HAMDEN, CT — December 29, 2025 — Arts for Learning CT is pleased to announce it has received a $1,000 grant from the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation through its Arts Fund for Region One to support Tell Your Story: Expressive Arts Learning at Lee H. Kellogg School, a two-day spoken word and poetry residency taking place in spring 2026.
The program will bring AFLCT Teaching Artist Versatile Poetiq to Lee H. Kellogg School in Falls Village, where all students in grades K-8 will participate in workshops designed to deepen literacy skills, strengthen self-expression, and elevate student voice through spoken word poetry and performance. The residency will culminate in a school-wide sharing that celebrates student creativity and builds community across grade levels.
“Support from the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation makes it possible for us to bring high-quality, culturally responsive arts learning to a rural school community with limited access to visiting artists,” said John-Michael Parker, Executive Director of Arts for Learning Connecticut. “This residency centers student voice, builds confidence, and reinforces core literacy and social-emotional learning goals.”
Over the two days, students will explore rhythm, metaphor, storytelling, and performance techniques while creating original written work. The program aligns closely with Lee H. Kellogg School’s English Language Arts curriculum and directly supports district priorities around student engagement, communication, and inclusive school culture.
The $1,000 grant from the Arts Fund for Region One supports a total project budget of $1,700 and is complemented by funding from Lee H. Kellogg School and the Jeffrey P. Ossen Family Foundation, ensuring that all students can participate at no cost to families.