November 4th, 2024

Robinson Elementary School has been awarded a $4,800 grant from the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS). The grant is made possible through a partnership between Robinson Elementary School and Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom. This grant will fund new Smartboard technology.

“Internet-based resources have really broadened my students’ perspectives,” said Kerry Lake, a 3rd grade teacher at Robinson Elementary. “For example, we connected with peers in Hawaii using the video app FlipGrid. We have also met with authors, math experts, and even Kenyan scientist Richard Turere, who invented Lion Lights as a child. The Smartboard technology will enable us to bring more meaningful, efficient, and interactive learning opportunities through national and international video conferencing for our students.”

The Foundation For Rural Service awards grants to rural communities served by NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association members, of which Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom is a member. These grants are designed to provide support to a variety of local efforts to build and sustain a high quality of life in rural America. The required matching funds contribution was provided by Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom.

“FRS is proud to support these projects throughout the country to promote health, safety, education and growth in rural communities,” said FRS Executive Director Pam Becker. “This year we awarded the largest number of grants and greatest total in FRS history. $169,470.00 was awarded to 36 grant recipients. Thank you to the NTCA members who partnered with FRS to fund these projects.”

For more information on FRS and community development grants, please contact Lorraine Keener at (802) 496-8379 or lkeener@corp.wcvt.com.