SOUTHBRIDGE — Superintendent/Receiver Jeffrey Villar is pleased to announce that the Southbridge Public Schools has been awarded a grant from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) relating to afterschool programming.
The “Massachusetts 21st Century Community Learning Centers-Supporting Additional Learning Time Fund Grant,” in the amount of $210,000, will be used for Out-of-School Time (OST) programming at the Eastford Road Elementary School. The grant is effective for Fiscal Year 2023.
The purpose of this grant is to support the implementation of academically enriching programming and project-based learning during Out-of-School Time and/or Expanded Learning Time with the goal of increasing student engagement and contributing to a well-rounded education for all students. The programming will supplement learning that takes place during the school day.
The grant represents the district’s commitment to strengthening student learning by implementing innovative, interactive, relevant and engaging teaching and learning strategies during the school year and summer that meet the specific academic, social-emotional learning and developmental needs of students.
The Southbridge Public Schools has already implemented project-based learning through this grant at the Charlton Street School and the West Street School, with successful programming being held this past summer. Additionally, similar project-based learning took place at Eastford Elementary over the summer through a generous grant from the United Way of Central Massachusetts.
Approximately 40 students will benefit from the 21st Century enrichment programming at Eastford Elementary this school year, and a summer session will be held following the school year as well.
“The implementation of this new afterschool programming is going to be a tremendous addition for Eastford Road Elementary,” Superintendent/Receiver Villar said. “Providing engaging out-of-school enrichment that is accessible to all students is something that has become increasingly important in recent years and we are grateful to the state Department of Education for providing us with this sought-after grant funding.”
A total of $3.5 million is expected to be awarded to districts across Massachusetts as part of this grant during FY23.
To learn more about the Supporting Additional Learning Time Fund Grant, click here.
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