GUIDELINES FOR APPLICANTS- 2008

WHAT IS THE SUFFIELD FOUNDATION FOR EXCELLENT SCHOOLS?

The Suffield Foundation for Excellent Schools (SFES) is an educational foundation, the mission of which is to provide support for innovative and exceptional programs and opportunities beyond the tax-supported budget for the benefit of Suffield students. In that mission the SFES operates without discrimination as to age, race, religion, sex, or national origin in the selection of its Directors and in the consideration of grant requests from individuals (including students, teachers, individual citizens and school administrators) and school organizations.

WHO CAN APPLY?

Grant proposals are welcome from any one or more of Suffield Public School staff members, such as teachers, administrators, or other school personnel. Individuals including students and Suffield citizens, as well as school organizations, are also welcome to apply, but must meet all the criteria for the grant. The Board strongly encourages proposals that involve collaboration of faculty across grades, schools and departments.

CRITERIA

In evaluating a grant proposal, the Foundation will consider whether a project meets the following criteria:

Innovative - Innovative and creative. Enhances and enriches the current curriculum. Offers students a unique learning opportunity. Creative and unconventional means to learning. Motivates students.

Broad Impact - Provides resources which enhance classroom curriculum by encouraging student participation. Benefits as many students as possible. Has collaboration between schools and or community groups. Can be replicated or shared with other Suffield schools or classrooms.

Educational Merit – Enriches current curriculum. Is consistent with school and district educational objectives and is in line with district curriculum or approved materials.

Sustainability- Shows potential beyond grant period.

WHAT WILL BE FUNDED?

• Innovative educational projects that fall outside the normal school budget and not presently funded by other sources.

• A project that enhances and enriches the current curriculum and/or district priorities

• Consultants, guest speakers, artists, or performers who assist a project’s implementation

• Tuition, training, and travel expenses related to a project’s goals, including professional development

• New educational technology – Equipment, materials, and supplies required for carrying out this proposed new project (all items purchased with SFES funds become the property of the Suffield Public Schools)

WHAT WILL NOT BE FUNDED

Grant funds are not intended to replace or relieve existing responsibility for public funding of school programs, nor are they intended to substitute for normal budget growth and maintenance.

With rare exceptions grants will not be awarded for:

• Salaried positions

• Substitute teacher stipends

• Recurring expenditures

• Regular school activities and programs

• Retroactive compensation

• Furniture & fixtures

• Replacement or upgrade of equipment

LIMITATION OF NUMBER OF GRANTS

The SFES’ income is limited and may not be sufficient to meet all the acceptable requests for funds. For this reason, the SFES grants funds on the basis of merit and benefit to be derived by the Suffield Schools, and more specifically, its students. Grant applications will be accepted yearly, evaluated on merit and benefit, and funded based on approval and the availability of funds.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS & DEADLINES

For grants with Technology components – please submit to Rebecca Osleger, Technology Director, for review, prior to submission to Principal.

All grant proposals must have the approval of your school principal. For that reason, you are urged to discuss your proposal with such principal prior to preparing your written grant proposal. Grants should have goals which are clearly defined and realistic and have specific and detailed method of implementation.

Grant Applications are available at www.SFES.org If you have any questions about the appropriateness of your proposal contact Grants Committee Chair - Chelen Kost 860-668-7537 (email kostct@cox.net).

Please submit completed applications by February 26, 2008 to the Office of the Superintendent of Schools for the superintendent’s review at 350 Mountain Road, Suffield, CT 06078. All applications must be signed by your building principal prior to submission. The Grants Committee will contact you if there are further questions regarding your application – but to speed the process please be as concise as possible so that the committee can thoroughly understand your request. Include pictures and catalogs whenever appropriate. Please attach recommendations from other schools or local professionals to support your request, included particularly in relation to field trips, performances, and speakers.

Applicants will be notified about the disposition of their applications in early May 2008. Grants must be expended within the semester or school year designated or the remainder of the Grant will be returned to SFES. A written extension can be requested.