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The Olympia School District Education
Foundation provides a variety of programs and activities
to make sure every student has the tools he or she needs
to succeed – in school and in life.
We award
grants to
teachers, and fund the Principals Emergency Checkbook
Fund, Outdoor Education Program, and Science & Math
Learning Initiative.
Principals Emergency Checkbook Fund
The Principals Emergency Checkbook Fund provides each
school in the district with a much-needed resource to
address emergent needs that help students come to school
ready to learn. Principals have latitude to use the
money to provide basic necessities, such as clothing,
food, school supplies, and medical care. Principals are
encouraged to use the fund judiciously and refer
students and parents to community agencies when
appropriate.
Outdoor Education Program
In 2010, the Foundation assumed financial responsibility
for the popular Outdoor Education Program, which
provides fifth-graders with an overnight opportunity to
learn about the natural environment, apply science
principles, and build camaraderie with fellow students
and educators. Due to budget constraints, the district
eliminated the program in 2008.
Science & Math Learning Initiative
The new Science & Math Learning
Initiative is an exciting Foundation investment in high
school and middle school science and math. Program
support was determined in consultation with teachers and
will provide materials and activities to better prepare
students for 21st century careers.
In 2010, the Foundation awarded $29,400 to schools
through the Science & Math Learning Initiative.
Teacher Grants
Science and Technology Grant
Science and Technology Grants are intended to provide quality mathematics, science, and technology education for students from kindergarten through grade 12. Grants may support the acquisition of science and technology related equipment and materials. Additionally, grant supported focused projects may work to integrate technology into teaching and learning, to improve, broaden, and deepen the interdisciplinary and pedagogical knowledge of teachers, administrators, and others who play significant roles in providing quality mathematics, science, or technology education for students.
Mini-Grant
The Olympia School District Education Foundation, through its mini-grant program, provides incentive funding for OSD teachers, therapists, librarians, administrators, or other staff members as they develop activities to enhance education. This program will provide funds for special projects, research, or educational materials that will enhance the teaching, learning, and enjoyment of Olympia School District students. There is no preconceived criterion for projects except that students should receive an on-going benefit from the grant. You will receive an email confirmation of receipt once your proposal has been received. If you do not receive a confirmation within one week, it is your responsibility to follow-up with the Mini-grant Coordinator at info@osdef.org.
Collaborative Teaching and Learning Grant
Collaborative teaching is a fluid process where teaching configurations change and respond to curricular and students’ needs in multi-classroom settings. Collaborative Teaching Grants are intended for situations where two or more educators take responsibility for planning, teaching, monitoring, or using the funds from a grant to work across classrooms to leverage efficiencies, create unique learning opportunities, or share resources and materials. The use of the grant funds may be for classroom equipment, or to support a dynamic process that the educators configure to fit their instructional plans and the learning needs of their students. Because instructional planning determines how and when to use these teaching configurations the funds are intended to support predetermined goals.
Extended Learning Grant
The Olympia School District Education Foundation believes that academically enriched before- and after-school programs are an integral part of student achievement. Extended Learning Grants are intended for activities that allow students to practice their academic skills through engaging, hands-on activities. Extended learning opportunities respond to standards-based reforms such as the increased emphasis on the WASL as well as aspects of the No Child Left Behind Act. These initiatives have increased the need to provide additional time and opportunity for students – particularly those at risk for academic failure – to meet challenging academic standards. As we continue to see further restrictions in public funds available for public education, the Foundation works closely with the school district to identify and fund programs that enhance the quality of education and create the greatest opportunities for our students.
Artist-in-Residence Grant
The Artist in Residence Grant is designed to support contracting a teaching artist to participate in the planning, design, and instruction of an arts education or arts-in-education project that meets the specific needs of the school. These programs provide students and teachers with direct hands-on arts experiences through personal interaction with working artists. The residency design allows the artist to explore his/her discipline with students, teachers and community members through a variety of components that may include teacher workshops, classes, lectures and discussions, rehearsals, performances, or community events. Our new Artists-in-Residence Program is currently serving all grade levels in the district and all schools are encouraged to apply.
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