FEB charts course on how to use grant

By By Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
The extended day and summer programs at F. E. Burleson Elementary School have taken a big leap forward thanks to a 21st Century Grant that will give the school $375,000 to spend over the next three years. An extension could provide an additional $75,000 in year four and $50,000 in year five.
The money will be used to provide more services to students who are enrolled in the programs, according to Principal Sherry Calvert.
Superintendent Dr. Mike Reed said only schools having a minimum of 40 percent of its students receiving free and reduced price lunches are eligible to compete for the award, and a complicated application process discourages some school officials from applying.
“This is a highly competitive, prestigious award and to receive it is a really big honor for any school,” Reed said. “It will open doors for a lot of students. Mrs. Calvert has done a lot of work on this and she and those who assisted her are to be commended.”
Calvert said monthly parent education classes are an important part of the expanded extended day program.
Topics addressed included homework tips, health care and computer classes. Parents will have input on what subjects they’d like to have covered at future meetings.
Anticipated benefits from the grant include improved test scores and grades, increased attendance and more parental involvement. New enrichment opportunities include music. Art, drama, Spanish classes, gymnastics, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, sports camps, technology instruction and field trips.
The school’s extended day program is conducted five days a week, beginning at 2:45 p.m. and ending at 5:45 p.m. Participants have a snack and free play time, tutoring an d homework, enrichment activities and whole group time. The summer program is in session for four week, from 8 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday. A field trip one day a week with all expenses paid is included.