Canton Education Foundation, Shoppes Present $5,000 to Canton Schools

The Canton Education Foundation, on behalf of the Shoppes at Farmington Valley, presented the Board of Education with $5,000 for school wellness funding Tuesday night. 

Part of the funding will go to refurbishing the school district's ropes course behind Canton High School, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jordan Grossman said. 

Additionally, the district is exploring the idea of a snowshoeing initiative, Grossman added. 

Annually the Shoppes partners with the foundation to present the funding for wellness activities. It's timed to correspond with an event that four high school interns and the shoppes plan for high school students. This year, that event, Fit for the Future — a Youth Experience, is set for Wednesday night at Bridge Street Live. 

Raising money through donations and fundraisers, the foundation awards additional funds to the schools as well as other community educational efforts. 

One initiative has been awarding mini grants to fund teacher initiatives that are not covered under the school district's budget. 

Since 2004, the foundation has donated approximately $100,000 to the community, member Scot Scala told the school board. 

The foundation, however, is struggling to find additional volunteers, president Andrew Pidgeon told the board. Commitment is minimal, essentially one meeting a month, he said. 

"To continue to (support education) we really need some help," he said. 

Pidgeon said the foundation remains committed. 

Board chair Leslee Hill thanked the organization. 

"You’ve done so much for the schools and we really appreciate it," she said. 

To find out more about the foundation visit http://www.cantoneducationfoundation.org/. Those interested in helping can use the feedback form on the site.