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Middletown VOAG program secures Perkins supplemental and Community Foundation grants for animal shelters and bird‑habitat projects
Summary
District staff said Perkins supplemental funding (under $50,000) will buy two run‑in sheds and movable fencing for VOAG animal care; a Community Foundation grant will fund migratory‑bird monitoring and educational activities.
District staff told the Middletown Board of Education budget committee that the VOAG (vocational agriculture) program received multiple grants to support outdoor education and animal care at the Kegwin field area.
Natalie, district finance staff, said a Perkins supplemental award of “just under $50,000” will fund two run‑in sheds, movable fencing and related materials so animals can be kept on the Kegwin field rather than boarded elsewhere during vacations. Natalie said the sheds are simple three‑sided shelters and that movable fencing allows staff to rotate animals to fresh pasture.
Administrators also described a Community Foundation grant supporting migratory‑bird habitat work; staff and students have installed duck boxes with cameras so students can observe nesting and eggs hatching. Natalie confirmed the bird project was the one covered in a recent Middletown Press story about students working with Miss Thompson.
Staff noted the VOAG program also pursued other small grants for a pergola, fencing and outdoor education infrastructure. The district said it will continue coordinating with athletic staff to preserve playing fields while adding the VOAG features on the periphery.
Next steps: vendors and materials will be procured, and funders were expected to visit the site in the coming weeks to see student work and program progress.
