Montgomery High School Parent/Teacher/Student Association

Information Sheet

PTSA Student Grants

Montgomery High School Parent/Teacher/Student Association

MHS-PTSA offers and awards PTSA Grants to students at MHS. Grants are awarded to MHS students for the purpose of implementing an innovative idea which will enhance the MHS experience and/or improve the MHS community and/or environment.

READ CAREFULLY and FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS

CRITERIA:

• You must be a current MHS student to apply for a PTSA funded grant.

• You must be a registered member of the PTSA (individually or family).

• Student Grant requests cannot exceed $500.

• Students can apply individually or as a group for a grant not to exceed $500.
Example: MHS Clubs/Activities/Teams may submit a Grant proposal as a group.

• Students can apply for a PTSA Grant throughout the school year as long as funds are available.

• The total number of Grants awarded each year depends on available PTSA funds.

• Collaboration among students across grade levels is encouraged.

• Only one Grant application will be awarded to a project/initiative/program, per school year.
Example: Three different students cannot apply for a $500 each for the same project.

• Funds are limited to materials that will enable the student to complete a project or enhance an innovative idea.

• The funds received must be expended in the school year in which the award is given and receipts
for all expenses must be provided to PTSA for accounting records. All expenditures will be reviewed and must align with the approval given for the requested grant or they will not be paid.

• A final report should be submitted to PTSA once project is completed to verify completion. If available please supply a photograph of project with final report. Electronic photos can be sent to .

• All items funded through this grant program become the property of Montgomery High School.

LIMITATIONS:

• Per National PTA Guidelines: Student Grant funds cannot be used for personal gain (example: SAT review course) and cannot be applied to projects outside of MHS (example: other non-profit projects) nor can funds be used to pays for special training, salaries, stipends or course/conference registrations.

PROCEDURES:

• All Grant proposals must be submitted on the PTSA Student Grant Form. Forms are available at the Main Office in the PTSA mail box and on-line on the PTSA page of school web site.

• Be specific, give details of the project and supply a budget when applying for a grant.

• Return completed forms to the PTSA Mail Box in the main office.

• Grant Applications will be reviewed by the PTSA Grant committee.

• PTSA may return your grant application for clarification before final review.

See reverse side for grant examples.

PTSA Student Grant Information Sheet continued.

Examples of Grant Applications, both funded and rejected.

NOTE: these are abbreviated examples and not necessarily actual grant proposals.

Applicant: Break Dance Club

Proposal: $360 for a Practice Mat. Dance Club has procured a storage area. Mat will be used to safely practice new dance moves and will be cleaned and stored by club members after each use.

Response: The PTSA Grant Committee approves this grant proposal for $360. Receipts must be submitted before a check can be issued. Please check with the head of Athletics that the mat meets MHS safety regulations.

Applicant: 6 Sophomores

Proposal: Dissatisfied with a shortfall of Friday night activities at MHS we would like to host a “Country Dance Night.” We have adult chaperones and a volunteer DJ/music system we would like $400 to use for publicity posters and to purchase snacks for the evening.

Response: Pending approval of dance from MHS Administration, the PTSA Grant Committee approves this grant proposal for $400 to be used for publicity and snacks. Snack purchase must comply with MTSD guidelines.

Applicant: Future Politicians Club

Proposal: Club would like a grant for $100 to use for publicity posters to promote their upcoming speakers night. We would like to host Democratic & Republican representatives who will present their candidates & platforms to the club membership.

Response: PTSA regrets that they must decline this grant application. According to National PTA guidelines, PTSA cannot provide funds for any political party or event.

Applicant: Environmental Science Club

Proposal: Club would like a grant for $500 to purchase easily sustained trees to enhance the MHS property.

Response: Pending approval from the MHS Administration and the Board of Ed. Building and grounds Dept. the PTSA Grant Committee approves this grant for $500, but also suggest that the club contacts local Shade Tree Commission and landscapers to see if donations can be procured.

Applicant: Assorted Students (5)

Proposal: Students would like to start an Astronomy Club and we request a grant for $500 for advisor stipend.

Response: PTSA regrets it must decline this grant due to PTA guidelines. PTSA cannot fund salaries or stipends.

Note: All new student organizations, clubs or after school activities must first be approved by your class’ vice principal.

Applicant: National Art Honor Society

Proposal: Society has an opportunity to attend a private viewing & lecture of a rare art collection being shown for a limited time. Students would like to apply for a $500 grant to help defray the busing expense.

Response: The PTSA Grant Committee recognizes that this may be a once in a lifetime opportunity and will approve the $500 grant to help defray student transportation costs.

Examples of Student Grants Awarded in previous years:

• Grant awarded to support Environmental Week to encourage the education and implementation of recycling projects.

• Grant to supplement the “Media Center Aquarium Project.” Funds will be used to purchase fish, filter, secure lid, etc.

• Grant awarded to cover start-up costs of breakfast bagel sales project to raise funds for the American Red Cross relief effort in Haiti and to offer a healthy in-school option for student and staff breakfast.

• Grant awarded to fund postage for a student run Holiday Message Program for Recovering Service Personnel.

• Grant awarded for “Operation Courtyard” to enhance the MHS environment by planting flowers & shrubs in MHS courtyard.

• Grant to encourage school/community spirit by giving start-up funds for Balloons in June, a project to sell and distribute balloons to graduating senior homes around town on graduation day.

• Grant approved to purchase American flags for a 9/11 ceremony, marking the 10th anniversary.

• Combined Teacher/Student grant to purchase wireless communication system for MHS Theater program.