EDTECH 551 (FA11)
Susan Ferdon
Module 5 Writing Assignment
Prompt:
Write a one-page query letter to a potential grant funder. The query is typically one page and includes the date, address (to grants officer) and the following:
1. Introduce yourself
2. Introduce your project idea and why it might be relevant to the potential funder
3. Briefly describe the project you have developed
4. Describe your credentials to explain your capability to do the work
5. Explain the consequence of not implementing the project
End with a thank you for consideration and a request for a response.
See next page. The grantor that my query letter is addressed to is one of the three that I posted on in the Module 5 Forum.
Kipling School
700 Kipling Place
Deerfield, IL 60015Remember you are writing to see if the Foundation might be interested in funding your project. This does not accompany the proposal but is sent in advance to get an indication of interest. 30 of 30 points
November 4, 2011
Kristen Barney Adams
The Barney Family Foundation
130 South Canal Street, Suite 9T
Chicago, IL 60606-3919
Dear Ms. Adams:
Each year, children in our nation’s schools struggle academically. They fall behind their peers in elementary school and the gap grows wider as students grow older. As a teacher at Kipling School in Deerfield, I see those struggles daily. In 2010, for example, 11% of our 3rd and 5th graders were below grade level in reading and math.These are students who can fall through the cracks – their needs are not fully met by the regular education curriculum but they don’t qualify for special education services. Though students have struggled in the past, there are exciting new resources available which will enable them to build needed reading and math skills.
With the purchase of Lexia Reading ( and Ascend Math ( we can provide the individualized skill development and continuous feedback that students in our Response to Intervention program need to bring skills up to grade level. Lexia Reading is a technology-based system of differentiated practice, embedded assessment, and targeted instruction. The U.S Department of Education’s What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) examined research studies and Lexia Reading shows positive effects in both alphabetics and reading comprehension. Ascend Math is a web-based resource, which uses technology to differentiate instruction - it has proven to achieve two or more grade level gains in a six-month period. Ascend Math is an individualized intervention resource that identifies skill gaps, prescribes targeted instruction, and motivates students to achieve their maximum performance and potential.
Kipling School seeks $30,073.76 to purchase software licenses, train teacher leaders, provide staff development for teachers and instructional assistants, and fund evaluation activities. With successful learning interventions in place, children will have the support they need to reach their full potential. Should these learning gaps not be addressed adequately at the elementary school level, student’s future successes in school and beyond, we fear, will be compromised.
Thank you for your consideration of our funding request and If this projects meets your current funding priorities, I would like to submit a full proposal. I look forward to hearing from you.your reply.Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. How can they contact you?
Best regards,
Susan Ferdon
Teacher, Kipling Elementary School