Mini-Grants
The SLESEF encourages SLES teachers to explore innovative ways to use the teaching curriculum to enhance the learning experiences of SLES students. Through a simple application process, teachers and staff can apply for grant funding to provide enriching academic experiences in their classrooms. These grants enable teachers to purchase special materials and resources for the classroom and are intended to support projects that are not provided for within traditional school budgets.
Eligibility
All SLES teachers and staff are eligible to apply.
Grant Amounts
The typical grant award is in the $300 – $1,000 range. Depending on the project, the maximum grant amount may exceed $1,000.
Grant Criteria
The SLESEF Board will judge applications on the following criteria:
- Impact: Potential to improve student achievement or enhance instructional skills; potential for continuation and/or replication.
- Innovation: Creativity of project; innovative approach; academic objective within curriculum context.
- Planning: Clear plan for project implementation; teacher capability; cost-effectiveness and realistic budget.
- Existing Resources: Project cannot be achieved with existing school budget.
Excluded Projects
Grant applications will not be considered for:
- Renovation of facilities.
- Religious activities or teachings.
- Equipment that is not an integral part of the project.
- Non-academic projects.
- Trips out of the Montgomery County region.
- Tuition for special classes.
Post-Grant Review
All grantees must provide a short written report to the SLESEF at the conclusion of their project that must include a financial statement and narrative describing the project and how it benefited students and the teacher. All unused funds must be returned to the SLESEF at the end of the school year for which the grant was awarded.
Recent Grants
Mrs. Creticos
Mrs. Hickman
Mrs. Murphy
“Very cold or wet conditions keep us inside for recess. During the winter this can happen several days in a row and students often share they are bored with the choices we have. Students in each classroom voted on a few new indoor recess games to add to their collection. They have appreciated the additions to our indoor recess games!”
Mrs. Steinberg
“With a SLESEF grant, MindYeti, an online program for kids that teaches mindfulness through 4 to 7 minute guided sessions, was made available to the entire SLES community. In addition, I was able to purchase 10 books for the counseling program to be used as resources for working with SLES students. Some of the Social Emotional Learning topics covered in the books are social skills, executive functioning, anxiety, and grit. These books have been accessed when working with individuals, small groups, and whole classrooms. These new materials have proven extremely beneficial this year and have enriched the counseling program for the students.”
Mrs. Torrey
“Fourth and fifth-grade students worked with visiting artist, Arturo Ho, to create a stained glass mosaic mural. Students first developed sketches related to the solar system, including objects and colors of their choice. From these sketches, a final design was made. Mr. Ho visited all of the classes and worked with small groups of 5-6 students at the mural. Each student had the opportunity to glue pieces on the work, contributing to the final piece. All students were eager to work on this project and were invested in the mural. Students usually work independently on artwork and it was useful for them to have the experience of working collaboratively on a large group project. Students were interested in contributing to an artwork that will be permanently on view for future students, staff, and visitors to the school. The students have not used glass before, nor made a mosaic so they were exposed to a new medium and technique. I feel fortunate to be able to bring this experience to SLES students and am grateful to the Foundation for providing funding to make it possible.”
Application Form