Adopt-a-School FAQs
Adopt-a-School FAQ
1. Q. Why was the Adopt-a-School program created?
A. Imagination Station’s Adopt-a-School program was created out of an awareness that students in our region have limited access to informal science education, as well as the ever growing challenge schools are facing to find available funding to support the science and math education being taught in their classrooms. The Adopt-a-School program allows us to extend our educational resources to schools.
2. Q. How can I apply to receive Adopt-a-School access?
A. An online application will be available on February 15, 2012 at imaginationstationtoledo.org. Applications will be accepted online only through 5pm on March 15, 2012. Applications will not be accepted at the science center. Applications for future funding will be made available if and when additional funding is secured.
3. Q. Am I eligible to receive Adopt-a-School access?
A. 2nd-6th grade (public, private, charter and parochial) teachers in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan are eligible. Home schools are not eligible to apply. A thoughtful guideline of criteria has been established and will be used in evaluating all applications. Funding will be awarded based on financial and academic needs of students, the educational goal of the proposed field trip and the availability of field trip funding within your district.
4. Q. What is the deadline for application?
A. The deadline to submit completed application online is 5pm on March 15, 2012.
5. Q. If I am awarded field trip access, do I have to use it this school year?
A. Awards given during this funding cycle must be used by June 1, 2012.
6. Q. How is the awarding decision being made?
A. A selection of educators, community leaders and Imagination Station board members make up the awarding committee. They will utilize a guideline structure that has been established to determine eligibility. This guideline will be used in evaluating all applications. Funding will be awarded based on financial and academic needs of students, the educational goal of the proposed field trip and the availability of field trip funding within your district.
7. Q. How much can my school apply for?
A. Individual teachers must apply for field trip access. Therefore, the total amount each school can be awarded is dependent upon the number of teachers applying from that school.
8. Q. Is transportation included in the award?
A. There is limited funding available for transportation. Because of this, we are asking that applicants consider seeking alternative methods of funding their transportation costs.
9. Q. If my application is accepted, what does it include?
A. Awards can only be used for:
- Admission to Imagination Station for students and chaperones
- Transportation (Limited funding is available for transportation)
- Schools with a ‘no field trip policy’ in place may apply for outreach programming
10. Q. Can I apply for Outreach programming instead of a field trip?
A. The Adopt-a-School program was designed for students to visit Imagination Station and be immersed in the experience. If your school district has a ‘no field trip policy’, you may apply for access to be extended to a workshop on wheels or distance learning.
11. Q. Is public funding being used for the Adopt-a-School program?
A. No. All funds available for the Adopt-a-School program have been acquired through grants and donations from generous corporations, foundations and individuals.
12. Q. How will I know if I am awarded access?
A. Applicants will be notified of the committee’s decision by email on March 30, 2012.
13. Q. If I receive an Adopt-a-School field trip, can I be refunded for my classes’ previous field trip to Imagination Station?
A. No. We cannot refund previously paid field trips.
14. Q. Who are the contributors to the Adopt-a-School program?
A. A full list of the contributors to the Adopt-a-School program is available on our website at imaginationstationtoledo.org.
15. Q. Are lunches provided with the program?
A. No. A lunch space and time will be provided. Students are welcome to bring a packed lunch and/or food is available in our Atomic Café.
16. Q. If my Adopt-a-School field trip is postponed due to weather delay or bussing conflict, can I reschedule?
A. Your visit must be rescheduled for a date before June 1, 2012.
17. Q. Are PTA/PTO’s eligible to apply?
A. No. Only teachers are eligible to apply. PTA/PTO organizations are encouraged to select a teacher to submit the application on their behalf.
18. Q. How much has been contributed to the program?
A. To date, $140,000 has been raised for the Adopt-a-School program.