Horace Mann PTA Grants Teacher/Staff Wishes

There are countless ways that the Horace Mann PTA, led by President Nora Katzenberger, enriches the lives of everyone in our community.  They plan fun events for students, prepare materials to assist teachers, network with each other and with new families/families in need, and so many other valuable roles.  I cannot overstate my appreciation for our PTA, both as an organization and for each of the individual people who bring in their unique personalities and perspectives.  It is a diverse--and fun--group that really knows how to make good things happen!

One example of "making things happen" is the Teacher/Staff Grants program.  For the past several years, the Horace Mann PTA has made funds available to staff members who would like to add something to the students' school experience.  I'm amazed at their ability to find sales, use coupons and even go pick things up to avoid shipping charges in order to stretch their budget.  This year, items totaling about $2500 have been provided to 11 staff members who submitted requests.  There are a few requests that exceeded the budget, and the PTA and I are working together to find resources so that 100% of the grants can be funded.

The items requested are as varied as the students in our school.  They include books for classrooms, storage units, new blocks for preschool, spare clothes for the health center, technology, and sensory items.  Interestingly, several staff members requested carpets.  The one for the library, in tune with the Fantasy & Fairy Tales theme the students chose last year, is particularly fetching:

Many thanks to our Horace Mann PTA for everything they do.  For parents who may not be involved in PTA but are interested, please write to ptahoracemannelementary@gmail.com for information.