The Coos Bay Schools Community Foundation has awarded six grants to local schools for arts and other programs, a press release said.

n A $110 grant went to Sunset Middle School for Talent Show trophies and ribbons.

n Bunker Hill Elementary and Millicoma Intermediate School received $400 for a English Language Learners project connecting family histories, cultures and art.

n Blossom Gulch Elementary received $500 for an “Artist in Residence” program for third graders.

n A $750 grant will go to the Harding Learning Center for materials to help students in the Interim Program of Academic & Social Skills program to improve the Blossom Gulch Trail.

n Madison Elementary will receive $958 for a fourth-grade field trip to Salem.

n About $980 will go to Blossom Gulch Elementary for T-shirts and sweatshirts for the student running program.

“We’re a new foundation in the Coos Bay community, and we’re hoping to grow in the coming years, so we can provide funding for more great opportunities for kids to learn,” said Nancy Tedder, foundation president.

The Coos Bay Schools Community Foundation was formed in 2007 to promote programs for the arts, academics, activities and athletics for students by raising funds through community partnerships. The foundation is a community-based, not-for-profit organization separate from the Coos Bay School District.

Coos Bay Schools Superintendent, is thrilled to see this grassroots effort to help schools:  “As we face more and more cutbacks to our school budgets, we are grateful to those who make sure we can continue to provide a quality education to our students,” Superintendent Bob De La Vergne said.

People interested in donating to the foundation can contact a local school or the Coos Bay School District office.