Norwich — The Norwich Public Schools Education Foundation recently awarded $6,378 in grants to classrooms for the fall grant cycle to support of student achievement.

This cycle of grants includes funds for an after-school running club and after-school volleyball club promoting good health and self-esteem. Grants also were awarded for a life skills lab and sensory materials and tools, a sensory break room to assist with sensory-based intervention, a transition program to teach independent living skills and to purchase a speaker system for educational videos for large groups of students.

Additionally, the foundation provided funding to purchase new flutes in its long-term commitment to the Norwich Public Schools' flourishing instrumental music program, which now has more than 200 students participating.

The all-volunteer foundation has awarded more than $72,000 in grants to Norwich Public Schools classrooms since its inception in 2011 with support from community partners and individual donors. Donations to the NPS Education Foundation can be made at bit.ly/NPSEd.