Groton - Members of the Groton Education Foundation recently delivered grant awards to 10 teachers for educational activities.

The nonprofit foundation raises and distributes funds for educational initiatives that are not funded through the school district's budget.

Dr. Michael Alfultis, director of UConn's Avery Point Campus, joined retired educators Julie Cagle, Dorothy Eames and Marian Galbraith, who is also mayor of the city of Groton, in delivering the awards.

"Teachers often have wonderful ideas for enriching their students' classroom experiences, but lack the funds necessary to carry them out," said Cagle, president of the foundation. "The Groton Education Foundation provides the funds they need to put innovative educational ideas into practice."

Grants are also awarded to community organizations that provide educational opportunities for young people within the Town of Groton. For more information, visit www.groton.k12.ct.us/domain/66.

Recipients and projects:

Charles Barnum Elementary School, Lisa Knobloch: For a Parent Resource Library for the early childhood program.

Pleasant Valley School and Northeast Academy, Alicia Luther and Eva Robbins: For a pen pal program to enhance second grade students' writing skills.

Cutler Middle School, Ruth Ann Eichelberg: To improve students' abilities in keyboard playing in a controlled environment.

Fitch High School:

Leah Cunningham: To fund a program that helps students who relocate into Groton to have a successful transition into the Groton school system.

Kelly Ennis: To help students with disabilities learn to use public transportation (SEAT buses).

Brian Chidley: For the Fitch Robotics Team for parts to build an early prototype robot to compete in National FIRST Robotics.

Kolnaski Magnet School:

Nicole Maxwell: For literacy centers to help English learners to learn language skills at a faster rate.

Andrea Westbrook and Elizabeth Campbell: Grants to improve classroom literacy through the use of a TAG reader.

Robert Walsh: To develop wellness goals and objectives through a Fun Run. The project provides a weekend opportunity for students to participate in physical activities in a safe and supportive environment.

Bill Memorial Library, Mary-Jane Carle: To purchase an Accucut die cut machine and dies for the library's preschool literacy programs.

Groton Senior Center, Mary Jo Riley: For a program to bring together seniors and Claude Chester School students for a wildlife encounter which will expose participants to live animals.

Mystics Arts Center, Dawn Salerno: To support a new program of art college prep classes for youth at the Mystic Arts Center.

- Chuck Potter