SEED donates $9,000 to Dover public schools: Seacoast education news

SEED donates $9,000 to Dover Public Schools

DOVER — Seacoast Educational Endowment for Dover, a nonprofit organization dedicated to lifting academic excellence in Dover, New Hampshire public schools, recently awarded approximately $9,000 for enhanced learning curriculum for Dover public schools. These funds would not otherwise be available through traditional school budgets.

Dover High School Language Arts Teacher Leslie Hocking with SEED BOD members
Dover High School Language Arts Teacher Leslie Hocking with SEED BOD members

At Dover High School, SEED granted Language Arts Teacher Leslie Hocking’s request for continued support to grow her literacy program initiated in 2021 thanks to SEED funding of the Reading for Fun pilot program. The program will provide each incoming freshman with a book of their choice to grow their own libraries and encourage reading as an important and valuable part of high school.

Dover High School Science Teacher, Susan Pike with SEED BOD members
Dover High School Science Teacher, Susan Pike with SEED BOD members

Meanwhile, Dover High School Science Teacher, Susan Pike, requested $7,000 to equip Integrated Earth Science students with the technology and tools required to participate in matter cycling research and data collection. This curriculum takes advantage of the proximity of the Bellamy River to teach with hands-on activities how matter cycling (water, carbon, and nitrogen) and human intervention shape the environment.

SEED Board Members with Woodman Park's Brielle Tryggestad
SEED Board Members with Woodman Park's Brielle Tryggestad

At Woodman Park School, Brielle Tryggestad received $600 to create a neurodiverse library for the classrooms to help foster deeper understanding and connections between neurotypical students and neurodiverse students. Neurodiverse learners include those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Dyslexia, and other learning disabilities. This project will open conversation for observations of differences and similarities among peers, provide explanations and examples of students with different disabilities, and meet the individual needs for all students to be successful in school.

SEED Board Members with Horne Street School Librarian, Audra Lewis
SEED Board Members with Horne Street School Librarian, Audra Lewis

Finally, Horne Street School Librarian, Audra Lewis, was awarded $1,400 to purchase digital reading devices and peripherals to meet the needs of all learners while increasing access to existing audio and e-book subscriptions. This project will support students of different reading abilities regardless of age, aptitude, or learning challenges.

SEED is celebrating 10 years of underwriting inspired-Dover educators with the instruments needed to create a 21st-century learning environment. Since its inception, SEED has provided just less than $300,000 in tools, training, and equipment to Dover public school students while simultaneously building an endowment fund to perpetuate giving for years to come.

Completely funded by philanthropic giving from businesses and individuals, SEED just completed its annual gala where it raised $22,000 to fund future grants to provide students with the skills they will need for post-high school success. To learn more, volunteer, or donate, please visit www.DoverSEED.org.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: SEED donates $9,000 to Dover NH schools: Seacoast education news