Purpose:  To educate the youth of the Clarkston Community Schools about horticulture, conservation, earth sciences and environmental education through the following: 

1.      Enrichment in the classroom or in extracurricular activities

2.      Provide an opportunity to enhance and/or develop innovative approaches to teaching which stimulate creative thought and/or expand existing curriculum

Eligibility:  Current K-12 teachers and media specialists may apply.  Each applicant may submit a total of one proposal per year, either individually or in conjunction with other applicants.   

Application and Deadline:  Proposals must be typewritten, using the format explained on the application form.  Application forms may be duplicated and are available in each school building office and the office of the Deputy Superintendent.  The cover sheet must be signed by the building principal as an indication of awareness and support of the request and then be submitted to the office of the Deputy Superintendent by November 18, 2011.  Three (3) copies of the application are required.

Review & Selection:  Members of the Clarkston Farm & Garden Club’s Mini-Grants Committee will review all applications.  Mini-Grant recipients will be announced in November.  Applicants may request any amount not to exceed $350.  Criteria for selection are listed below.

     Projects should consider one or more of the following:

1.      Directly benefit/involve students

2.      Improve students’ achievement and/or self-esteem

3.      Encourage parent/community involvement with students/schools

4.      Improve curriculum or instruction effectiveness

5.      Encourage interdisciplinary instruction, team teaching, multi-age structures and/or cooperative learning experiences.

     Consideration for granting requests is based on the following:

1.      Clear focus on horticulture, conservation, earth sciences &/or environmental education.

2.      The number and description of students who will benefit

3.      Objectives that can be monitored, measured and evaluated

4.      Potential for replication by other teachers/schools

5.      Projects that cannot currently be funded by the district

Conditions & Requirements:

• Each recipient will be responsible at the conclusion of the project to complete a one page Evaluation & Financial Report Form and submit them to CF&GC by May 18, 2012.

• Each recipient must agree to complete all the items on the application form.

• Should a recipient be unable to implement or complete an awarded project, the principal may designate personnel to implement and/or complete the project.  However, CF&GC requests notification if such should occur.

• Materials and equipment funded by the CF&GC Mini-Grant Program become the property of the Clarkston Community Schools. 

• All projects are to be completed by May 11, 2012.