A call for

mini-grant proposals was sent out to all Fayette County public schools

in January. Although teachers were encouraged to submit a proposal for

grants that would support any type of academic program, emphasis was placed

on those that were directly linked to reading and technology ­ two

disciplines that have been identified as necessary for success in the

21st Century.

The foundation

received 51 applications totaling $23,000. Through a competitive selection

process, 26 grants were awarded to teachers at the elementary, middle

and high school levels for the implementation of programs spanning most

major subjects. Almost half of the grants funded were for reading and

language arts while the majority of those awarded encompassed the use

of technology.

"As a

community, we should be grateful to all of the teachers who took the time

to complete the applications. Their efforts demonstrate the depth of commitment

these teachers have to our school system and students," says foundation

secretary Rick Lindsey. "I applaud each and every teacher who applied."

Teachers receiving

awards will be required to submit a written report describing how the

funded program enhanced classroom learning. This information will be made

available to all present and future donors.

The Fayette

County Education Foundation is always in the process of accepting donations

so that it can continue to support the innovative ideas of teachers. All

donations made to the foundation are tax deductible. Next year, the foundation's

goal is to have generated enough to donations to cover every request that

is submitted. "I am very excited about the programs which the foundation

was able to fund this year. My only regret is that we did not have enough

money to fund all of the grant requests. However, we were able to award

money for one-half of all the applications submitted. Hopefully next year

we will have the financial resources to fund every application,"

states Lindsey.

Anyone interested

in making a donation, learning more about the foundation or volunteering

to assist with the foundation's efforts can call 770-460-3535, ext. 122.

Teachers receiving

the first mini-grant awards from the foundation are Susan Thornton, North

Fayette Elementary; Linda Furey, North Fayette Elementary; Diana Caldwell,

Brooks Elementary; Andrea Mueller, Burch Elementary; Mary Ann Velasco,

McIntosh High; Lisa Williams Fine, Rising Starr Middle; Jane Ramig, Rising

Starr Middle; Elaine Johnson, Braelinn Elementary; Judy Chambers, Brooks

Elementary; Joe Yarbrough, Fayette County Evening High; Tammy Strickland,

Peachtree City Elementary; Mindi Hooten, Hood Avenue Primary; and Cathy

Nix, Rising Starr Middle.

Also receiving

mini-grant awards are Michelle Lovelace and Mary Anne White, North Fayette

Elementary; Judy Chambers and Linda Furey, Brooks Elementary; Vickie Sproul,

Rising Starr Middle; Joliene Price, Rising Starr Middle; Jane Stilwell,

Sandy Creek High; Debra Mitchell, Booth Middle; Greg Parsons, Rising Starr

Middle; Kristi Dooley, Brooks Elementary; Deborah Dunham, Braelinn Elementary;

Michelle Serbun, Oak Grove Elementary; Alisha Powell, Rising Starr Middle;

Chrishirella Warthen, North Fayette Elementary and Dan Gant, Starr's Mill

High.