Valley hosts Grant Open House

By Joelle D

On Tuesday, Oct. 13, the Valley Elementary along with the Valley Community Coalition hosted a Grant Open House.  Their goal is to receive federal funding for a 21st Century Grant which would provide funding for the school to offer effective after-school and summer school programs.

    As of now, the district receives funding through a Safe and Drug Free Schools Grant. Since this is the final year of funding for this grant, the school is seeking a new grant to continue some of their student programs such as: BOOST (Beyond Our Own School Time), All Stars, and Mentoring.  Valley would also like to add an academic enrichment component that would bring in community speakers to the after school program and teach different sessions.  Some ideas brought up by community members include: foreign language learning, LEGO building competitions, quilting classes, cooking classes, Yoga, Reader’s Theatre, book clubs, and more. 

    Another part of the 21st Century Grant is Family Literacy.  If Valley would receive this grant, it would allow the school district the ability to offer family fun nights.  These nights could consist of a meal and family activities in reading, math, and science.  This grant is extremely important for the future of Valley’s extra student programs.

            In December, Valley will find out if they received the grant. If Valley receives the grant, a grant coordinator will be hired.  If there are any questions about the grant, contact Betsy Nefzger at the school, or Jenny Stolka at the VCC center.