Things like Algebra textbooks seem like high school necessities. But a shed to store plant soil? After-school snacks? Money to print a newspaper? 

The Paint Branch High School Educational Foundation, a nonprofit that supports the Burtonsville school, recently awarded $2,500 in "mini grants" to support just those kinds of curriculum extras that may not be part of the school's budget, according to a release from the school.

Five programs received $500 that will go towards supplies or the general needs of the program. The grant recipients are:

1. Building a garden shed and planting green: The $500 will be used materials to build a shed to store soil and tools. Horticulture students will create a plan to ready themselves for the Green School Certification application, work that requires a shed, according to the release. Engineering students will design and build the garden shed. 

2. 9th Grade Homework Center snacks: Teachers plan to use healthy snacks to both entice students to attend the homework center and to provide energy to stay focused. 

3. Radio sound effects: As part of the school's communications program, Paint Branch students are able to simulate the radio studio work environment. The mini grant will go to purchasing professional radio sounds, called radio imaging, like jingles or recordings that promote a radio station. 

4. Color pages for the Mainstream newspaper: The student newspaper, like many newspapers, is struggling to secure advertisements that will cover the cost of production. The grant will help to fill the gap. 

5. Help students attend an environmental education program: Twenty students are raising money to attend a program by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. The mini grant will help the students raise $2,400 for the expenses. 

The foundation was created in 2007 to fill budgetary gaps by providing support for teachers and scholarships for students. More information is available on its website www.pbhsfoundation.net.