Alumni Fund Grant for Bright Beginnings Learning Center

For more than 80 years, the Hopedale High School Alumni Association has helped the town’s young people realize their academic dreams with the college scholarships it provides at every high school graduation. “Now we’re with Hopedale’s kids at each step they take along the way,” said Geri Cyr, a member of the Alumni Academic Grant Committee during a recent visit to the Bright Beginnings Learning Center to see the results of a grant provided by the Alumni for Hopedale’s pre-kindergarten public school. The lesson underway was part of a curriculum called the Incredible Flexible You and Zones of Regulation, a program that Bright Beginnings Director Sue Mulready said “teaches calming strategies so our students can be ready to learn.” Preparing the program’s four- and five-year-olds for success with a solid foundation is critical, according to Bright Beginnings’ new Adjustment Counselor, Kelsy Rondeau, who added that the program, implemented during the current school year, “helps the children recognize their emotions and how their actions can affect those emotions in the learning environment.” Over the past two years, according to Joe Francesconi, also a member of the grant committee, the Alumni provided Bright Beginnings with $10,000 for a variety of classroom programs and projects. “Without the help of the Alumni Association,” said classroom teacher Linda Spates, “we could not have brought this outstanding program to our school.” Mrs. Cyr noted that in addition to nearly $80,000 in college scholarships provided each year, the Alumni now give a total of $40,000 annually for Bright Beginnings, Memorial Elementary and Junior-Senior High School academic grants that fund curriculum materials, new technology, student leadership programs, music education, and more. “We are proud to be part of the family-school-community team that helps Hopedale’s young people achieve their potential in school and beyond,” Mrs. Cyr added. The Alumni Association is celebrating its 130th Anniversary this year.