What do you do when you need extra money for a classroom project?

Tap Your Resources

I look to my natural resources: the community! One of the advantages of living in a small town is knowing practically everyone. I ask business owners, friends, family, people at my church, people I speak to and don't know.

I approach business associations such as the Rodeo Association and the Fair Association and let them know our kids are important and that we are trying to make them a better part of society.

So far, no one has turned me down to sponsor a child on a field trip.

Jean-Marie Selwyn
Fourth-Grade Teacher, Arcadia, Florida

Follow Many Paths

When our first-grade team needs money, we try these avenues:

• Local service organizations. Our Lions Club has donated money for TVs and DVD/VCR players for each room.
• Our school PTO. The PTO has provided money for Super Readers rewards, costs associated with Accelerated Reader Programs, and enrichment activities, just to name a few.
• Business/Education Partners Project. Local businesses "adopt" a classroom and provide volunteer time as well as money for selected projects.

Of course, we always make sure to thank sponsors with letters and pictures from teachers and students!

Geri Williams
First-Grade Team Leader, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Shop Around

Ten years ago, I was looking for a way to help teachers with science costs and started a school store. We provide school supplies and other fun items at a nominal price and the money we make is used to supplement science activities.

Each year my students partner with a local bank to borrow $500. We give collateral and go through the entire loan process.

In May we have our loan paid off and go to the bank to pick up our collateral and take a tour.

Carol Gibson
Fourth-Grade Teacher, Devils Lake, North Dakota

So Ask, Already!

Many times as a kindergarten teacher, I have had more ideas than money to carry them out. Local church groups have donated funds to pay for a piece of furniture I bought from a local woodworker. It was $150, but our school policy says furniture may be purchased only through a bidding process or catalog, which would have cost more.

Every year, our branch bank buys balloons for our 100th day celebration.

The point is, you gotta ask!

Gayle Allen
Kindergarten Teacher, Hampshire County, West Virginia

Multiply Your Strategies

Whenever I have needed money, I have used these resources:

• PTO/PTA. They're always willing to support a worthy school cause.
• Local businesses. Connect your project with that business, e.g., safety projects and an insurance agency.
• Grants. You can apply for just about any amount. Surf the Web for grant information.
• Donations from parents/citizens. Parents or citizens often volunteer to help and that might include money.

Remember to give donors credit for making a donation. Students may write or illustrate thank-you letters. A sincere thank-you can open the door to future requests!

Barb Wright
Guidance Counselor, Lebanon, Ohio

Reach Out

Last year, my sixth-grade science classes took part in establishing a school nature trail. I paid for some materials myself. However, when we really got going, some of the students' parents donated materials or their talents to the project.

I also contacted local businesses. Many companies will donate gift cards for purchases. And I invited the local newspapers to take pictures and interview students about the project. That gave donor companies some free advertising and lets them know they are an invaluable source.

Rick Hazel
Seventh-Grade Teacher, Morganton, North Carolina

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How do you deal with sudents who neer do their homework?
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