RCS Board hears update on 21st Century Community Learning Center programs
The Russellville City Schools Board of Education held its regular meeting Oct. 28.
Hal Horton, an external evaluator for the 21st Century Community Learning Center grant, spoke regarding his assessment of Russellville Elementary School and West Elementary School in their administration of the programs covered under the grant.
Horton said RES is in its second year of the grant and operated 148 days, including summer school, and West Elementary, in its first year of the grant, operated 121 days. Summer school was not counted for West because the school is in its first year of the program, but WES did hold summer school.
“I completed four onsite observations at each school during the school year, using the overall program rating impressions instrument they give us, and I found both schools clean and both programs to be well-organized,” said Horton. “I interviewed some of the students and parents, and all expressed their appreciation for the program. The students loved all the STEAM activities, especially cooking, and at West, they loved the karaoke machine and art projects.”
Horton explained he found the parents to be especially appreciative of the programs, noting both schools were operating their programs in compliance with the grant regulations.
He said he recommends Zoom sessions to increase parental involvement if complications from COVID-19 continue.
In other business, the RCS Board of Education acknowledged the principals at all four schools with certificates of appreciation for Principal Appreciation Week. RCS Superintendent Dr. Heath Grimes called each principal forward in turn, and BOE President Greg Trapp presented the certificates.
