The Board of Education heard an update on a $1.5 million grant the district received at the end of the last school year at its meeting on August 15.novofoundation.org

Interim Superintendent of Schools Lorrie Rodrigue explained the district was awarded the NoVo Foundation grant at the close of the 2016-17 school year for $500,000 a year for three years, or $1.5 million in total.

"There were several goals for the grant, which included establishing a model [kindergarten to twelfth grade] social and emotional learning program, so this would include staffing and resources and even include some training for Project Adventure staff," said Dr Rodrigue, adding that Newtown Public Schools grants specialist Kristin Larson was instrumental is writing the grant and obtaining it for Newtown.

, the NoVo Foundation is dedicated to transformation in global society, moving from a culture of domination to one of equality and partnership by supporting the development of capacities in people - individually and collectively - to help create a caring and balanced world.According to its website,

Ms Larson said other goals of the grant Newtown received were supporting the district with targeted school-based counseling, academic support services, and wellness programs as the town continues recovery efforts. Another goal is to move away from dependency on outside funding sources, according to Ms Larson.

"We worked together with a pretty large team to develop a year-one plan," said Ms Larson, adding that the plan includes adjusting the plan for the two following years. The team included Dr Rodrigue, former superintendent of schools Dr Joseph V. Erardi, Jr, and other district leaders.

In the first year, Ms Larson said the plan is to create a position and hire a kindergarten to twelfth grade director of counseling and guidance.

"This is an important oversight role that will really steer the recovery effort and development of a social/emotional learning program," Ms Larson said. "We're also looking at having support for key positions, [like] social workers at the middle school, some special education personnel, and a social work staffer for alternative high school programs."

Art and music therapy programs are also being looked at, including supports for staff wellness across the district.

Ms Larson said the grant is a great opportunity for Newtown and the NoVo Foundation will be a good partner in the district's efforts.

Board of Education member Rebekah Harriman-Stites thanked Ms Larson for her "labor of love" in applying for and earning the grant.