Eudora Schools receives landmark grant
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Eudora Schools is the recipient of a renewable grant of approximately $745,000 from the Safe Schools/Healthy Students initiative, a joint effort by the U.S. departments of Education, Health and Human Services and Justice. The federal initiative supports schools in creating safe learning environments that promote healthy childhood development and prevent youth violence and drug use.
The award is renewable, depending on federal funding of the program, for up to four years. To read details about the grant projects outlined in the winning proposal, click here.
"If we should be so fortunate to receive this for four years, this will mean a total impact of nearly $3 million in our district and our community," said Superintendent of Schools Don Grosdidier. "This truly is a landmark moment in our district's history — and a defining factor in the future of our district and our community."
The Eudora proposal focuses on a variety of projects, with a priority placed on early childhood education and programs to engage parents and families in the educational process. The highly competitive grant program attracted 355 applications nationally. Eudora was the only district in Kansas to receive funding this year.
Under the Safe Schools/Healthy Students initiative, school districts, in partnership with their local public mental health agencies, and local law-enforcement and juvenile justice entities, must implement a comprehensive, community-wide plan that focuses on the following elements:
- Safe school environments and violence prevention activities
- Alcohol, tobacco and other drug prevention activities
- Student behavioral, social and emotional supports
- Mental health services
- Early childhood social and emotional learning programs
"When children go to school in safe, healthy environments, they can thrive and learn," said U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings. "These grants will provide students with enhanced access to services and programs that will help them avoid harmful activities and achieve their potential."
For more information about the Safe Schools/Healthy Students program from the U.S. Department of Education, click here.
