School’s open and so are applications

Among last year”™s award recipients was the Hart Magnet Elementary School in Stamford. Student scientists joined principal Linda Darling, left, and teacher Audra LaMonica to receive a grant for $550 for a geology project from Reyno A. Giallongo.

The First County Bank Foundation in Stamford has announced that applications are now being accepted for its second annual “First Class Grant Program for Teachers.” The program is designed to help public school teachers fund projects that are not covered by the regular school budget. It was developed to help commemorate the 15th anniversary of the First County Bank Foundation.

Last year, the foundation awarded nearly $15,000 to help the targeted teachers complete a variety of projects in the classroom. Eligible grant recipients are kindergarten through fifth-grade teachers in Stamford, Norwalk, Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan and Westport public school districts. Grant applications are accepted through Oct. 31 and are available online at firstcountybank.com/firstclass-grant.