Communities in Schools awarded mini-grants to four Rome City Schools during a ceremony held last week, according to a May 13 announcement. Gregory Wooten, Executive Director for Communities in Schools, presented the grants and spoke about the significance of supporting teachers and students at the end of the school year.
The event coincided with Teacher Appreciation Week. Wooten said, “It is so much fun, and it’s really appropriate that we do it at the end of the year. It’s also appropriate that we do it during Teacher Appreciation Week. A couple of years ago, I decided to do it during this time of year because it really kind of ties the whole year together, working with the teachers, working with the students, and just seeing all the great things and great ideas they have. Even the grants that didn’t get approved were great ideas as well, but these four rose to the top. I’m looking forward to what they’re going to be doing next year.”
The schools receiving grants included Anna K. Davie Elementary School for “Reading Advancement: Revolutionizing Virtual Reality for Enhanced Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Writing” by Sheryl Garvey; Elm Street Elementary School for “The Kindness Connection: 3rd-5th Grade Lunch & Welcome Kits” by Nathalie Lizin; West End Elementary School for “The Amazing Shake” by Kaylan McClure; and Rome High School for “Future Forward Career Lab” by Farrah McDonald.
Wooten emphasized why these mini-grants are important within Communities in Schools’ mission. “It’s so important because money is such an integral part of an idea. Sometimes you can have the idea, you can have the people to do it, but maybe you don’t have the money to do it,” he said. “What I decided to do was put a little bit of money away in my budget, set aside to help teachers and counselors do some of the things they’re doing in their schools. I recognize that’s a vital part of the process, and so that’s why we do it.”
Rome City Schools operates as a public education provider offering elementary through high school programs including Advanced Placement courses and career-technical education options with support services such as special education and gifted programs according to its official website. The district reports a graduation rate above 95% while providing technology access across all grade levels.
Looking ahead, recipients will use their grant funds on projects designed around reading advancement through virtual reality tools; fostering kindness among students; developing social skills through unique activities; and preparing high schoolers for future careers.
