The Mount Rainier Elementary School (MRES) Parent-Teacher Organization was awarded $20,000 in grant funding to expand classrooms and learning gardens in school.   Mayor Celina Benitez presented the check to PTO President Timothy Meyer, Principal Jennifer Till, and Assistant Principal Collin Riffe on December 8.

In July, Mayor and Council approved the allocation of $40,000 utilizing the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for an Outdoor Classroom Learning Program at Mount Rainier Elementary School and Thomas Stone Elementary School. 

MRES PTO, in partnership with the school administration, will utilize the grant to create outdoor spaces and a network of musical, art, and other outdoor areas that can serve as classroom and recess spaces for students.

The organization’s commitment to and effort and working collaboratively with the school administration provide opportunities for students to learn and engage and for teachers to deliver high-quality instruction.