School on Wheels of Massachusetts (SOWMA) was founded in 2004 by Cheryl Opper, teacher and child advocate, after reading a magazine article about Agnes Stevens, the founder of School on Wheels of California.  Cheryl was inspired to bring the one-on-one academic program to Massachusetts to support children struggling to stay on track in school while experiencing homelessness.  She started SOWMA out of her home in Easton, where she trained community volunteer tutors at her kitchen table.  Cheryl worked with local universities to recruit her first tutors.  Her basement was filled with backpacks and school supplies.  Community volunteers came together to prepare the backpacks for the children.  In 2004, SOWMA worked with 20 children a week in two family shelters.  SOWMA now provides customized services for over 200-plus students a week in grades K through 12 at 15 program sites, as well as 35 college students currently enrolled at 12 different schools throughout New England. 

School on Wheels of Massachusetts is the third program in the country.  We are primarily privately funded through individuals, civic organizations, businesses and foundations.

Fifth grade teacher Deb Holland makes fundraising a personal endeavor for the Howard School students who will participate in Nature's Classroom this year. This year's sixth graders each decorated a 6-inch quilt square at the close of their fifth grade school year.

"Over the summer I sewed it together to create the 6th grade Signature Quilt," said Holland. "The money raised benefits Nature's Classroom," said Holland.

Here is what some of the sixth grade students had to say about their quilt project:

"I like seeing the whole quilt together and seeing what everyone drew," said Eva.

"It was cool how everyone had something different," said Christian.

"I liked how every square had people's thoughts on it," said Alex. "I liked the fact that you made your own square! Also, it was fun to see what everybody drew. I'm looking forward to see how much money it raises for Nature's Classroom," said Emily.

The raffle quilt will be on display in the Howard School lobby, and students are selling raffle tickets. Tickets are $1 each, seven for $5 or ten for $20.

Please join us for an informative tour of the scenic and historical Nemasket River. Led by Dr. Curtis Hoffman, Professor of Anthropology at Bridgewater State University, and Member of the Board of Directors for the Massachusetts Archaeology Society, this tour is not one to miss. Dr. Hoffman will lead the group on a tour of several known Native American sites along the river.

Please join us - Enjoy the foliage and learn a lot about the history of this area.

This event is sponsored by the Taunton River Watershed Alliance and the Massachusetts Archaeology Society.

For more information, call 508-828-1101 or register on-line at www.savethetaunton.org

Proposals for community oriented arts, humanities, and science projects due October 15, 2015. 

 

The West Bridgewater Cultural Council has set an October 15th postmark deadline for organizations, schools, and for individuals to apply for grants that support cultural activities in the community.

 

According to Council spokesperson Joan McAndrew, these grants can support a variety of artistic projects and activities in West Bridgewater  ~ including exhibits, festivals, short-term artist residencies or performances in schools, workshops and lectures.

The West Bridgewater Cultural Council will also entertain proposals from schools and youth groups through the PASS Program, which provides subsidies for school-age children to attend cultural field trips.

 

The West Bridgewater Cultural Council is part of a network of 329 Local Cultural Councils serving all 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth.  The LCC Program is the largest grassroots cultural funding network in the nation, supporting thousands of community based projects in the arts, sciences, and humanities every year.  The state legislature provides an annual appropriation to the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency, which then allocates funds to each community.

For specific guidelines and complete information on the West Bridgewater Cultural Council, contact Joan McAndrew at jnmcandrew5@gmail.com.  Application forms and more information about the Local Cultural Council Program is available online at www.mass-culture.org.