Saint Mary School Ridgefield awarded innovation and leadership grant from Foundations in Education

Mrs. Kyriacou and  a student

Saint Mary School Ridgefield was recently awarded an innovation and leadership grant from Foundations in Education.

Preschool teacher Stephanie Kyriacou was awarded her grant for "Science in Preschool" and will use the $750 to purchase a light table with accessories.  Light tables can be used to enhance literacy, math, writing, science, and music lessons.  The visual stimulation draws children in and can help build attention spans as well as provide a calming effect.  "It will be used as a part of our daily curriculum to teach and learn about colors, patterns, counting, building, social engagement, shapes, and letters," said Mrs. Kyriacou.

Foundations in Education is an independent, nonprofit initiative created to assist the Diocese of Bridgeport's ongoing mission to support Catholic education in Fairfield County.  The award was one of 23 granted to Diocesan-sponsored schools this year.    The grant program, in its fifth year,  promotes excellence in Catholic education by supporting teachers’ creative projects and professional development. Grants funded through this program are intended for transformative initiatives that benefit multiple grade levels and have a long-term impact on student learning.

Saint Mary is a non-profit Catholic school serving 255 students in preschool-grade 8 from over 20 communities in Connecticut and New York.  Re-opened in 1996, Saint Mary school promotes academic excellence within a faith-based community.  Saint Mary School is part of the Diocese of Bridgeport and is located at 183 High Ridge Avenue in Ridgefield.