Pocket change goes a long way for MSAD 15 schools

GRAY— Every day, community members pass through the Gray Branch of Norway Savings Bank putting their spare change to good use supporting the Gray/New Gloucester schools.  Through the Bank’s “Pocket Change for Patriots” program, Norway Savings Bank was able to present a check for $1,000 to support the Ignite Program, for incoming fifth graders; the Boost program, for incoming first graders; and the Kindergarten JumpStart program.

The three recipient programs have been put into place over the past two summers at GNG Middle School, James W. Russell School in Gray and at Memorial School in New Gloucester to provide opportunities for students to receive instruction to remediate their math and literacy skills.  

“Thanks to the generous donation from Norway Savings Bank, we will be able to buy much-needed supplies for the programs, and we will be able to send every student home with a brand new book that is appropriate for his or her age and reading level! Thank you to Norway Savings Bank for being a valued partner in this endeavor!” said Amanda Hennessey, principal of Memorial School.

Mary Martell, Financial Solutions Specialist of the Gray branch is thrilled to see the growth in donations the coin machine has brought in for the “Pocket Change for Patriots” program.  

“We take such pride in our partnership with SAD15- from sharing our LED sign to donating to worthwhile programs through our “Pocket Change for Patriots” program. Norway Savings Bank donates the entire fee from our coin counter at the Gray branch to the district and that feels great!  Since we opened in December of 2014, we have donated close to $2,000 to our schools,” said Martell.

PHOTO CAPTION:  Norway Savings Bank check presentation.

L-R: Tina Martell- School Board Chair SAD 15, Mary Martell FSS – Norway Savings Bank, Lynn Montgomery- Kindergarten teacher, Karen Caprio- Curriculum Director SAD 15, Amanda Hennessey- Memorial School Principal, and a few of the children from Memorial School summer programs.