Contributed photoSTACYVILLE — Katahdin Middle-High School will benefit from a 21st Century Grant to create and enhance after-school programing for students.
It was announced recently by the state DOE that KMHS was one of four schools in the state of Maine to receive a five-year grant to support extended learning opportunities for students needing additional academic support.
The Maine Family Resource Center (MFRC) of Danforth will receive $440,000 over the five-year award period to provide hands-on, engaging and relevant extended day and summer programming at KMHS through the establishment and continuation of 21st Century Community Learning Centers.
The Maine DOE said that “community learning Centers provide academic support and enrichment opportunities outside of school hours that improve the in-school performance of at-risk students — including those that struggle academically or are from low-income or immigrant families.”
The learning centers are run by school districts, non-profit organizations or universities focusing primarily on schools where more than 40 percent of students qualify for free or reduced lunches. At KMHS 64 percent of students qualify for free/reduced lunch.
“Quality educational opportunities like these can truly make a difference in a child’s life,” said Gov. LePage “These programs will ensure Maine’s most struggling students have access to the extra help they need to overcome their challenges, catch up to their peers and really have the chance they deserve to reach their full potential.”
Grantees were selected by the Maine DOE through a competitive process. KMHS was the only school in Northern Maine that was successful in being awarded a grant this year. With the state’s support, the Maine Family Resource Center will annually provide services to approximately 80 KMHS students. MFRC also continues to support afterschool programs funded by 21st Century Grants in the Houlton Southside School (114 students), Hodgdon High School (90 students) and Mill Pond Elementary School (107 students).
Kris Wittine, the director at MFRC responsible for writing the grant stated, “the Katahdin school district has always supported its students and have continued the Elementary After School Program after funding was up. This shows how dedicated the area is to students and we welcome the opportunity to work with the staff again.”
Ben Rush, recently hired ASP Coordinator at KMHS, said,” This community cares deeply about its school, and I think each person would agree that KMHS students deserve every opportunity for success.”
Stephen Mine added, “The grant is a great opportunity for the students at KMHS to receive after school academic support along with enrichment programing that can help them become more academically engaged and better community citizens.”
The grant has already shown some positive results for KMHS students. The school was able to offer summer school programing for four weeks in July. Many students have taken advantage of the opportunity to receive academic assistance and course recovery. They also had a field trip to the University of Maine, Orono to visit the campus and see the Page Farm and Home Museum.
