Four Schools Receive Grants for Summer Programs
By BETHANY A. ROMANEKAfter receiving a substantial grant this week, four Belmont County school districts will continue to provide assistance during the summer months to enhance children's language, literacy, math, social and self-help skills.
Recipients of the After School and Readiness Enrichment Grant, totaling $106,157, include Barnesville, Bellaire, Shadyside and Union Local schools.
The school systems were afforded the grant through a program administered by the Belmont County Department of Job and Family Services in coordination with the county Board of Commissioners.
The funding was provided by Gov. Ted Strickland through a joint effort of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and the Ohio Department of Education.
Gordie Longshaw, president of the county commission, said the After School and School Readiness Enrichment Programs are designed to help children improve their performance in school.
"The kids more or less don't have a lot to do in the summertime, and this is a learning opportunity relating to school activity," Longshaw said. "Most of the kids were low-income kids, so that's why the money was there to provide for this program."
Longshaw said the program has been offered in Belmont County for more than a decade. He also said it's a win-win situation for everyone involved.
"It's a positive things for the kids in the community, and I am glad we have the funding for it and we will continue it," Longshaw said. "It's normally held around a playground so the kids have activities to do. They also learn how to have good character and to have respect for themselves and others in the community. It's really a great program for the children in the summer that they could not otherwise afford to do."
Commissioner Chuck Probst said the board was proud that four Belmont County districts once again received the grants.
"Because of these types of programs, our children will be better prepared for the challenges of school, as well as future career decisions," Probst said in a news release. "These programs are a good investment for the taxpayers."
The Belmont County DJFS will contract with the school districts to provide services to eligible students, and each district will receive $26,539. The agency will provide the contract services at no additional costs so the school districts will receive the full grant amount to provide the services to children.
Funds are provided through the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program, consisting of federal and state funds, and the programs will run through this school year. The grant is half of what the county received in years prior.
