Purpel Scholarship (For Graduating Seniors from BHS)
The Nathan Purpel Scholarship
First awarded in 1993, this scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior at Brookline High School who was also graduated from Lawrence School; a student who has demonstrated generosity of spirit and an abiding respect for the value of human differences and the many ways in which they enrich individual and community lives.
This scholarship was established to recognize Nathan Purpel's long tenure and successful Principalship at Lawrence School. To honor him upon his retirement and thank him for the immeasurable gifts he has given to all.
Application info can be found via the BHS website or here.
Classroom Support and Educator Grants
The PTO has established funds for classroom supplies/equipment (a.k.a. classroom allocations) that will support students and the learning experience. Educators can find more details in the FAQs below. (Looking for the online PTO reimbursement form?)
Recent educator grants have supported:
Mathematics picture-book collections for every Kindergarten classroom
A student-led Chemistry Magic Show for the sixth grade
Virtual visits to Heart Mountain and a guest speaker from the Elie Wiesel Center, connecting literature with history
A real-world life-skills experience involving public transportation, budgeting, and nutritious food shopping
A reading challenge featuring the Massachusetts Children’s Book Awards
Social-emotional learning books addressing empathy, bullying, grief, family change, and learning differences
Have an idea that would enrich learning at Lawrence? Educators can review the grant guidelines and submit an application through the Educator Grant Form.
Classroom Enrichment, Field Trips and Extracurriculars
The Lawrence PTO funds enrichment in the classroom and beyond. Our enrichment budget includes funding for classroom experiences, field trips, and extracurriculars such as early-morning sports.
For field trips: $500 is allocated per classroom and may be used for things like bus expenses, admission fees and/or supplies that support the educational experience. (Note that Farm School and the 8th grade experiences have separate budgets.)
Community Building and Support
The PTO also sponsors coffees, forums and other community events that are aimed at building and growing connections among our community members.
Supporting one another is also central to the Lawrence community. If you would like to provide assistance, or know a community member who is in need of assistance, please reach out to us. Finally, there is a need-based assistance fund for students; please contact the guidance team for details.
Do you have ideas for educational/student enrichment? We’d love to hear about them! The Lawrence PTO may be able to consider a new proposal for a special project you would like to carry out to enhance the learning community experience at Lawrence. All proposals, regardless of whether there is a funding request, follow the same process outlined the proposal form. If this project is being spearheaded by faculty or staff, the proposal should be submitted as a teacher grant.
Funding FAQs for Educators
How much classroom allocation funding do I get every year?
If you’re a teacher or staff, you may use your classroom allocation budget for supplies and equipment that benefit your students. All educators are eligible for the classroom allocations. Paraprofessionals, conservatory staff, cafeteria and custodial staff do not currently receive allocations but may be supported through other avenues with faculty support.
Funding for teachers and staff are allocated based on FTE amount. Currently, 0.8 to 1.0 is allocated $300. 0.4 to 0.7 is allocated $150. <0.4 is allocated $75. (Note that new-to-Lawrence teachers receive double the allocation in their first year. Ex. a 0.8 FTE who is new to Lawrence would receive $600 in their first year). ETF, nurses, the METCO liaison and Steps to Success program manager receive allocations based on their FTE amount. From the front office, the principal and assistant principals also receive allocations ($1000 and $500 respectively).
Unused allocations are not rolled over to the following year.
Contact the PTO Treasurer at treasurer@lawrenceschoolbrookline.org with any questions.
How do I get reimbursed?
For all reimbursements (for already-approved grants, classroom allocations, event expenses), please submit your request using the online PTO reimbursement form. Reimbursement requests must be received by June 5, 2026 for all 2025-2026 school year purchases.
Reimbursements are processed on a rolling basis; PayPal reimbursements are faster than bank checks. Please note that any lost checks will result in a $30 deduction from the reimbursement amount to cover the stop payment fees with the bank.