Vol. 39, No. 30

August 24, 2005

Three School Districts Receive
Federal Grants to Upgrade Libraries

Three Missouri school districts have been awarded federal grants to upgrade their library media centers during the 2005-06 school year, state education officials announced today.

The Improving Literacy through School Libraries program is conducted by the U.S. Department of Education. The program is designed to improve reading achievement of students by providing up-to-date instructional materials and extending library hours of operation beyond the school day. Nationwide, 85 grants were funded.

The three Missouri recipients are:

  • Galena School District ($96,000)

    The goals of Project Galena READS (Reading Enrichment and Achievement Delivers Success) are to improve student literacy and academic achievement; increase critical-thinking skills across the curriculum; and instill a love of reading and learning in students. The program will impact a rural K-12 student population at the elementary school (359 students, grades PreK-6) and high school (215 students, grades 7-12).
     

  • Sikeston School District ($188,000)

    The district plans to establish the New Horizons Library Media Center for its newly reorganized alternate school program, which serves 185 students in grades 3-12. Library books, periodicals, equipment and supplies will be purchased to support the curriculum and attract the interest of the diverse school population.
     

  • Jefferson C-123 School District, Conception Junction ($159,000)

    The Library Improvement Grant will acquire up-to-date school library resources, increase access to school media center resources (during, before and after school) and enhance collaboration among school librarians and classroom teachers. The rural Jefferson C-123 School District serves 88 students in grades Pre-K through 6 and 79 students in grades 7-12.
     

    "The Improving Literacy through School Libraries program promotes comprehensive strategies at the local level to improve student reading achievement," said Lisa Walters, library media and technology consultant for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. "These federal grants help to provide new and expanded literacy opportunities for Missouri students and communities."