The Oxford Hills School District — School Administrative District 17 in South Paris — has created Viking FUNds, which aim to combat post-pandemic burnout by streamlining, funding and promoting engaging activities throughout the district.

The funds will support student activities such as field trips, guest speakers, and rewards for students and teachers. Viking FUNds, kicked off with a $20,000 donation from Norway Savings Bank, will play a vital role in combating post-pandemic burnout in both teachers and students by pulling their engagement back into class with fun and enriching experiences, according to a news release from Superintendent Heather Manchester.

“There is a profound need to keep children and teachers engaged, post-pandemic,” said Manchester. “Students and teachers alike are feeling burnt out from the years of pressure and rapid change. This money will go towards engaging with them to bring back some energy across the entire district while making the teacher’s job a bit easier.”

The new fund allows a more streamlined process for teachers to secure funding for their classes. Previously, teachers had to request funding for activities from many sources or in pieces, taking valuable time and adding more tasks to their already heavy workload.

Teachers, advisors and school clubs will now apply directly to Viking FUNds and have their requests reviewed by a committee of parents, teachers and school board members.

The superintendent’s office has distributed information about the funds to each school. Teachers will be able to apply for funding through an application form that will be reviewed by the Viking FUNds committee.

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