Students
Alyssa Collins is Supporting Student Success
Alyssa Collins works hard to give her students the tools and opportunities to thrive. As an MTRS-supported classroom teacher, Alyssa received the Mary Lyon Foundation’s educator assistance grant in October. Now, she can offer more social-emotional support programs and self-regulation tools to help students manage difficult emotions. Going Above and Beyond “Mary Lyon’s educator assistance…
Read MoreEmpowering Young Women Through our Period Poverty Program
The Mary Lyon Foundation empowers young women by providing free feminine hygiene products to help them feel comfortable succeeding in the classroom and life. The Period Poverty Program supports elementary, middle, and high school students by making period products available at no cost. Students are encouraged to quickly and discreetly stop by the Mary Lyon…
Read MoreLetter from the Executive Director: Winter 2023
The new year is a time of renewal and a time to reflect on the year past. When I look back over the last year, I am grateful to all of you for supporting the vision and mission of the Mary Lyon Foundation. Our community’s children, families, and educators are better equipped because of you.…
Read MoreCPR Training
Last spring, the Mary Lyon Foundation was honored to provide funding to six ambitious MTRS students in Tamara Brown’s health class to become CPR certified! MTRSD Community Engagement and Enrichment Programs are actively working with local fire chiefs to increase the number of volunteer firefighters. Part of that program includes CPR and First Aid Certification.…
Read MoreMTRS Senior Capstone Project
The Mary Lyon Foundation is proud to assist students by providing financial support to complete educational projects. The MTRS Senior Capstone is a long-term independent project that all seniors are required to complete before graduation. Students choose from an array of disciplines to design their projects, perform in-depth research, and set realistic goals to make…
Read MoreSummer Programming Scholarship
The Mary Lyon Foundation funded $2,500 in summer scholarships to help bridge the gap for families who could not afford to send their children to local summer programs. Due to the deep poverty gap within western Franklin County, some families do not qualify for free or reduced lunch services but may struggle to afford childcare…
Read MoreUnited Way of Franklin & Hampshire Region’s Blooming Backpack Drive:
The Mary Lyon Foundation partnered with the United Way of Franklin & Hampshire Region for their annual Blooming Backpack Drive! The Foundation helped prepare MTRSD students for a new academic year by encouraging donations of new backpacks filled with essential school supplies such as notebooks, paper, pens, highlighters, and more. Thank you to all who…
Read MoreRelieving Students and Families of Financial Stress:
Austin Sullivan learned about the Mary Lyon Foundation in seventh grade, but it wasn’t until his senior year of high school in 2022 that he understood the impact of their services on the community. Now attending Westfield State University and pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology, as a first-generation college student, Austin received a laptop…
Read MoreFriends of the Foundation: Tom Miner, Local Optometrist & Co-Owner of Foxtown Diner
Meet Tom Miner, one of the Mary Lyon Foundation’s community partners! Tom owns the Foxtown Diner and serves as Shelburne’s resident optometrist through his local practice, The Optician. He first became involved with the Mary Lyon Foundation while it was under the direction of former Executive Director, Susan Samoriski. Through Sue, Tom discovered the essential…
Read MoreThe Harper & Paulyne Gerry Student Assistance Corner
Etiquette Breakfast On Friday, May 6, 2022, the Mary Lyon Foundation funded a very special breakfast for sixth-grade students at the Buckland Shelburne Elementary School! As part of their preparation to visit Nature’s Classroom in Ocean Park, Maine, they learned table etiquette when eating family style, including what a place setting looks like, where to…
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