A “mini grant” program has been continued for the twenty third 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 2021/2022 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 over $235,491 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 25 grant requests. Some examples of the requests approved by the committee are:
•Reading level books and novels.
•Action 100 materials
•Annual subscription for IXL web based math and language art programs
•Orton Gillingham reading curriculum and manipulatives
•Reading intervention program
•Band instruments – two mellaphones (marching French horns).
•Transportation for various field trips
•Materials for Falcon Fun Day and “I Love to Read” program
There have been many other classes, equipment, travel expenses, etc. funded by the “mini grant” program over the past 20 plus years. Hopefully it has helped the Fillmore Central School faculty as they provide the very best learning opportunities and experiences for our children!