Teacher Special Requests

Who May Apply:

All Cedar Canyon teachers and staff —including therapists, support staff, and related arts educators are welcome to apply.

What It Supports:

This program funds innovative and meaningful classroom and school needs that go beyond your standard budget. Examples may include:

• Instructional tools

• STEM/STEAM resources

• Special equipment or educational toys

• Enrichment items

• Technology for interactive learning

Please Note: This program is not intended to supplement your regular classroom supply allowance. Instead, we aim to support high-impact, creative, or unique requests that go beyond standard needs — projects or items that inspire innovation, collaboration, or enhanced student engagement.

When to Apply:

Applications are accepted throughout the year, with funding decisions made after each of the following deadlines:

• September 1, 2026

• November 1,2026

• January 1, 2027

• March 1, 2027

Applications received after each funding cycle will be considered in the next funding cycle. For example, applications received on September 2nd will be considered in the November 1 deadline cycle.

Applicants will receive a response after the General PTO meeting in the month of your application deadline.

Program Funding Limit:

The PTO has allocated a total of $4,000 for Teacher Special Request grants for the 2026–2027 school year. Once all funds are awarded, any remaining application cycles will close. To increase your chances of being funded, we encourage staff to apply early in the school year.

We aim to fund multiple high-impact projects in the $300–$750 range. However, exceptional proposals exceeding $750 may still be considered for full funding if they strongly align with our grant priorities.

Application Priorities:

Please complete the PTO Teacher Special Request Application form. Priority will be given to requests that:

• Encourage collaboration (cross-curricular, related arts integration, or across grade levels)

• Focus on STEM/STEAM-based learning

• Promote hands-on or project-based instruction

• Incorporate interactive technology platforms

Additional Considerations:

• Up to 2 additional points on the scoring rubric will be awarded to staff members who are active PTO supporters. Support includes, but is not limited to: attending PTO General Membership meetings, actively engaging parents to get involved in PTO events/activities, volunteering at PTO events like Falcon Frenzy, Color Run, Enrichment, or Movie Night.

If you have questions, please contact president@cedarcanyonpto.org.

We look forward to supporting your creative ideas and classroom goals!