The Marion-Perry County Library was busy all spring getting ready for the Summer Reading Program. Because of Covid and the uncertainty of having large groups in the library, we decided to work with the Head Start Program, Horseshoe Farm Project and Main Street Marion to plan a program that would reach out to the children in small numbers at a time. Beginning in March, we went to the Headstart classrooms and presented programs based on their curriculum. These were conducted by Mrs. Hansen and Mrs. Nail, and would ordinarily have been in the library. At the same time, our children’s librarians began purchasing and ordering books, puzzles, games, treats and other educational materials to give to the children in the summer. We have spent most of our money to place hardback educational books in the bags, with an emphasis on the graduating Head Start classes to promote literacy during the summer. We have had six in-house reading and story times, with children receiving bags at each visit. We have also coordinated with the Head Start teachers to distribute bags to the children who were unable to come into the library (this is still ongoing as the summer progresses. None of this would have been possible without RC&D.
2021
Sowing Knowledge, Growing Leaders
Sowing Knowledge, Growing Leaders was established as a way to help students develop leadership qualities while learning to be advocate for agriculture by helping to bridge the knowledge gap between farmers and consumers. This project focuses on providing hands on, real life opportunities to gain and practice skills that will help students become more prepared, educated, productive citizens of society while striving to ensure that they will be active, quality employees in the career paths that they choose.
The pandemic provided some struggles and forced us to alter some of our planned activities from face to face to a virtual platform. However, we made the most of the challenges and encouraged students to adapt.
Ever-Hope Farm
This was an absolute blessing to me and others at our little vegetable farm. Some of the monies were utilize to procure educational classes that will be available to us for a lifetime. Organic farming is challenging to say the least and this proven successful methodology will be completely beneficial to not only us but others that will be taught.
Other monies were utilized to procure irrigation equipment to be used in and environmentally friendly application. Well conserving water and controlling any erosion possibilities.
We cannot thank ALA-TOM enough for this huge shot in the arm.
STEAM Activities for HIPPY and PAT Group Meetings
HIPPY and PAT are home visiting programs that work directly with parents to help them become their child’s “first teacher”. One of the requirements of both programs is to hold monthly group meetings/connections to offer additional assistance in meeting the needs of the parents and children. During this time the children are worked with on a variety of skills. STEAM activities will allow us to reinforce skills already being taught in the homes through HIPPY and PAT, thus better preparing our children for their future academic success. Our focus is that childen learn through play naturally. Having these activities will allows us to be proactive in their learning by providing the basics of what they will need in their future.
Classroom Technology Project
As a new school and Alabama’s second rural charter school, Breakthrough Charter is working to ensure students have access to much-needed technology to help prepare students for success in the 21st century. To support effective teaching and learning with appropriate technology integration, we are purchasing Promethean smart boards for all teachers. This grant will help us purchase this necessary tool for teachers. These smart boards allow students to interact with curriculum in a more hands-on, technologically-conscious manner.
Note: The image below is an example of how Promethean smart boards will look in the classrooms. We are currently waiting for the devices to arrive in Fall 2021. This backorder issue is directly tied to the COVID-19 pandemic.