HomeMy WebLinkAboutGrant Request - Ponderosa Elem School PTA#15
Economic Development Fund
Discretionary Grant Program
Organization: Ponderosa Elementary School Parent-Teacher Association
Organization Description: Ponderosa Elementary School opened in 2008 to serve 442
students in grade K-5. In the 2011-2012 school year, the school now serves more than
600 students making it the largest K-5 school in the Bend -La Pine School District.
Currently, 49% of students are from a low income household with more than 100
transient students, coming and going from school throughout the 2010-2011 school year.
There has also been a reduction in school staff resulting in an average of 30 students per
teacher. The state average is 19 students per teacher. In an effort to address these issues,
the Ponderosa Elementary School Parent Teacher Association registered as a non-profit
and established a grant writing team in 2010. Grants are written in an effort to purchase
needed programs and services that are unavailable due to a lack of school funding.
Project Name: Technology Project
Project Description: These grant funds will be used to purchase additional computers
for use by students. Last year, this school's computer to student ratio (1:7.9) was the
lowest in the school district, which averaged 1:4. During the 2010-2011 school year, this
organization purchased 30 new computers bringing the ratio down to 1:6. This
organization is seeking to purchase 50 additional computers during the 2011-2012 school
year at $1,034 for the computer, set-up, and necessary software licensing.
Project Period: 2011-2012 School Year
Amount of Request: $20,000 (Total Program Cost = $51,700 per year)
Previous Grants: None
Deschutes County Board of Commissioners
1300 NW Wall St., Bend, OR 97701-1960
(541) 322-7697 - Fax (541) 385-3202 - www.deschutes.org
DESCHUTES COUNTY DISCRETIONARY GRANT PROGRAM APPLICATION
Direct Application to:
Commissioner Tammy Baney
Commissioner Tony DeBoile
Date:
9-9-11
Project Name:
Project Beginning Date:
Amount of Request:
Commissioner Alan Unger
All Three Commissioners
x
Ponderosa Elementary School Technology Project
2011/2012 School Year
$20,000
Applicant/Organization:
Address:
Project End Date:
Date Funds Needed:
Tax ID #:
City & Zip:
Telephone:
Email:
Ponderosa Elementary School
Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
3790 NE Purcell Blvd.
Contact Name(s):
Fax:
Angela Miller
541-749-2731
Alternate Phone:
541-317-0700
N/A
As soon as possible
263131443
Bend 97701
541-350-5048
aneela(a�towertheatre. ore
On a separate sheet, please briefly answer the following questions:
1. Describe the applicant organization, including its purpose, leadership structure, and activities.
2. Describe the proposed project or activity.
3. Provide a timeline for completing the proposed project or activity.
4. Explain how the proposed project or activity will impact the community's economic health.
5. Identify the specific communities or groups that will benefit.
6. Itemize anticipated expenditures*. Describe how grant funds will be used and include the
source and amounts of matching funds or in-kind contributions, if any. If the grant will
support an ongoing activity, explain how it will be funded in the future.
Attach:
Proof of the applicant organization's non-profit status.
* Applicant may be contacted during the review process and asked to provide a complete line item budget.
Tammy Baney: Amount: Signature:
Tony DeBone: Amount: Signature:
Alan Unger: Amount: Signature:
110
ti.
cry ScL
We Grow Children Here
Ponderosa Elementary School 1 3790 N.E. Purcell Blvd. 1 Bend, Oregon 97701 1 Steve Austin, Principal
541-355-4300 I Fax: 541-355-4310
Organization: purpose, leadership structure, activities:
Ponderosa Elementary School opened in 2008 and currently serves the greatest number of K-5
students in the Bend LaPine School District. Enrollment has increased from 442 students in the
2008/2009 school year to an expected 619 students in 2011/2012.
This sharp increase in enrollment coupled with the economic downturn in Central Oregon has
greatly impacted the educational experience at Ponderosa. The percentage of students from low
income households has risen dramatically, with 48.8% of students now receiving free or reduced cost
lunch. During the 2010/2011 school year, approximately 100 students were transient, coming and going
from school throughout the year. Diversity among students has increased as well with 7 different
languages currently being spoken at Ponderosa. In addition, there have been recent reductions in
teaching and classified staff due to Oregon schools' dire financial situation. In 2008, the Bend -La Pine
School District set a goal of no more than 18 students per teacher in grades K-3, however, because of
unpredicted budget cuts, class sizes at Ponderosa will average 30 students per teacher this school year,
larger than the state average of 19.2 students for every teacher and well above the national average of
15.8 students per teacher.
In order to address these and other challenges, the Ponderosa Parent Teacher Association (PTA),
a registered non-profit 501 (c) 3, formed a grant -writing team (PTA Team) in 2010 comprised of parents
and staff whose annual goal is to procure resources for needed programs and services that are
unavailable due to a lack of funding. PTA Team successes to date include a robust fundraising effort
during the 2010/2011 school year that resulted in the acquisition of 30 new computers, payment of
licensing fees for new learning software, the purchase of books for reading programs and in total, over
$59,000 was raised to provide these resources for the Ponderosa community.
Proposed Project or Activity:
PTA Team objectives for the upcoming school year continue to focus on improving student and
staff access to technology. This has been determined to be a critical resource for both students and
teachers in order to meet educational challenges and provide technological opportunities for students in
a supervised, learning environment.
With the 30 new computers already provided to Ponderosa by the PTA Team, the computer to
student ratio has been elevated from the lowest in the district at 1:7.9 to 1:6. Although an
improvement, it is not sufficient to allow equitable computer access for all students. Currently, the
average computer to student ratio in the Bend LaPine District is 1:4 and the national average ratio of
computer to student in public schools is 3.1, as indicated by the U.S. Department of Education, National
Center for Education Statistics.
The PTA Team goal is to purchase 50 additional computers at a cost of $51,700 for use during
the 2011/2012 school year. This would bring the computer to student ratio to 1:4; in alignment with the
district average and would assist in eliminating technological disparities between students.
We respectfully ask for $20,000 or a portion thereof, the rest to be procured via various funding
sources, to provide greater technology for Ponderosa students.
Proiect Timeline:
Summer, 2011— Procurement of resources via grants, in-kind donations and matching funds. Planning
for fundraising events/campaigns.
Fall, 2011— Begin implementation of fundraising activities; October — Catalog fundraiser, April —
"Growing Dreams" auction. Purchase computers as funds allow.
Winter, 2012 — Allocation of grant funds for the purchase of new learning software, add keyboarding
instruction to curriculum, expand computer lab hours to include before/after school time, begin
standardized testing using computer technology.
Spring, 2012 — Evaluate impact of additional computers on student's learning by:
• Gathering data in order to compare student assessment scores with previous years.
• Tracking hours of learning program use with a computer to student ratio of 1:4 compared to
previous years with a ratio of 1:7.9.
• Number of new computer-based educational programs offered.
How the proposed project/al ±iviity impacts the community's economic health
According to the U.S. Department of Labor's 2010-2011 Occupational Outlook Handbook, 34%, the
greatest projection for economic growth, between 2008-2018, will be in professional, scientific, and
technical services. This industry sector includes employment in computer systems design and related
services and employment in management, scientific, and technical consulting services. Technological
competency is essential to cultivate a workforce of professionals who are qualified to meet this demand.
For today's elementary student to function effectively in the information -driven society in which we
live, succeed in tomorrow's job market and positively contribute to Central Oregon's economy, at least
basic computer skills must be acquired. Meaningful employment will necessitate a skill set that
includes:
• Effective oral and written communication
• working collaboratively
• navigating technological tools such as networks and databases
• analyzing problems, setting goals, and formulating strategies for achieving those goals
• independent information seeking or skill building in order to meet their professional objectives
These and other proficiencies are learned and fostered through early and consistent computer use.
Regardless of what future occupations today's children seek, those who learn their basic skills at an early
age and are comfortable in the use of technology will be at a definite economic advantage.
Identify the specific groups/communities that will benefit
Students:
Programs currently in use at Ponderosa that support learning are IXL Math and Accelerated
Reader. IXL Math's practice skills are aligned with state standards and district benchmarks. Accelerated
Reader relies on independent reading practice as a way of managing student performance by providing
students and teachers with feedback on reading comprehension based on books the students have read.
Ideally, a keyboarding course would be added so that students are learning at the outset how to
navigate the keyboard. Older students could also learn how to use programs like Microsoft Word and
Excel, and how to use these programs to do their schoolwork. There is also the potential to add content -
based internet projects so that they learn how to search for resources online.
At this point, there simply aren't enough computers or time allowed for students to delve more
deeply into these important learning tools.
ELL (English Language Learners):
Teaching technology is challenging in any environment, but when teachers are trying to
eliminate the gap between ELL and mainstream students, it is an especially difficult endeavor.
ELL students are making meaning of the instructions given in a second language and also figuring
out simply how to use the technology.
Computers can be used to aide in teaching English Language Learners in core academic
subjects, such as reading and writing as well as vocabulary development and verbal language
development. However, extended practice time is essential. In addition to the language barrier,
there are many basic skills that mainstream students start with that may take some ELL students
more time to master, such as: guiding the mouse, clicking, double-clicking, scrolling and using a
search engine.
While ELL students are often at a disadvantage when it comes to learning technology,
they are also extremely motivated and enthusiastic about technology when they have
meaningful access to the instruction. Computers can play an integral part in providing ELL
students with valuable experiences as they learn a new language and help them transition to a
"high-tech" society and a successful future.
Low income:
Many children living in low socioeconomic circumstances do not have access to a
computer on a recurring and reliable basis. This has resulted in a widening academic gap
between low-income and middle-class students. This disparity is mainly due to the fact that
most low-income families simply are financially unable to purchase the tools necessary to
position their children in the technological mainstream.
Providing access to computers at school would help to break down the three main
barriers to technology facing low-income families; the cost of the device, the cost of internet
service and a lack of parental understanding of how relevant and useful a computer can be.
Additional computers and time spent developing those accompanying skills will assist
children living in low-income families to have a fair chance of competing in our technologically -
driven society.
Teachers/Classified Staff:
More computers and expanded access greatly increases a teacher's ability to monitor each
student's academic status. Using computer-based learning programs, teachers are able to quickly
generate reports that analyze data about their students' progress. For example, a teacher can see at
what grade level the students started at, how long they've been working, and the level they are at
currently. They have the ability to see whether a student is simply sitting at a computer or if they're
actually on task. Reports can oe generated that include the number of lessons assigned compared to
how many actual mastery have been achieved on. Reports can be customized to look broadly, district
wide, or narrow, at an individual student. This allows teachers more flexibility in customizing their
instruction to each student's knowledge and skill level; a difficult endeavor in the typical elementary
classroom of nearly 30 students.
Ponderosa teachers also use computers to administer required state testing, formulate lesson
plans, organize data, research education needs, communicate with parents via e-mail and carry out
other tasks that are absolutely essential to providing quality education to their students.
Budget
Ponderosa Elementary School
Budget for Technology Upgrades
School Year 2011-2012
Updated August 25, 2011
Qty each extended
Revenue
Ponderosa PTA Allocation 1 1500 1500
Ponderosa Elementary School Allocation 1 4000 4000
Anticipated grants (estimated) 23500
Matching Funds (estimated) 23500
Total Revenue 52500
Expense
MacBook (5 -pack) 10 4395 43950
Set up and networking 1 1750 1750
IXL License for school year 2011-2012 1 3000 3000
Type -To -Learn software license 1 3000 3000
Total Expenses 51700
Project Surplus (deficit) 800
Grant funds will be used to purchase 50 new MacBook computers at a cost of $51,700.
Additional funding sources include, but are not limited to; donations from area businesses and
community based organizations, local, as well as, national philanthropic foundations, school-based
fundraising campaigns and requested matching funds.
The integration of technology in education is no longer a "new" idea. Because technology has
become central to everyday life, it is necessary to incorporate its use in education in a variety of ways.
The use of computer technology has moved beyond computer assisted instruction in the form of
tutorials or drill and practice. Today's technology can provide teachers and students with opportunities
for teaching and learning outside of traditional classroom walls.
Ore on
everychild. one voice.
October 18, 2010
4506 SE Belmont, Suite 1088
Portland, OR 97215
Office: 503-234-3928
Fax: 503-234-6024
or office®pta.org
www.oregonpta.org
To Whom It May Concern:
This is to notify you that Ponderosa Elementary PTA is an officially chartered unit of the
Oregon PTA. The date of their Charter is 8/18/2008. Because they are a local unit
chartered by the state organization, they fall under the state umbrella for their non-profit
status. Oregon PTA's group exemption number is 1305.
If you have any further questions please feel free to contact us.
Sincerely,
Beth Nead
Administrative Assistant
Oregon PTA
.cwrige OF
COMMISSIONER OF,INTERNAL REVENUE
ADDRIDF: DDED.N.10
OMIDUDRIODDIR DP; AIVVIU
AND PlifflgitTO
-MOOS
113B
U. S. TREASURY DEPARTMENT
WASHINGTON 25
Oregon Congress of Parents and Teedliqrs
cif). 14:p.•*. Cecil Socitt, Treasurer.
5. Idadation Center Belding
PE/rejtii .44 'Oregon
,.#f306
MW23 1965
Xesdpmesi
•." dikitiareelr 1VtairrOlifiEL lei. use in deter -
Batas- -and that oT:.v-cur 832bordid*t . local units .1br
Tog"; ••.'1ip3clete t412: purposes Under ttio_vrctvtalo 'of section 501k:0(5)
arflietigerna1 Revenue 'Code of 1:9544
the opinion of tilts oT-flee., based Ripon -the information pre-
; selset tYl.:tt you and your stibtainate local its appearing .On the
as% tilhfulftUa with yOU r letter dated lie7 leo D95.7516.1103mrit froi
f; .fedeort,. ±nco tax under ,-,the P;aevlietorts of dectien 501%0B) of the
Pode of 1951to affti 'Eh At .3kra and sash local 1rl1:1.8 are organized
end opertted xclasively fOr aduerational purposes,. •
AceerdUcg4n, 7on and your local. 'fiats :secgerred to above Are -net
altegillaied to file iii.come tax retUrns unless; _pia bsage -the atter of
.7;60,0 -it -041.14#11, taw purposes for ilainh'yqu. we orgazed:s. .your
14grieilOrieidionior -bhat, Of such "local Unita. AnY &Ob. dhingee, •
-1;4 To -pinta traiptilatetv to -National Office oe'llis .115:+0011.
teiren4eO.•.,1 in order that the1t. eXredt viz)an
your 6imizif. statue or -that olyaur lodai units may be deterrained.i.
Rcf(wever, you arid the local units la?' 3ted are required to file annuellz
infomaye4on -asettnmis on Fenn 9901 Vitt the listriCt Mired-tor&ffTzritonal
lievenuqj Pertn'ard, Oreoeno. so 'long as the -exemption .remains in effect*
This lonl may be 61Stalila, tacit the .lkiattact Director and 11.:s Taqi.,..Lteed to
be
atI4ed on ;or before the dlitheentb. daf of -the fifth month falloveling the
Close of your respeCtive aI31maL acoetriting periods..
Contributirans made tia you and to your local. its 3Nat-ferred to above
are dednotible by the donors in ocaputing their taxable income in:the
manner end to the extent provided by section 170 of the Code of 1954*
Beta, iegacie87 devises or tranaferso to or for your use or to
or fon,
the ,use of the local units listed are deductible in conPating the
value of :the net estate of a decadent for estate tax purposes in. the
2nanner and to the extent proVided by suctions 2055 and 2106(7;)(2) of the
Q f054 at±too propeity to you and to such. _local Trzi4ts are
deliuctible in computing net gifts for gift tax purposes in the manner and
to'the extent provided in section 2522 of the Code of 1951,1-•
ri
l
2 •- ()regan Oor1.gress of Parents and Teachers
No liability is inourresd by you or by your local units referred to
above for the taxes Wised under the Federal fiance Contributions
Act (social seour3 ' taxa) mains you _or such 'Iooa units have filed
waiver of exemption. certif Wates Li accordance With the applicable pro-
visions of such Act. In the event you or such local, units desire
social security coverage for your employees or have any questions relating
to the 41 -ling of waiver of exemption oerti.ticates you should take the
matter up with the District .Director of Internal 'Revenue,
Your attention is` called to the provisions of section 501(e)(3) of
the Code . of 7.9511 under Bch your exemption and that of your bo inate
local units will be .revoked if arty substantial part of your act . :t :ee, or
those of such local 'MAU coxjs sts of =Tying on propaganda, or otherwise
any to - influence legislation, or if you or. your local =its
paabicipate in, or intervene in. Uncludi ng the publishing or distributing
se statements), any political campaign on behalf of any canal date for
.pu.bno office,:
You should. fbraiosh the National. Office annually, on the calendar
year `basial lists, in..dupl.i.catie3 showing vxily the motes and addresses of
any new subordinate local mats chartered by you 'taring the yeah and the
naives and addresses of arm 1oca . unite:which for any reason have ceased
to mist. These lists should be aoccavanied by a statement by one of
your principal officers as to iwbeth.ar the- itrrommation heretofore submitted.
by you,, and on which this ruling is based,, is applicable in all- irespects
to the new local units appearing on the lists,. This in -Formation should be
forwarded so as to reach the National OffiGA not,later than Fataluary ].5
tr the fofosaing year.
The District Director of Internal. Revenue,, Portland, Oregpns is being
advised of this aot3.on,
Very truly yours,