The Ginger Lee Francia Classroom Grant

The Ginger Lee Francia Grant, provided by the Dysart Special Education PTSA, is designed to support classroom projects, materials, and experiences that enhance inclusion, accessibility, and meaningful learning opportunities for students receiving special education services.

This grant is intended to provide classroom assistance with high-use consumable materials that directly support student engagement, sensory regulation, hygiene, communication, and instructional access.

Basic Classroom Supplies- Crayons, washable markers, colored pencils, pencils, pens, highlighters, erasers, pencil grips, glue sticks, liquid glue, tape, scissors (including adaptive options), construction paper, printer paper, cardstock, laminating sheets, and sticky notes.Art and Creative Materials- Play-Doh, finger paints, paint brushes, craft sticks, pipe cleaners, pom-poms, googly eyes, stickers, glitter, and craft glue.Cleaning and Hygiene Supplies- Disinfecting wipes such as Lysol or Clorox, hand sanitizer, tissues, and paper towels.Snack and Feeding Supplies- Disposable plates, bowls, cups, utensils, napkins, and Ziploc bags.Sensory and Therapy Consumables- Kinetic sand, slime, therapy putty, stress balls, fidget items, and bubbles.Instructional and Activity Consumables- Velcro dots and strips, laminating pouches, file folders, binder dividers, and labels.Rewards and Motivation Items- Non-food rewards such as stickers, temporary tattoos, and small prize box items.

1. Directly benefit students with disabilities especially STC classrooms 2. Are submitted by first-time applicants 3. Serve multiple students or classrooms 4. Align with PTSA initiatives or district goals 5. Promote inclusion or further independent skill acquisition in students

• The applicant must be a Dysart USD teacher, specialist, or certified staff member • Contract teachers are not eligible to apply• Resource teachers, speech therapists, occupational therapists, behavioral coaches, paraprofessionals and other specialists may apply for their classroom; however, priority will be given to STC classrooms first • Funds must be used for student-centered educational purposes. Materials must remain in the classroom or specialty room for which they were requested and may not be taken home for personal use • Grant funds may not be used for personal items and are subject to approval • Maximum award amount: Up to $150 per application

-Applicants must have a clear plan for the use of the items being requested. -Applicants must include direct website links to the exact items requested, including quantities, as part of their application. All items must be deliverable from within the greater 48 states. No TEMU, SHEIN, or other similar websites will be permitted at this time. Items from reputable sites or from Walmart or Amazon are encouraged. -The total request must not exceed the maximum grant amount of $150, including tax and shipping. -If an application is approved, the Dysart Special Education PTSA will purchase the approved items directly to help ensure accuracy, proper delivery, and item quality. -All approved items will be shipped directly to the PTSA officers and then hand-delivered to the grant recipient at the school or classroom. -To help celebrate and sustain this program, grant recipients must agree to allow a photo of the grant recipient and a PTSA board member to be used in PTSA social media and promotional materials. No students will be photographed or included in this photo. -Once items are delivered to the recipient, they become the property of that classroom or specialty room. Please do not take the items home for personal use unless instructed to by upper management.

-The Ginger Lee Francia Grant will be awarded on biannual cycle during the following months: November and February. -Application Window: Applications will open on the in the Months of October and January on the 1st and close on the 14th. -Review Process: Applications will be reviewed and scored by the PTSA board following the close of the application window. -Award Notifications: Up to three (3) recipients will be selected each month and notified via email by the 20th. -Purchasing & Delivery: Approved items will be purchased by the PTSA and hand delivered to recipients, as soon as those items can be procured. -Applicants who are not selected will have the option within the application to roll their submission forward for consideration in the following cycle, eliminating the need to reapply, if desired. -This structured timeline is designed to ensure a fair and consistent review process while allowing timely delivery of materials to support classroom needs throughout the school year.

Your Role: Special Education Teacher = 5; Resource Teacher = 4; Paraprofessional = 4; Behavior Coach = 3; Speech Therapist = 3; Occupational Therapist = 3; Other = 2.Classroom Description - Part 1: STC 1 = 5; STC 2 = 5; Resource room = 3; General Education = 2; Other = 2.Classroom Description - Part 2: K-2 = 0; 3-5 = 0; 5-8 = 0; Middle = 0; High School = 0.Have you received this grant before?: Yes = 0; No = 5.Approximately how many students will benefit from this request?: All students within the Classroom = 5; A few Select Students = 3; One Student = 2.What need does this request address in your classroom or program?: Increasing student access to hands-on learning materials, classroom tools, or instructional resources. = 3; Supporting student sensory, social-emotional, behavioral, or regulation needs. = 4; Improving inclusion, accessibility, or participation for students with disabilities. = 5; Enhancing classroom engagement, motivation, communication, or skill development. = 2; Supporting staff with materials, resources, or tools needed to better serve students. = 1.What challenges are you currently experiencing that this grant would help solve?: Students need hands-on activities or learning tools to practice important skills. = 2; Students need adaptive or accessible materials so they can participate more independently. = 5; Students need materials or tools that we do not currently have. = 1; Students need communication, social, or life-skills supports that are not currently available. = 3; Students need sensory or calming supports to help them stay regulated and ready to learn. = 4.If awarded, how will you measure success or impact?: Student progress toward IEP or classroom goals. = 2; Increased student engagement or participation. = 4; Increased student independence. = 5; Reduced behaviors or improved regulation. = 3; Staff observations, photos, or work samples. = 1.How does your request align with PTSA initiatives or district goals?: Supports inclusion for students with disabilities. = 5; Improves student access and participation. = 3; Supports student sensory, social-emotional, or behavioral needs. = 2; Builds student independence, communication, or life skills. = 4; Provides classroom tools that support student learning. = 1.How often will these materials be used?: Daily = 5; Multiple times per week = 3; Weekly = 2; As Needed = 1.

The Dysart Special Education PTSA provides direct item donation support only and is not responsible for the use, misuse, supervision, storage, or maintenance of awarded materials after delivery. The applicant and school site assume responsibility for ensuring that all items are used appropriately and safely in accordance with school and district policies.

The Dysart Special Education PTSA is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming community for all. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other protected status, and we strive to ensure all applicants are treated with fairness, dignity, and respect.  

This section evaluates how the requested materials will directly benefit students with disabilities. Strong responses clearly describe how the items will improve student engagement, independence, skill development, or overall learning outcomes. Be specific about the difference these materials will make in your classroom.

This section focuses on the specific need within the classroom and why the requested materials are necessary. Applicants should clearly explain current challenges, gaps, or limitations and how this request will address them. Strong responses demonstrate a clear and compelling reason for funding.  

This section evaluates how the request supports inclusive practices and how the materials will be used in a meaningful and realistic way. Applicants should describe how students will access and benefit from the materials, as well as how often and in what setting they will be used. Strong responses show both thoughtful inclusion and a clear plan for implementation.

This section reviews the requested items. All materials should be clearly listed with quantities and links. The materials requested must be under the $150 max amount including shipping and tax. Screen Shots of Carts showing the totals are encouraged. Strong requests are well-organized and maximize the funds.