Back-to-School: Power A Bright Future (and Giveaway, too!)

From time to time, I get up on my former-teacher soapbox. Don't worry, this isn't one of those times.  But, as a former teacher, I do know the hard work and effort that goes into being an effective teacher and running a school.


The right teacher and a good school can make such a difference in a child's life. When it came time for my middle son to go to preschool, we searched for the right school and teacher who would be able to handle the special challenges that he had. We found that teacher in Miss Michelle, who loved him, saw him as smart, and made a huge impact on him.  He's always been musical and the music programs in his school were invaluable as well.


He's in a new school this year, but doesn't quite understand that he does have a new teacher. He's waiting for his teacher from last year to show up. In his words: "My teacher is my Miss Michelle. She's perfect for me."


Those teachers and schools? When you find them, they are priceless. They made such a huge difference in the lives of our children.


But, sometimes, those schools could use a little extra help.  Enrichment activities like music, art, and sports are some of the most memorable for children, but those are often the first areas to go when there are budget cuts.


Each year parents hold fundraisers to keep enrichment programs in schools. Now there’s another way to raise money for your child’s school: Power A Bright Future, created by the Clorox Company, will help brighten kids’ futures with school grants to help fund critical programs. Parents and teachers can help kids continue to learn and play by nominating their school programs for a Power A Bright Future grant from the Clorox Company.

As part of the Power A Bright Future grant program, Clorox is seeking nominations for school programs for a chance to win a $50,000 grand-prize grant or one of three $20,000 grants to help provide critically needed resources to school programs that enrich kids’ lives and create brighter futures. In November, four schools will be chosen to receive grants and the opportunity to impact the lives of children in their communities.

 
 
 Nominators will receive exclusive Clorox classroom tools and the chance to win coupons for Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes, Clorox® Regular-Bleach and other great prize packs daily.
 
 
For more than six generations, Clorox has been a trusted stain remover and disinfectant, ultimately helping to keep families healthier, cleaner and happier. Clorox wants to continue to celebrate these activities that help kids continue to learn, play and create. To nominate a new or existing school program, visit http://www.clorox.com/ from August 12 to September 27, 2010. You will find the official rules there, as well as details on voting.

What a fabulous opportunity that would be for your local schools and programs! If you do enter, please let me know and I'll always give you a retweet to help spread the word about your entry!

But, in the meantime, there is a Clorox prize pack that you can win here!

Giveaway: One of you will win a Clorox giveaway bag which includes:

• Clorox Disinfecting Wipes
• Dr. Harley Rotbart’s book Germ Proof Your Kids
• Clorox Hand Sanitizer
• Tissues
• Fun stickers
• Crazy cutting scissors
• Markers/pencils/crayons

To enter: If your email is not in your profile, please leave it with your comment. Please leave a separate comment for each entry. Contest will close at 9pm EST on Tuesday, September 7th.


First entry: Tell me about a teacher, school, or program that you think is worthy of one of these grants!

Bonus entry #1: Follow my blog either through GFC or by confirmed email subscription.
Bonus entry #2: Tweet and leave a link to your tweet: Help your school with a #CloroxBrightFuture grant and enter a #giveaway http://bit.ly/9DdQBh


I wrote this post after being engaged by TheMotherhood.com and Clorox and am being compensated for my participation.


This giveaway is now closed and the winner is Naomi #49. Winner will be emailed and have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Don't forget to apply at Clorox for a grant for a school program!