Rewards Program Funding Computers, Playgrounds in Region 15

Southbury and Middlebury families helped accrue thousands of dollars for Region 15 through a school rewards program last year.

The towns participated in the annual Stop & Shop A+ School Rewards Program to support local schools and totaled over $40,600 in funds as a result of the program.

A+ School Rewards are points that accrue with each purchase using the Stop & Shop Card. At the end of each month, the A+ School Rewards are used in a calculation to determine a school's cash total, which then, is automatically credited to a school's account. Customers can support up to two schools to benefit from the A+ School Rewards, according to Region 15.

Memorial Middle School principal Dr. John Sieller said he plans to use the more than $11,000 for a complete computer on wheels, including laptops, cart and the necessary electronics for portable computing. The school will also purchase five or six additional document cameras for teachers and students to project their work products or items of interest onto the Smart Boards, according to the region.

“By using the Stop & Shop donation for technology, PTO funds can now be used for other activities for the students such as cultural arts programs, community service, author visits and playground equipment,” said MMS PTO co-president Jackie Mulhall.

Pomperaug Elementary School has raised funds through the Stop & Shop A+ Rewards Program over the past three years to help put technology in the school in the form of Smart Boards and iPads.

“Our next fundraising goal is to have enough funds to install a new playground system on our back field to replace a deteriorating wooden one,” said PES PTO co-president Beth Rosen. “The A+ Rewards Program has helped us tremendously in our effort to make our school a better place to learn, and now we are hoping we can also make it a better place to play.”