The Valdosta Daily Times
QUITMAN —
The Brooks County School System has been awarded a 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant for Brooks County High School. Funds will be used to provide out-of-school hours instruction for students in the areas of test preparation, homework help, credit recovery and tutoring, as well as enrichment activities such as art, drama, and recreation.
For four years, students at Quitman Elementary School, North Brooks Elementary School and Brooks County Middle School have benefited from grant funds in both after-school and summer settings. The current program, ECHOES (Every Child Has the Opportunity to Excel and Succeed), employs certified teachers and other school system staff members to provide instruction for students. The current grant will run out in June of 2011.
The new grant to serve high school students allows for up to 95 students to be served in the after-school hours. Approximately eight staff members will be hired to work with the students after school and will be paid from grant funds. There will also be a morning tutorial program and a three-week summer program. Students may be recommended by day teachers for the program, and parent requests are also considered, according to Janie Jones, program director. The new grant will be in effect for three years.
The program is offered at no cost to families and provides a nutritious snack and bus transportation to assigned points in the city and county.
Anyone interested in more information about the high school program or existing ECHOES program should call Janie Jones at the Brooks County Board of Education at (229) 263-8606 after Aug. 9.
