- By IPEI
- Around Town
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The Ithaca Public Education Initiative (IPEI) announced the first recipients of funding from its new Situational Grant program - short term funding currently available to teachers and staff of the Ithaca City School District to support projects, programs, and supplies related to distance learning and supporting students' well-being during these unprecedented times.
"Our grants strengthen ICSD schools by supporting the innovative ideas of teachers, staff, and leaders," says Monica Touesnard, president of IPEI. "This new grant is meant to enhance the incredible efforts being made to deliver critical education during this unique period of social distancing."
Joyce Putnam, IPEI's Grants Chair and former ICSD teacher, explained: "We have created a modified funding opportunity to quickly move grants to meet the needs of our teachers and school leaders. These grants will support the district and individual classes as ICSD responds to the continuing limitations placed on 'school as usual' in the fight against the spread of COVID-19."
IPEI will provide $1900 to fund five projects proposed during its first Situational Grant round- four at Ithaca High School and one at Enfield elementary school.
Additional Situational Grants will be made available on a first-come-first-serve basis, while funds last and while New York schools remain 'On Pause' and engaged in distance learning. This program will conclude at the end of the 2019-20 school year. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
"We don't know for sure what our teachers will need during this event, but they are being asked to make a heavy lift, transitioning their teaching style and expectations almost overnight. We want to be there and want to share the burden," says Steven Manley, IPEI's Executive Director. "I believe that our teachers are striving to find ways to take care of our students and IPEI will be there for them."
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