How School Councils Have Utilized the PRO Grant: Examples and Inspiration

The Parents Reaching Out (PRO) Grant provides School Councils with resources to engage parents and caregivers, build inclusive communities, and foster student success. A reminder that applications for the grant are due January 20, 2025 (deadline extended).

If your School Council is looking for inspiration for a PRO Grant initiative, here are some examples of successful projects funded through the PRO Grant during the 2023-2024 school year:

1. Fit2Learn Math Night

• School: A. Lorne Cassidy Elementary School
• Principal: Tricia Eddy
• Funds Allocated: $750
• Goals:
  To bring the school community together and encourage a fun, interactive approach to learning math. The event aims to increase parent confidence in supporting their children’s numeracy skills through games and hands-on activities.
• Impact:
  Parents reported an improved understanding of math strategies, and students were excited to see math applied in engaging real-world contexts.

2. Cyber Safety Awareness with MediaSmarts

• School: Emily Carr Middle School 
• Principal: Marc Slesar
• Funds Allocated: $750
• Goals:
  Give parents/caregivers a better insight/awareness of media/online tools their children may be accessing. 
• Impact:
  Demonstrate a clear and measurable impact on improving mental health  outcomes. Establish safe and inclusive environments that prevent and address bullying and violence.

3. Parent/caregiver Book Lending Library

• School: Bayview Public School
• Principal: Natalie Makara
• Funds Allocated: $750
• Goals:
  Expand the school’s parent book lending library with titles that support anti-Black racism education, mental health awareness and inclusion.
• Impact:
  The initiative encouraged parents to explore resources on diversity and inclusion, fostering a stronger, informed school community.

4. Literacy Event

• School: Bayshore Public School
• Principal: May Tannous
• Funds Allocated: $750
• Goals:
  Engage families in early literacy through storytelling, reading games and tips for home learning.
• Impact:
  Parents gained strategies to support their children’s literacy development, creating a stronger home-school partnership.

Why Apply for the PRO Grant?

The PRO Grant is a valuable resource for school councils looking to make a difference in their communities. By funding innovative and inclusive initiatives, the grant supports projects that:

• Engage parents/caregivers in their children’s education.
• Promote equity and inclusion.
• Foster collaboration among families, schools and communities.

For more information about the PRO Grant, contact face@ocdsb.ca.