The Lyme Innovation for Education (LIFE) fund's mission is to create opportunities to enhance the educational experience for Lyme children by providing financial support for programs that directly benefit students.
Grant Goals
LIFE will look to support programs that
benefit Lyme children primarily through programs at the Lyme School.
complement the strategic goals of the Lyme School.
impact as many Lyme students as possible. The Fund does not make grants to individuals.
are sustainable.
do not add a financial burden to the school's operating budget.
Lyme School K-4 Language Program
LIFE is proud to support the language program at the Lyme School that introduces Spanish to elementary school children starting in Kindergarten--when they are able to pick up new languages quickly. The program is funded entirely by donations to LIFE. Below is a short video showing what the program is about.
Select "Donate" from the menu on the left to help support this exciting program. Please indicate online or on your check that you would like your donation to go to LIFE.
FAQs
How much does the LIFE Fund seek to raise as of today (May 13, 2011)? Of the $150,000 we are looking to raise to meet the challenge grant of $150,000, we have so far received gifts and pledges totalling $15,000 -- leaving us with $135,000 to raise by October 2011.
Why does it cost $300,000 for a Spanish program? We are very fortunate to have an excellent Spanish teacher, whom we were able to recruit with the help of the Rassias Foundation. The costs for this position, including benefits, plus the materials are approximately $80,000 per year when the program was first launched. Due to increases from inflation and benefit costs only (no program expansion is being considered), we expect those costs to be approximately $100,000 annually for the next three years. What happens if the LIFE Fund does not raise the necessary funds? We don’t know, as this decision rests with the Lyme School Board. However, because state aid to Lyme school is anticipated to decline, we anticipate it is unlikely that the Lyme School would be able to support this program without assistance from the LIFE Fund.
Do you want to endow the LIFE Fund? We would like to do so, but feel that step -- which would require a significant capital campaign -- is not necessary today. Funding the next three years of the Spanish program through the LIFE Fund is our highest priority.
Can my gift be anonymous? Yes.
LIFE Committee
Please contact a LIFE committee member if you have questions.
Laszlo Bardos
Peter Glenshaw
Julie Goodrich
Nini Meyer
Mike Smith
(non-voting) Jeff Valence, Lyme School Principal
(non-voting) Audrey Brown and Mark Schiffman; Lyme School Board Representatives
