Join us for the unveiling of the Virtual STEM University on May 28, 4-5pm, at South End School.

The Southington Education Foundation in conjunction with the Southington Public Schools is excited to announce this web-based instructional resource for educators. We hope that you will be able to join us in viewing these highly innovative teacher-created lessons which incorporate the STEM components of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

This event provides an opportunity to thank the teams of teachers involved in this initiative as well as the administrators who oversaw this project. Lessons highlighted will include "Force & Motion" by Jennifer Irazabel and Sara Cavanaugh (Grades 4 & 5) and "Light & Mirrors" by Betty Brown (Grade 5).

Please join representatives from the Southington Public Schools and the Southington Education Foundation as we showcase these innovative lesson designs and a website resource that may be the only one of its kind in the nation. 

Please join use for the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the new YMCA Nature Center and SEF STEM Laboratory, June 12, 6-7pm at YMCA Camp Sloper, 1000 East Street in Southington.

The Southington Education Foundation provided $20,000 towards construction of the nature center. The 750 square-foot building, previously a pavilion, has been enclosed for year-round use.

Additionally, the Nature Center building has the potential for expanding the Science at Sloper initiative. Currently, all fourth graders are bused to this site in the fall and spring; in the future students may be able to participate in winter enrichment activities.

The Southington Education Foundation was chosen to receive the Order of the Blue Knight Award at the May 7th Academic Awards Evening at Southington High School.

Who receives this award? What does it signify? "Each year SHS honors members of the community who have contributed significant amounts of their personal time to help our school. Through their volunteerism and dedication, they help make SHS a better place," said Marty Semmel, SHS Principal. "I think you folks do terrific work and I am proud that we can recognize the work in this way."

Alan DeBischop and Tony Sheffy joined Jan Galati to accept the award. "This award recognizes the hard work that SEF members have put forth over the past five years, and I'm happy to accept on their behalf," said Jan.

The SEF received a $5,000 donation recently from Rogers Orchards. This contribution supports the SEF's ongoing mission to provide enriching educational opportunities for students in the Southington Public School system.

Greg Parzych, Co-Vice President of Rogers Orchard, Inc. said he contacted the SEF because, "We have been looking for ways to support our local schools in a meaningful way that the educators can take advantage of". Parzych indicated that each year the business chooses a cause to support.

Jan Galati, chairman of the SEF, expressed her appreciation to the Rogers Orchards family for their generous financial support. She went on to say that this funding will contribute to ongoing projects such as the Science at Sloper district-wide program for fourth graders as well as new initiatives such as the Virtual STEM University which is soon to be launched.

The SEF  is proud to recognize Dr. Joseph V. Erardi, Jr. for his work on behalf of the Southington Education Foundation. 

In 2009 Dr. Erardi brought together members of the community in order to establish the Southington Education Foundation, whose mission is in part to instill a love of learning. Serving as Ex-officio Director, Dr. Erardi has supported projects and initiatives all in benefit of the students of the Southington Public Schools.

So, it is fitting that the Southington Education Foundation continues the legacy of Dr. Erardi through an annual scholarship for a deserving Southington High School student. The $1,000 scholarship will be granted to a graduating Southington High School senior in good standing.  The student must be continuing his/her education, be civic-minded and demonstrate the desire to help school, community and/or country.

At a reception March 24, members of the SEF board presented Dr. Erardi with a plaque describing the scholarship. "I was deeply touched by this scholarship," Joe said the day after receiving the plaque. "I often tell colleagues, family, and friends that Southington has a greater percentage of caring and committed to the cause people than any other place I have ever worked. Your generosity during my tenure for K-12 learning should be played forward to every community throughout the country as the formula was not magical... simply hard and smart work. I am never speechless. I was last night."

This is why SEF is excited to be able to provide an annual scholarship devoted to STEM.