community.”
Mary Eastwood, principal of South Elementary, cheered the Summer Acceleration Academy funded through a HEF grant. “The fact that students could come to school for the Summer Acceleration Academy to get acclimated to the school year in August was amazing! It was wonderful to witness the learning and the relationship building inside and outside of their own school,” Eastwood says. “This program served many children and set them on a path for success.” Kelley agreed. “Whether the grant is for one classroom or spans HPS schools, the impact is inspiring.”
To fund the grants, HEF needs your help. On April 30th, HEF will host its final event of the year, a Roaring 20s theme party at the South Shore Country Club “Speakeasy and Casino.” Money raised will directly benefit HPS teachers, staff and, of course, students and will go directly to the grant applications HEF is receiving right now. “The more we come together as a community for our kids,” Kelley said, “The more grants we can fund. We hope to see you there!”
Buy Tickets Now: https://hinghameducation.org/annual-event/
To learn more about the impressive grants HEF has funded, visit our Grants in Action site at https://hinghameducation.org/grants-in-action/
Event Details
The Roaring 20s,
South Shore Country Club
Sat Apr 30, 2022, 7:30 PM - 11:30 PM
Buy Tickets Now: https://hinghameducation.org/annual-event/