Teacher Questions/Answers

How will I know if my program receives a grant?

The Foundation surprise squad will surprise you a few weeks after the grant deadline. If you are not selected, you will receive a letter of explanation. You are welcome to resubmit your grant application for the next grant cycle.

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Who determines which grants are awarded?

The Olathe Public Schools Foundation grant committee is made up of OPSF board members, staff and community members along with one representative from the district’s curriculum team. The committee meets to review the nominations and determine which current nomination best meets the criteria requested on the form.

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What is the deadline for grant submissions?

Applications must be received in the Foundation office by 4 p.m. on that cycle's deadline date. Deadline dates are posted on the grant webpage. For more information, call (913) 780-7878.

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Who may apply for a Foundation grant?

With their principal’s approval, all certified staff may apply for a grant.

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What’s the difference grant award amounts?

The Foundation awards grants to teachers for classroom grants up to $1,000 as well as school wide grants to teachers or administrators up to $5,000.

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How can I apply for a grant?

Click on the Foundation grant webpage and download the application form and technology approval form. Once you have completed all documentation, have your building principal sign your request and send to the Foundation office via "gray" mail to the attention of Alice Snider, MCC.

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What is the Olathe Public Schools Foundation grant program?

The Olathe Public Schools Foundation awards grants to teachers for classroom grants. Grant applications will be considered in two steps. First, applications will be screened for compliance with our minimum eligibility standards. Applications that meet the minimum eligibility standards will be compared to other proposals using competitive standards in the following areas:

  • Innovation
  • Demonstrated need
  • Educational outcomes
  • Student success

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How will I find out if my teacher is selected for recognition?

You will be contacted and invited to attend the surprise squad visit. If you are not contacted, remember that we keep all nominations on file for three semesters and review each one monthly.

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Who judges the E2 nominations?


The Olathe Public Schools Foundation Recognition Committee is made up of OPSF board members, staff and community members who meet monthly to review the nominations and determine which current nomination best meets the criteria requested on the form.

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Who can I nominate?

You can nominate any certified staff member. That might be a principal, classroom teacher, “specials” teacher such as art, music, band or P.E., resource teacher, counselor, etc. If you have a question, your school principal can help or call Alice Snider at 780-7878.

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Where do I mail my nomination form?

Send your nomination form and attached letters of recommendation outlining all required criteria to the Foundation office located at the Mill Creek Campus via gray mail, e-mail a pdf, or you are always welcome to drop it off between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m at 300 E. Loula Street, Olathe, KS 66061. Please put all submissions to the attention of Alice Snider.

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What is the deadline for recognition nominations?

There is no set deadline for Educator Excellence or CEERA awards. The OPSF keeps all nominations for three semesters. So, if your candidate is not awarded the month that you submit the nomination, they might receive it sometime in the near future.

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How do I nominate a fellow teacher for recognition?

You can nominate any teacher or certified staff member (principal, counselor, music teacher, etc.) by completing the nomination form from our website. (click here for form) Submit your nomination form with six letters of recommendation from parents, colleagues (another teacher or principal), and students (current or former). You may submit up to two letters from each group.

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What is the Olathe Public Schools Foundation Educator Excellence program?

The Educator Excellence Program (or E2 Award) is a program to reward excellence and innovation in Olathe Schools. The award gives a $500 unrestricted grant to two teachers each month September through May each school year who excel in three areas:

  • Excellence in working with colleagues and staff in the educational environment;
  • Excellence in meeting the diversified needs of students within the classroom; and
  • Excellence in communicating with parents.

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