The Essential Role of the Easton Learning Foundation at HKMS

Posted Date: 10/23/25 (12:12 PM)

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Helen Keller Middle School

360 Sport Hill Road, Easton, Connecticut 06612

OFFICE (203) 268-8651 ⁭ FAX (203) 268-6105

Steven Clapp, Ed.D., Principal

Annie Mohr, Assistant Principal

Kelli Pollock, Supervisor of Special Education

The Essential Role of the Easton Learning Foundation

Dear HKMS Families,

I'm writing to express my deepest gratitude for a dedicated group in our community: the Easton Learning Foundation (or ELF). For our newer families, it is vital to understand that ELF is the non-profit engine that powers innovation and enrichment at HKMS, operating entirely separate from the school's core operating budget. It is a direct investment tool for your children’s future, funding projects and resources beyond what public funding alone allows. For years, ELF has provided direct, measurable benefits to our students and staff:

For Our Students:

Cutting-Edge Technology: Funded the design and materials for our PLTW classroom (a class we literally would not have without ELF), interactive whiteboards, and specialized class devices.
Enrichment Programs: Subsidized major field trips, ensuring accessibility for all, and funded programs like "Bookbreaks" virtual author visits.
Academic Resources: Provided Breakout EDU Kits, refreshed library collections, and contributed to our Reading Nook and the library's flexible seating options.
Collaborative Spaces: Funded all new cafeteria furniture, allowing for greater collaboration and instructional use outside of lunchtime.

For Our Teachers:

Professional Development: Provided grants for faculty to attend national conferences and gain expertise in new teaching methodologies.
Innovative Classroom Grants: Empowered educators to submit proposals for projects, leading to activities like DNA sequencing, robotics experiences, and the purchase of document cameras.

So many success stories at HKMS have been touched by ELF’s support.

We understand you are busy, but I ask you to see ELF not as "another request," but as the crucial partner in maintaining the high standard of education we all value. Its continued success relies entirely on the time, effort, and financial donations. By supporting ELF, you are directly investing in the quality of your child’s daily experience and the professional growth of our educators.

Please consider attending their 20th Anniversary Party on November 20 from 6:00 -10:00 p.m. at Testo’s in Monroe.

You can buy tickets and check out all the great work ELF does at: https://www.eastonlearningfoundation.org/

Thank you for being part of this remarkable community and for helping us support ELF.

Sincerely,

Steve Clapp, Ed.D.

Principal of HKMS

At HKMS, all students, regardless of circumstances, will thrive academically,

socially, and emotionally if intentionally challenged and properly supported.