Spurchise and a Milford community member started a class for seventh grade students last year called ``Life is Good,’’ which Spurchise described as a Health Class that helps bridge the gap between sixth grade and high school.

``It basically deals with healthy decision making and all the issues that face seventh graders,’’ Spurchise said. ``It’s a really critical time in their lives, and it’s a discussion-type group.’’

Jacinta Brennan, also a teacher at Milford, helps teach the class as well, Spurchise said.

Robinson won her grant for a school program called ``Through Song Annually.’’

Enabling Mini Grants are competitive grants that provide teachers with support to develop new or innovative learning experiences in their schools. Lessons, unit plans, and programs developed help students to achieve the New York State Learning Standards. Application requests, for up to $1,000, are submitted during four cycles of the school year and are reviewed by the Research Review Committee of the CRTC Policy Board.

In the fall 2007, the Educator’ Showcase highlights and shares Mini Grant programs with professional colleagues, students, and the public.