Just Zoo It!

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Get up to $75 to pay for your zoo field trip!

First grade teachers – are you looking for a way to help fund your zoo field trip this spring? Apply for a Just Zoo It! mini-grant through a new program presented by Northeast Indiana REMCs –Touchstone Energy Cooperatives. You can receive up to $75 to offset the cost of zoo admission for your students.

What is Just Zoo It?

The Just Zoo It Mini-Grant Program is designed to pay one-half of the zoo admission fees (up to a maximum of $75) for a classroom of students and required chaperones for a field trip to the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo between April 18, 2009 and October 11, 2009.

Who can apply for a Just Zoo It Mini-Grant?

Indiana schools in Allen (Northwest and Southwest Allen County Schools only), DeKalb, Huntington, Kosciusko, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wells, and Whitley Counties served by Northeast Indiana REMCs – Touchstone Energy Cooperatives are eligible.

• First grade classes only
• Public or private schools
• Multiple teachers within a given school may apply.

How do I apply?

Fill out the 2-page Just Zoo It mini-grant application and submit it by December 15, 2008.

How are mini-grant recipients selected?

The Just Zoo It Mini-Grant Program has a limited amount of funds, which are provided by the program’s sponsor, Northeast Indiana REMCs – Touchstone Energy Cooperatives.  Selection is competitive and based on:

• Financial need (percentage of students receiving free and reduced lunch)
• School location (must be served by Northeast Indiana REMCs – Touchstone Energy Cooperatives)
• Educational goals for your zoo field trip

How will I know if my class has been selected?

You will be notified of your acceptance or rejection via mail or e-mail by February 15, 2009.  If selected, you will receive a voucher for one-half of your expected admission expense (up to a maximum of $75).  The voucher can be presented at the zoo admission gate.  You are responsible for the remaining half of your admission fees and all other fees incurred during your field trip.

What are regular zoo admission fees for school groups in 2009?

• $6.00 per student
• $6.00 per chaperone
• Paid professional school staff are always admitted free when accompanying students on a field trip.

How many chaperones does the zoo require?

• The zoo requires one adult chaperone for every 5 to 8 students.
• Chaperones should know your educational goals for the field trip, be able to guide the students’ behavior, and remain with children at all times.

Where can I find resources to make my field trip educational and meet Academic Standards?

• Click here to download free resources
• Sign up for a free Field Trip Mini-Class by calling 260-427-6808.
• Click here to download our complete 2007-2008 School Programs Guide

Questions? E-mail  or call 260-427-6808.
Click here to down load the Just Zoo It Mini-Grant Application

Just Zoo It is generously sponsored by  Northeast Indiana REMCs – Touchstone Energy Cooperatives