Bluestem Association for Student Education (BASE) is a Foundation for Bluestem Schools, providing opportunities for innovative and creative ideas for Bluestem students. BASE encourages you to consider making an application for a classroom grant. Be creative in thinking of a project, idea or field trip that you believe will enhance the learning experience of your students. The foundation has awarded funds over $90,000 to support teachers and students in USD 205 since it was created in 1998. This year, the foundation has approved funding of $3500 in classroom grants. Download the classroom grant application and guidelines. The application is quite simple, and grants are awarded on a first come, first served basis. BASE accepts grants until the funds run out. This opportunity is one you don't want to miss, so don't delay!

In previous years, BASE was pleased to make available grant funds for weight training equipment, video equipment, health curriculum, science set, Reading A-Z, microphone headsets, digital photography, pottery wheel, TruTouch TV, Overdrive ebooks, electronics, partial funding of an iPod lab, greenhouse projects, Kids Writing Tablets, STEM Education, Flex in the Middle and others.

Classroom grants are funded in part by payroll deductions by USD 205 employees and gifts from district patrons. The BASE Foundation would like to thank everyone who has donated to BASE for making these grant awards possible. For more information about BASE, please contact Connie Chilcott conniejchilcott@gmail.com or contact Amanda Witty in the Central Office. BASE meets the last Wednesday of each month.

• BASE GRANT APPLICATION