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Schools

GCPS Accepts Grant for After-School Program

Money to fund program to help at-risk students graduate.

At Thursday night's monthly Gwinnett County School Board meeting that recognized accomplishments at several high schools, the challenges facing another also were addressed.

While individuals, organizations and athletic teams from Grayson, North Gwinnett, Meadowcreek, Brookwood and Parkview high schools enjoyed special recognition, the board attempted to change what it considered underachievement by students at South Gwinnett in Snellville.

Specifically, the board, meeting at its Suwanee headquarters, voted to accept $272,610 to fund the first year of a three-year 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant to enhance South's second-year FUTURE program, an after-school enrichment program in which students meet four days weekly for three hours.

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Grant money will help pay for students' rides home, as well as tutoring and recreational activities. The program's subsequent grant funding will be determined by its success this coming year.

"It's a program that certainly deserves a grant be awarded," board Chairman Bob McClure said.

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FUTURE is a community partnership between South, three area churches and other community organizations to assist some 150 at-risk students not on track to graduate.

It's goal is to improve South's academics, enhance its graduation rate and better arm students for success beyond school, as well as provide a structured place for after-school activity.

"In the spirit of continuous quality improvement, I'd contend all schools -- in some form or fashion -- can improve," said Area Superintendent Calvin Watts, hinting schools besides South might benefit from similar programs. "There's a distinction between low performance and under performance."

McClure was impressed how the Snellville community has rallied behind South.

"The community has really risen to the occasion," he said. "Our community stepped forward and did the job a community is supposed to do. (This is) a very special example of community involvement."

The board also:

- Recognized Grayson student Bradley Newton for winning first place in a Future Business Leaders of America competition.

- Recognized North Gwinnett's ROTC program for winning the Department of the Air Force's Distinguished Unit Award.

- Recognized Meadowcreek's culinary arts team for winning second place in national Family, Career, Community Leaders of America competition.

- Recognized Brookwood's boys tennis team for winning a sixth state championship last spring.

- Recognized Parkview's Technology Student Association music production team for winning first place in national competition, as well as the Lilburn school's baseball team for winning its fourth state championship last spring.

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