A “mini grant” program has been continued for the 21st straight year by F & M Community Bank in Preston, First State Bank of Fountain and First Southeast Bank in Harmony for the Fillmore Central School District.
Grants of up to $500 each have been made available to classroom teachers for the 2018/2019 school year so they can implement a variety of innovative ideas and projects where funding is not always readily available. The goals of this program include funding projects where other means are not available and making it as easy and simple as possible.
Since it began for the 1996/1997 school year, the banks have pledged and paid over $214,900 in the form of “mini grants.” When the program began, the banks pledged $7,650 toward the program. As interest increased in obtaining funds, the banks made additional monies available so that $10,500 is now available through the “mini grant” program.
This year the faculty submitted 35 grant requests. Some examples of the requests approved by the committee are:
• Educational field trips.
• Reading level books, novels, science, social studies and Spanish books.
• Mathematical, writing, science, social studies, art, reading and Spanish materials.
• Annual subscription for IXL programs for various grades and classes.
• Materials for the GATE program.
• Materials for Vocabulary and Spelling City.
• Materials for Falcon Fun Day and “I Love to Read” program.
• Copies of Science Studies Weekly.
There have been many other classes, equipment, travel expenses, etc. funded by the “mini grant” program over the past 21 years. Hopefully it has helped the Fillmore Central School faculty as they provide the very best learning opportunities and experiences for our children!