Tuscaloosa, Ala, March 19, 2025 – Cranston Public Schools has been awarded the inaugural School Spirit PR Celebration Grant, a $500 microgrant designed to support initiatives celebrating student or staff achievements.
The grant, offered by School Spirit PR, will enable Cranston Public Schools to host its first-ever Teacher of the Year recognition event in June. The district, the second largest in Rhode Island with 11,500 students and 2,000 employees, is also very excited to participate in the Rhode Island Teacher of the Year program.
“Cranston Public Schools is honored to receive the 2025 School Spirit PR Celebration Grant to support our inaugural Teacher of the Year program. This $500 award will enhance our ability to recognize exceptional educators at the building and district levels,” said Jeannine Nota-Masse, superintendent. “Our teachers pour their hearts into educating and inspiring our students every day. This grant from School Spirit PR allows us to properly celebrate those educators whose dedication and innovation stand out among their peers.”
The Teacher of the Year selection process began in March with nominations of one teacher from each of the district’s schools. Building-level nominees are eligible to apply to be the Cranston Public Schools District Teacher of the Year. The District Teacher of the Year will then be able to apply to be the Rhode Island State Teacher of the Year.
“We are grateful to School Spirit PR for their investment in educator recognition and their belief in the importance of celebrating excellence in education. This support ensures our first-ever Teacher of the Year program will establish a meaningful tradition of honoring the impact our teachers have on students and our community,” said Nota-Masse.
The district will use the grant funds to enhance the celebration, ensuring a memorable and impactful event that boosts morale and ends the school year on a high note. The event will also feature the announcement of the District Teacher of the Year, who will then be considered for the state-level award.
“We believe in recognizing and celebrating the incredible work happening within our schools – now more than ever,” said Lesley Bruinton, CEO of School Spirit PR. “This grant allows districts to showcase their successes and boost morale among students and staff, especially since public funds cannot be used for this purpose.”
The School Spirit PR Celebration Grant is open to public and charter school districts across the continental United States. It aims to support initiatives celebrating student or staff achievements, contributions, or positive impacts within their communities.
School Spirit PR partners with school leaders nationwide to champion the good in education through strategic communication.
