POTSDAM – A new group created last year to fund educational programs at Potsdam Central School has awarded more than $5,700 for equipment, instructional materials and special programs.

The Potsdam Educational Opportunity Foundation (PEOF) board and PCS faculty recently reviewed proposals and awarded funds to support things such as the purchase of equipment for use in classrooms and academic enrichment programs.

The following grants were awarded funding:

• iPads for art instruction $1,000 (Ashley Eipp, art teacher)

• C. Shaw 4th grade annual program $1,100 (Lawrence Avenue Elementary fourth-grade teachers)

• Positive cafeteria materials for A.A. Kingston Middle School $200 (Jamie Cruikshank, AAK principal)

• Smart board for English/Special Ed Classroom $1,161 (Christine Byrnes, special education teacher)

• Support for Jamie Utt Diversity Workshop $500 (Gina LoMastro, high school student)

• Support for “Providing Global Enlightening Experiences” Program $600 (Valerie Chiarenzelli and Pam Dumas, high school teachers)

• Purchase Shop Tools for Technology Class $1,200 (Nick Leuthauser, high school teacher).

The PEOF was formed by community members in 2012 to provide financial support for K-12 educational activities in the Potsdam Central School District. The organization's goal is to provide educators the resources needed to develop creative activities and opportunities.

Funding for the PEOF is provided through ongoing local public and corporate fundraising efforts. The efforts have been significantly leveraged through a pledge by an anonymous couple, both alumni of Potsdam schools, to match gifts.

For more information about the PEOF, see http://www.potsdam.k12.ny.us/educational-opportunities-fund or contact Devon Shipp, chair, at dshipp@clarkson.edu.