Root River State Bank and F & M Community Bank-Chatfield are excited to announce their continued sponsorship of the Chosen Valley Mini Grant initiative. Applications for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year will include funding of $5,000.00, bringing the grand total to $95,000.00 that has been allocated over the past 19 years to projects that would not otherwise be funded.
This program is designed to give an opportunity for faculty to apply for a grant, up to $500.00 per project, to enhance or facilitate worthwhile endeavors that may otherwise be unavailable due to the lack of funds.
This year there were 18 grant applications that were reviewed by Chatfield public school personnel and representatives of the banks. Once again, the reviewers were impressed with the variety of requests and the innovative ideas that were presented. A total of $5,000.00 was allocated.
Some examples of projects that were approved for funding this year include:
•Curriculum supplies to build up a library for social and emotional learning for staff and students.
•Funds to create a Stem Station so students have the ability to build, create, invent, play, and explore.
•“Sit Spots” to help promote social distancing.
•Materials to execute lessons using the Drums Alive Curriculum. Drums Alive is evidence-based and researched-backed, supporting physical, emotional, social, & cognitive health at all ages. Funds for this grant will be used to purchase exercise balls, drum sticks, and baskets.
•Supplies for students to create Choice Boards. Choice Boards give students the power to choose how to learn a particular subject or concept. This freedom will encourage students to be more accountable and independent in their learning.
•Transportation for field trips that will be taken during the school year.
Root River State Bank and F & M Community Bank-Chatfield are pleased to participate in this program and to provide funding that will offer enrichment and additional learning opportunities to benefit the children of the Chatfield School District.