Grant Writing

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Writing a grant is tough. Honestly, it takes time, effort, and perseverance! It also takes thick skin because you get turned down....a lot! However, sometimes you get a yes and it is AMAZING!

Picture this...I'm on a field trip to the Nature Center, devouring my veggie plate lunch so I can be sure to have enough time to show my little monkeys the beavers and eagles when SUDDENLY one of my kids says, "There's Ms. Principal." I didn't even look up because A. I thought it was someone who probably looked like Ms. Principal because why on Earth would she be on our field trip and B. We had like 12 minutes to eat and I was determined to eat my broccoli after opening 13 packs of ketchup, 4 milk cartons, 2 Capri Suns, cleaning up one spill, and wiping a nose.

Then I hear, "Oh Mrs. Teacher....." I look over and there are very official looking folks and Ms. Principal. There are cameras, a giant check, and lots of screaming!

When I say this was an amazing experience, I mean A.M.A.Z.I.N.G! My class was cheering, I was tearing up, and well, I think you get the idea! The giant check was, to say the least, totally cool. I mean, I seriously felt like I won Publisher's Clearing House!

We received $2500.00 from the Cobb County Schools Foundation to create STEM To Go bags for the entire first grade team! Our 180+ students will have the opportunity to take home bags with really cool activities that will strengthen their science, math, engineering, and tech skills. Most importantly, it will improve problem solving-which we know helps students across the board! Better yet, they will share these experiences with their families! The take home bags will include Legos, pvc pipes, paper airplane materials, garden supplies, lincoln logs, and more! They will build, create, graph, record, and share, share, share! We are sooo appreciative and can't wait to get started! Thanks Susan for helping and my team and admin for their encouragement!

Do you want a copy of the grant? I'd be happy to share! Leave your email in a comment and I will send it your way!