Valley receives Perkins Grant.

By Kenna L

Valley has received the Perkins Consortium Grant that was applied for earlier this year. This grant will help to initiate, improve, expand, and modernize career, technical, agricultural and other educational programs-including relevant technology.

Industrial technology teacher Erik Peterson, business teacher DeAnn Lenth, and agricultural teacher Monica Enyart submitted the application. They planned many projects that will benefit from the grant money. The students will build many household and garden objects using shop tools. Then they will be expected to compare prices and market their item to the community.  Students will have a chance to: plan, select patterns, compare bids, produce products, market/distribute, and share the product with the community. There are one hundred and forty two students expected to be involved, and the grant covers the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 school years.

The receipt of this grant will help students have many new learning experiences. It will improve student achievement in the industrial tech, agriculture, and business areas. It will also help students to utilize modern and scientific equipment and allow them to have real-life experiences in a supervised situation. Students will experience the hands-on creation of materials, and eventually be recognized for their accomplishments. Also, students involved will learn many life skills through this opportunity. They will learn decision-making, time management, teamwork, problem solving, and communication.

This financial boost will to bring many benefits to Valley students. With support from community businesses, students will make many fun-filled projects while learning valuable life lessons.