Beth Kaplan was approved for a $325 grant to rent a booth at the Franklin Farmer's Market.

"I am requesting a grant for $325 to rent a booth at the Franklin Farmer's Market to support the Community Service Pillar of our school. This grant would allow us to rent a table for the Grade 8 students to use for their Capstone projects- both to provide awareness of their causes and to raise funds to support those causes. "

Janine Bartsch was approved for a $488.50 grant towards biography books.

"Fifth Grade needs biography books on very specific people for a long-term biography project. They ask for my help every year. I spend my normal operating budget on other fictional books kids really want to read. I want to get a grant that will cover the purchase of the biography books the fifth-grade team needs. Outside the fifth-grade biography project, the books can be enjoyed year-round by the rest of the school."

Rebecca Nestor was approved for a $593.50 grant (partial funding) towards triple beam balances for density instruction.

"As we examined our MCAS test results this year, we continue to see students struggling with the concept of density. This struggle spans multiple classes and remains consistent over consecutive testing cycles. Density is a critical foundation for understanding broader Earth science concepts, including how differences in density drive convection currents and influence the behavior of oceanic vs. continental crust.

Currently, our science department is unable to provide consistent lab-based density instruction. We own six triple beam balances; however, all six are broken and nonfunctional. Without working measurement equipment, students cannot accurately determine mass, calculate density, or observe the relationship between density and material properties. Teachers are forced to rely on simulations or teacher-led demonstrations, which do not provide the direct experience students need to master this topic.

Because density is an abstract and mathematically driven concept, students learn best when they can physically experiment, measure, and record results themselves. Access to working balances will allow students to collect real data, observe patterns, and apply those concepts to models of Earth systems."

Julie Bradley was approved for a $593.50 grant (partial funding) towards a Movement Regulation Station.

"This grant will support the implementation of a Movement Regulation Station in the Physical Education gym to promote students’ physical, emotional, and behavioral well-being while maintaining active engagement in learning. The station will include low-impact movement options such as a walking pad, a stationary or under-desk bike, slam balls, and balance and resistance tools. These resources allow students to remain physically active when they require a brief self-regulation break or when safety considerations limit participation in traditional PE activities."

Abby was approved for a $150 grant to help her travel to her volunteer locations.

"My capstone consists mostly of volunteer work with NEADS Service Dogs, such as helping out with events and working with them at their headquarters in Princeton, MA. I will be assisting them with ambassador work at events in different towns all over. I will also help to promote the NEADS organization in the school's inner circle."

Akira was approved for a $100 grant to pay for starter plants and art supplies.

"I want to spread awareness about disaster management by holding “Hands-only CPR” and “Water Safety” Training at our school or local library.  I also want to distribute awareness pamphlets at the Farmer's Market and distribute indoor plants in recycled cans as part of fundraising, which will further help spread the awareness about disaster management. I also plan to volunteer a minimum of 10 hours with Red Cross and learn more about their mission."

Clara was approved for a $75 grant to pay for crochet supplies.

"My goal for this project is to sell crocheted items and use that money to buy toys off the BCH Amazon Wishlist. The toys will help distract and calm down kids who are stressed or worried about a surgery or being in the hospital. I plan to crochet 25 fall items like ghosts, pumpkins, and leaf coasters, and sell them for $5-$10 dollars each. I would like to sell them at the farmers market, to some of my family and friends, and to some people at my church."

Andrew was approved for a $450 grant to buy essential items from the most-needed list provided by Gilly’s House.

"My capstone project will make a difference by getting needed items for Gilly’s House to support people in the community."