Piney Branch Elementary School PTO Teacher/ Staff Mini Grant Overview and Process

Overview Piney Branch Elementary School PTO is pleased to offer a Teacher/ Staff Mini Grant Fund for the 2016 – 2017 school year. The intent of the funding is to further support the overall Piney Branch Elementary community needs that would enhance and further enrich our children’s learning in the academic year (i.e. entire grade, multiple grades, the whole school). This is an exciting trial and we plan to monitor its potential success as PTO budgets are developed for future years.

What is the Mini Grant Program? is: An opportunity for teacher or staff member to identify an initiative that would provide the entire Piney Branch Elementary community, or a population greater than represented by an individual classroom, with a value added experience. A way for Piney Branch Elementary staff members who do not already receive annual stipends to request funds for special needs that will benefit Piney Branch Elementary in their area of expertise A chance for the PTO to carefully review individual proposals, within the limitations of the finite grant fund, and plan carefully for appropriate utilization of scarce resources Grants may be fully or partially funded, or not funded at all.

What the Mini Grant Program is not: A second avenue for teachers to increase their current stipends for individual classroom supplies or individual classroom field trip experiences A place for interested parents to seek funding for projects that primarily benefit either their own family or their own children’s classroom(s) Funding for staff time Cannot be used to purchase curriculum materials that should be purchased through the regular school budget process.

How is it funded? The mini grant program is funded by the newly formed school rewards program*. Total amount in fund for 2016 -2017 school year is estimated $1,500 with the potential to increase. Rewarded in Spring 2017. We will need time to start the rewards program and receive funds. *School reward program is on the PTO website. Encourage parents, family and friends to participate.

What are some potential examples of appropriate Mini Grant Applications? Formation of a new, school-wide club “Art Club” Training to implement a new academic program, project or activity that would benefit the entire grade level or school as a whole Wireless speaker system to wear during gym class, which enables students to better hear them and also enhances safety. All hypothetical

Who May Apply? How? Any teacher or staff member may apply for PTO funds by filling out the Grant Request form* has the approval of the appropriate administrator. Please send requests to the Mr. Cerrone or Mr. Thorne for approval by 1/13/2017. The Principal(s) will send the request to PBES PTO email PineyBranchPTO@gmail.com or PTO mailbox. *Grant request form located on PTO website **No maximum amount but typical awards should be in the range of $150 - $500.

Process and Timeline All requests will be scored and awarded by the Principal and PTO Board members in February 2017. The requestor will be notified by the end of February 2017. Requestor may be asked to attend PTO meeting to discuss in further detail. Grants are specific to the year in which they are requested, unless determined otherwise. Will receive a check from the PTO or submit invoices to use PTO credit card and receipts will need to be sent to Treasurer for accounting purposes. You may also pay out of pocket and the PTO will reimburse your approved expenses. *Once awarded, the PTO would like feedback on the overall process and project success

Questions?? Contact PBES PTO at PineyBranchPTO@gmail.com for any questions regarding the Teacher/ Staff Mini Grant Program.