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REFI to provide $50,000 in Innovative Idea Grants to RCPS Teachers
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Rockingham Educational Foundation's Innovative Idea Grant Program is designed to support and encourage teachers in Rockingham County Public Schools to enhance their curriculum and teaching strategies through their “innovative ideas”. Individuals and teams may submit proposals that will be judged on a competitive basis. Teams will be given priority.
Through the generosity and support of the community, the Foundation has committed over $200,000 to the Innovative Idea Grant Program. Financial contributions to the Foundation for the Innovative Idea Grant Program are welcome, appreciated, and tax deductible. Contributions may be sent to Rockingham Educational Foundation, Inc. (REFI), 100 Mount Clinton Pike, Harrisonburg, VA 22802.
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
o Wednesday, September 26, 2007 Deadline for receipt of applications
o Monday, October 15, 2007 Awards announced
o Tuesday, October 23, 2007 Grant Winners recognized at SB meeting
o Thursday, November 8, 2007 Evaluation Plans due
o Monday, June 2, 2008 Evaluation Report due
o Wednesday, June 11, 2008 Deadline to submit Reimbursement
Request (Final Report due prior
to reimbursement)
SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION
o Mailing address: REFI, 100 Mount Clinton Pike, Harrisonburg, VA 22802
o School Mail: REFI, Attn: Dick Harper, Central Office
QUESTIONS
The Foundation Board Members applaud your interest in the REFI Innovative Idea Grant Program. You can download an application by clicking here, or at rockinghameducationalfoundation.org. Dick Harper, Executive Director of REFI, administers the Innovative Idea Grant Program at the Central Office. Please direct questions to him at 564-3218, or by email at refi@rockingham.k12.va.us.
FAXED PROPOSALS CANNOT BE CONSIDERED FOR GRANT AWARDS.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING REFI INNOVATIVE IDEA GRANTS
The grant application is a Word document. Click here to download it. Save it as a personal document. To navigate to each required section, simply hit the Tab key. If you need to check a box, simply click in the box you wish to select. When you have completed the application, please print, make 6 copies (excluding signature page; original will be the only one with the signature page), and forward to REFI through interschool mail. If you have questions, please contact Dick Harper or Donna Miller.
1. Abstract
Title: Provide an appropriate title for your project that does not include your school name.
Abstract: In 50 words or less, summarize the plan you propose, the challenge it addresses, and what you expect to accomplish through your project.
2. Project Description (Attachment #1)
Describe your plan, using the evaluation criteria. Describe the target population, and explain how your plan will be innovative, important and inspirational to others. Clearly state the results you hope to achieve. Your description should be double-spaced, typed (no smaller font than 10), and should not exceed two typed pages with no less than 1-inch margins.
3. Project Leadership and Signatures (Attachment #2)
List one project coordinator as the primary contact to whom all communication will be directed. In addition, list all team members. The project coordinator and his/her supervisor (school principal or appropriate central office staff person) are asked to sign the proposal. All projects originating from a school must have the principal's signature.
4. Budget Proposal
A total of $50,000 is available to fund proposals for 2007-2008. This year, teachers who collaborate with others in the same school, among grade levels, with other schools, etc. can apply for grants up to $3,000. Individuals may apply for no more than two grants, with a $1,000 maximum for each grant. Prepare modest budget proposals that reflect actual needs so that funding can be distributed more widely.
Budget items may include, but are not limited to: instructional materials and supplies, software, admission fees, transportation costs for student activities, recognition, guest speaker and presentation fees, teacher staff development, etc.
Projects proposing a mix of funds (matching funds from other sources) require a letter from the organization indicating its commitment should the project be funded.
ELIGIBILITY
Application for the awards is open to all employees of the Rockingham County Public Schools. Individuals and teams (representing a school, a group of schools, an academic discipline, central office) are encouraged to apply, with priority given to teams.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The selection committee is composed of representatives from the Foundation, the business community, public education, and higher education. The committee is unaware of the applicant's name and the school representation.
Definition of Categories:
INNOVATIVE
The strategy proposed is a new way to: solve an old problem, communicate a different concept, or reach a specific group of students-your target population. It represents “thinking outside the box.”
IMPORTANT
When the proposed project is successfully implemented, it will be considered, relative to other efforts, to have made an important contribution to the Rockingham County Public Schools.
INSPIRATIONAL
The strategy proposed inspires others to think creatively. When the proposed project is underway, people will want to learn more about it. The project will capture the imagination of students, parents, and the broader community.
RESULTS-ORIENTED
The proposed strategy clearly states measurable goals and provides a well-organized plan for evaluating progress toward those goals. The project goals compliment the school division goals.
TIMELINE
| August 17, 2007 | Innovative Idea Grant Applications Available |
| September 26, 2007 | Innovative Idea Grant Applications Due |
| October 10, 2007 | Review Innovative Idea Grant Applications |
| October 15, 2007 | Innovative Idea Grant Awards Announced |
| October 23, 2007 | Innovative Idea Grant Winners Recognized at School Board Meeting (TAHS) |
| November 8, 2007 | Innovative Idea Grant Evaluation Plans Due |
| May 29, 2008 | Partners In Education Banquet (JMU) |
| June 2, 2008 | Innovative Idea Grant Evaluation Reports Due |
| June 11, 2008 | Last Day for Innovative Idea Grant Reimbursement Requests |