East Lyme Education Foundation

Grant Update - 9 Square in the Air.

The 9 Square in the Air project is actively enhancing the Physical Education program by providing students with an engaging, high-energy activity that combines elements of volleyball and traditional four-square. Since receiving the equipment, all students are participating in the game during their PE classes, with full implementation underway.

The activity is currently used in multiple ways throughout the school year. It serves as a reward during special events such as Fun Day, supports indoor programming on rainy days, and is integrated into the 5th and 6th grade curriculum as a lead-up activity to volleyball. There are also plans to incorporate it into Field Day activities, and interest from classroom teachers demonstrates its flexibility and school-wide appeal.

Students respond with excitement and enthusiasm when they enter the gym and see the 9 Square in the Air setup. The game creates a dynamic and interactive environment where students rotate through a 3x3 elevated grid, working to advance to the center square and maintain their position. Through play, students actively develop hand-eye coordination, agility, spatial awareness, and overall physical fitness.

Beyond physical skills, the project promotes teamwork, communication, leadership, and strategic thinking. Students take turns setting up equipment, explaining rules, organizing teams, and resolving conflicts that arise during play. The structure of the game encourages inclusivity, sportsmanship, cooperation, and fair play, making it accessible to students of varying abilities and skill levels.

As part of the core curriculum, the project impacts approximately 364 students, with expanded use during special events potentially reaching up to 724 students. Overall, 9 Square in the Air is serving as a valuable and versatile addition to the PE program, supporting both physical development and social-emotional growth.

Engaging Students. Empowering Teachers. 

One grant at a time.

Grant Update - Tech Squad: Coding with Dash Robots.

Approximately 35 third and fourth‑grade students from all three schools are meeting weekly to explore coding and robotics through hands‑on, creative challenges using Dash Robots and Blockly programming. Students were thrilled to receive the new robots and accessories, and even more excited to dive into Blockly Pro, which offers deeper challenges and opportunities to grow their coding skills.

They’re already assembling launchers, grippers, and drawing tools—then coding their robots to pick up objects, launch balls, and even draw or write. Along the way, students are practicing problem‑solving, debugging, and critical thinking, all while building confidence as each challenge becomes a little more complex.

Just as important, these students are becoming technology leaders in their schools—Tech Squad students are asked to return to their classrooms and share what they learn.  This program is helping students see themselves as creators and thinkers.

We’re grateful to everyone who helps make programs like this possible and opens the door for more students to discover a love of learning through STEM.

Over the next few weeks, we'll share updates from the projects we funded this year so you can see the impact firsthand. We hope you enjoy learning about these projects and the difference they’re making—sparking curiosity, building confidence, and opening doors to new opportunities for our students.

Engaging Students. Empowering Teachers. 

One grant at a time.