CALUMET CITY | Thornton Fractional Township High School District 215 has received a one-time $134,000 grant for academic, artistic and cultural enrichment opportunities for students and their families for the 2012-13 school year, the district announced Thursday.
The grant from the Illinois State Board of Education will be used to provide 18 programs and services including access to computer labs and fitness centers, after-school tutoring, parenting and wellness classes, college access outreach workshops for students and parents, cooking, nutrition and gardening classes and career development seminars.
Program activities will take place at all three campuses — T.F. North, T.F. South and the Center for Academics & Technology — and will start the week of Jan. 14.
The services are made available through the district's 21st Century Community Learning Center program and will be provided free to all District 215 students and their families.
"I encourage all of our families to take advantage of the wonderful opportunities afforded to them through this grant project including assistance with college and scholarship applications, parenting classes, journalism and Microsoft Office training," Superintendent Creg Williams said. "We anticipate these programs will have tremendous, positive impact on our students and our community."
Principal Kent Farlow, of the Thornton Fractional Center for Academics & Technology, said he is enthused about the program.
"The 21st Century program will provide use with the additional resources we need to improve students' readiness for college and increase parental involvement in school activities."
The district may apply for an additional two years of funding upon sufficient progress of grant-mandated activities, the release states.
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