Hamden, CT — July 1, 2026 — Arts for Learning Connecticut (AFLCT) has been awarded a $7,500 grant from the Frank Loomis Palmer Fund, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee, to support its Higher Order Thinking (HOT) Schools initiative at Regional Multicultural Magnet School (RMMS) in New London. The one-year grant will strengthen arts-integrated teaching and learning during the 2026-27 school year, continuing AFLCT’s longstanding partnership with the school.
The HOT Schools model is a comprehensive school transformation initiative that integrates the arts across the curriculum to enhance student learning, foster creativity, and strengthen critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills. Through sustained partnerships with classroom teachers, school leaders, and professional Teaching Artists, HOT Schools helps create engaging learning environments where every student can succeed.
“This investment affirms the power of arts integration to transform teaching and learning,” said John-Michael Parker, Executive Director of Arts for Learning Connecticut. “We are grateful to the Frank Loomis Palmer Fund for supporting our ongoing partnership with Regional Multicultural Magnet School. Together, we’re helping educators use the arts to deepen student engagement, inspire creative thinking, and create lasting educational impact.”
Regional Multicultural Magnet School has been a dedicated HOT Schools partner, embracing arts integration to strengthen instruction across grade levels. Throughout the school year, AFLCT Teaching Artists will collaborate with educators to design and deliver arts-integrated lessons and provide professional learning opportunities that build teachers’ confidence and capacity to incorporate creative instructional practices in their classrooms.
About Higher Order Thinking Schools
The Higher Order Thinking Schools program is a comprehensive initiative integrating arts learning into the core curriculum to improve school and student outcomes. Its goals are to improve student engagement, enrich school culture, and expand teacher practice. It is built on the belief that arts learning promotes higher-order thinking and develops skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration. HOT Schools partner schools are characterized by their focus on Social and Emotional Learning, Culturally Responsive Teaching practice, and school culture, fostering an environment where every student is encouraged to engage actively in their learning. The program has been recognized nationally for its innovative approach to education and its success in enhancing student achievement.