Groton — The Groton Education Foundation has announced that it awarded a total of $13,247 in grants this school year to support educational programming.

“We’re thrilled to be able to support the innovative programming that these schools and agencies are providing to Groton students,” Julie Cagle, chairwoman of the foundation’s board, said in a statement. “It’s great to see the new ways that educators are connecting with students.”

The following grants were announced:

• Fitch High School: $4,985 for science probes that will support the high school curriculum as it shifts to a more inquiry-based learning focus.

• Cutler Arts and Humanities Magnet Middle School: $3,000 for STEPS, which brings empowerment programming to sixth-grade girls.

• Children First: $2,000 to expand its summer reading program and increase students' access to books.

• West Side STEM Magnet Middle School: $1,100 for a drumming program that encourages creative expression, reduces stress and engages students with a variety of learning styles.

• Mystic & Noank Library: $1,000 to support an ongoing music series and bring hands-on learning to the library.

• Child & Family Agency: $600 for a cooking class that will teach healthy eating and cooking habits to Groton families.

•Fitch High School: $562 to provide copies of this year’s One Book-One Region selection, allowing students to participate in the community conversation about the book.

Another round of grant reviews will start this fall. The GEF supports educational innovation and excellence, and any non-profit that serves Groton residents with educational programming is eligible to apply. More information is available at www.grotonschools.org/GEF.