The Meredith Village Savings Bank Fund at New Hampshire Charitable Foundation granted $10,000 to Ashland Elementary School for the purchase and installation of new playground equipment, replacing an outdated playset that was also in poor condition. This is one of 25 awards presented by the Fund to non-profit organizations this year, according to Richard Wyman, President of MVSB.
“We are glad to be able to offer support to Ashland Elementary for the purchase of newer and safer equipment for their students,” said Wyman. “Ashland Elementary has been exceptional in educating and molding our youth. It’s an honor to be able to help in any way we can.”
“We’re really proud of our students at Ashland Elementary and we’re especially grateful for the support we received from MVSB,” said Jaime King, Ashland Elementary School Student Council Advisor. “After our student council understood that a new playset was not in the school’s budget, and therefore not to be provided without outside helps, they banded together to apply for this grant. The request for a new playground was originally made by a Primary tier student, who suggested newer equipment would be safer and more engaging for children school-wide. After extensive research, Student Council found an ideal playset with a long warranty from Play Mart, Inc.“
Ashland Elementary, located in Ashland, NH is a Mass Customized Learning (MCL) school where students are divided into tiers: Primary, equivalent to traditional grades K-2, Intermediate, equivalent to traditional grades 3-5 and Middle, equivalent to traditional grades 6-8. Middle tier classes are designed to cater to the specific interests of students, and students are able to choose their own electives. This choice presents students with the opportunity to have personal ownership over their learning and development. Ashland Elementary School was the recipient of the School for Excellence Award in 2006-2007 and 2014-2015.
The Meredith Village Savings Bank Fund was established at the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation under the leadership of John Starrett in 1997, MVSB President and CEO at the time. Since then, 294 grants totaling $1,184,467 have been awarded to a wide range of environmental, social, educational, and historic projects throughout the Greater Lakes Region and Plymouth areas. The Fund has supported literacy programs, after-school programs, environmental monitoring as well as education and restoration of historic structures, organizations that provide support for individuals and families in challenging circumstances and equipment that helps save lives. While not focused on a particular category, Fund administrators are mindful of the receiving organization and its contribution to the quality of life in the communities served. Applications are due annually on October 15th. For more information about the MVSB Fund or to download an application, visit www.mvsb.com.
Rick Wyman, President of Meredith Village Savings Bank (far left) with Ashland Elementary School Student Council.
