Piedmonters for Inclusive Education (PIE), a volunteer-run community of parents dedicated to supporting students with disabilities, has awarded $7,530 in grants to educators across the Piedmont Unified School District (PUSD), funding critical tools, resources, and programs that promote inclusive learning environments.
Through its annual grants program, PIE invites special education staff from across the district—from preschool through high school and adult transition—to apply for funding to meet the evolving needs of their students. Nearly 100% of funds raised by PIE go directly toward these teacher-driven grants, ensuring meaningful, immediate impact in classrooms.
This year’s grants, awarded in partnership with Jean Fagin, Director of Special Education, funded a wide range of initiatives, including:
● Specialized Literacy & Curriculum: Orton-Gillingham materials, decodable books, and adapted materials for Earth Sciences, Civics and Economics classes
● Staff Resources & Technology: Subscriptions to The Informed SLP and Padlet, giving specialists access to the latest evidence-based tools
● Sensory & Emotional Regulation: tactile tools, weighted supports, trampolines, and balance equipment
● Community Integration & Life Skills: off-campus experiences and transition program supplies
● Creative Expression & Inclusive Play: toys, games, and art materials to foster engagement and inclusion
“These grants are a direct reflection of our community’s generosity,” said Meredith Lamont, Vice President of PIE and Chair of the Grants Committee. “Our donors trust us to put their contributions to work where they matter most. By funding the specific, on-the-ground needs identified by our district’s dedicated special education staff, we’re helping ensure that students with disabilities have the support and resources they need to truly thrive.”
PIE partners with families, educators, and PUSD to ensure that students with disabilities and neurodivergences, including those with IEPs and 504 plans, receive the support and resources they need to thrive and belong. Their Vision is a Piedmont community where every student feels a deep sense of belonging, inclusion, and support — academically, socially, and emotionally — and where differences are understood, respected, and celebrated.
For more information about PIE or to support future grants, visit piedmontie.org.
