Welcome Back Island Park Staff!
As we head into the new school year, the PTA wants to make it easy to understand all the funding sourcesavailable to support you in the classroom. Below is a summary of these budgets, and a description for how each is utilized:
Teacher Discretionary Funds: $200.00 pr.
Discretionary funds are allocated annually toeach full time certified teacher, Specialists (PE, Library, Music, ELL, and Reading) and the school counselor. This money is spent in many different ways by teachers. Often it is used to purchase learning tools, materials for a special project or items to supplement the classroom. Items purchased with discretionary funds are not required to be pre-approved.
Invoicing or Reimbursements: Teachers can submit receipts attached to a check reimbursement form in the Treasurer’s Folder in the front office. Deadline for submission June 1, 2017.
Artist-in-Residence (AIR): $1,900 pr grade
AIR is a PTA funded program coordinated by teachers. The program brings professionals into the classroom to instruct students in the discipline of art. This differs from the “Art Docent” program which is a parent driven volunteer program utilizing pre-planned lessons for each grade. Teachers use AIR funding in myriad of ways - some use it for a lesson in traditional art, others to teach scientific drawings, others for dance or drama. A grade team can work together to determine the best use of funds. Invoicing or Reimbursements: Teachers can submit their invoice directly to the Treasurer’s Folder in the front office.
Field Trips: Estimated $30 pr student (List of funded field trips attached)
An estimated $30 pr child is allocated for field trips in the 2016-2017 school year. The costs are based on a projected list of 2016-17 field trips submitted by teachers last Spring. (Attached on 2nd page). Parents pay a $30 pr child fee to MISD at the start of the year and the District pays for all field trips fees incurred throughout the year. All field trips from 2015-16 school year, with the exception of the 4th Grade Oregon field trip, are currently funded under the Field Trip budget. Teachers can change/delete/substitute any field trip on the list, however, roughly $30 pr head should be considered a general guideline for funds spent on field trips within each grade.
Invoicing or Reimbursements: Submit all invoices/bus fees directly to Carol Siebert in the front office for MISD direct payment.
PTA and MISF Grant Funding: $15K-$20K pr grant cycle
The PTA and the Mercer Island Schools Foundation (MISF) come together each Fall to grant funding to Island Park staff. PTA/MISF typically fund grants that supplement and enhance curriculum through unique student experiences and hands-on activities. Grants have also funded classroom libraries for new teachers, classroom equipment to support student learning and other unique needs in the classroom. PTA/MISF cannot award funding to technology related items nor materials considered “curriculum” as these must be covered by the MISD. The 2016-17 grant process will kick off in September with funding awards announced by early November. Each grant will be reviewed by David Hoffman and a small parent committee for approval. Items purchased with grant awards are considered property of Island Park Elementary School.
Invoicing or Reimbursements: Payment procedures will differ depending on which organization is paying. Invoices for PTA grants can be submitted directly through Carol Siebert at the front office or left in the Treasurer’s Folder in the front office. MISF funded grants will be given a formal “Grant Number” and must be submitted through Carol Siebert.
Special Projects
Our PTA supports new and innovative ideas that can support learning in the classroom in a unique way. If you have an idea but lack funding, please approach co-Presidents Melissa Prock and Ricca Poll for more information on funding opportunities.
PTA points of contact for budget and funding related questions:
- Melissa Prock and Ricca Poll, PTA co-Presidents
- Dawn Naye and Feliz Montpellier, PTA co-Treasurers