In today’s article I would like to inform readers about an $850,000 21st Century Community Learning Center grant that our elementary school successfully obtained. The money from this federal grant will be dispersed over five years and will facilitate before and after school programming. The rules of the grant are that the money may be used for new educational opportunities, but not to fund our current operations. Locally, it is referred to as PALS (Patriots Achieving Learning Success), and will serve a targeted group of students in grades K-4 with academic enrichment, along with a broad range of additional services, programs, and activities.The vision of PALS is that all children regardless of ethnicity, income, or disability will achieve academic success, positive youth development, family engagement opportunities, and community involvement. Patrick Henry Elementary is committed to providing positive, integrated instruction and helping every child achieve on-track status in each grade level K-4. PALS will provide a safe and supportive before and after school environment where the academic, nonacademic, health, and social service needs of children and families are met so children are better able to achieve academic success.
If this grant sounds familiar, it is because the HS/MS received this same grant four years ago. The HS/MS grant, which we locally call Project Revolution, is in the last year of their five-year grant cycle. I look forward to the engaging and enriching events that these grants will offer to our students and families throughout the year. Kudos to the Northwest Ohio Education Service Center for their collaboration in our district obtaining this grant, and congratulations to Elementary Principal Bryan Hieber and his staff on this great accomplishment.
Our district is receiving other grants this school year also. In addition to the two 21st Century Community Learning Center grants, we are receiving various federal Title grants, a “High Schools That Work/Making Middle Grades Work” grant, and a Wellness grant. Patrick Henry is currently scheduled to receive over $750,000 in grant money this school year. I commend the efforts of our staff members in pursuing grant money to enhance the education being provided to the students of our school district.
If ever you have questions about our school district, feel free to contact me at 419-274-3015.