Recently, Bacon District Elementary School announced they were one of two recipients in region 8 to receive a 21st century grant from the Virginia Department of Education.

“The competitive grants can range from $50,000 to $200,000 and will allow school divisions, faith-based organizations and community groups to provide students with tutoring, enrichment activities that complement regular academic programs, and literacy and other educational services to the families of participating children,” said the release. “VDOE also is continuing to fund 83 programs that received initial grants in 2016 and 2017. The centers will operate before and after school, during school breaks, Saturdays, and during summer vacation.”

Congratulations to Bacon District Elementary as a recipient of this grant during the competitive process.

Not only will the grant enable additional enrichment opportunities for local students, but it will encourage families and parents to be involved in their child’s education process with Charlotte County Public Schools.

Taking a proactive and interactive approach to your child’s education can be a form of encouragement, therefore, helping students to further achieve the academic goals set by themselves and the division.

K-5 Math Specialist Duffie Jones said through the program, the school has partnered with local organizations such as the Charlotte County Department of Social Services, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Department, Drakes Farm and Home, Mecklenburg Electric, Charlotte County Public Schools Food Service Program, Southside Soil and Water Conservation District, Randolph-Henry High School and John H. Kerr Dam and Reservoir.

We commend the organizations who have partnered with the school to make this new program a reality.

I’m sure at some point almost everyone has heard the famous proverb, “it takes a village to raise a child,” and the Charlotte County community is taking the necessary steps to produce fine young men and women for future generations to come.

It is our hope that the division will keep the momentum and pursue more grants to aid the division in the future at other schools.