Sheldon Schools awarded reading grant

By Steve Moyer

Sheldon R-8 School district was one of 56 Missouri districts to receive part of $16.6 million in grants designed to help schools implement Reading First reading improvement programs in their classrooms. Governor Bob Holden announced the grants April 5 as part of the No Child Left Behind Act passed by Congress in 2002. "Reading First is providing much-needed funds for states and local school districts to implement high-quality reading programs in schools that need the most help," Holden said.

The grants were awarded on the basis of a competitive review process with each application evaluated by three independent reviewers. The grants are directed at districts with low reading scores and high percentages of low-income families.

Phyllis Sprenkle, Sheldon superintendent, said that the grant Sheldon received was a three-year continuing grant worth $114,000 the first year. "It will gradually decline because the first year you have additional costs setting up the program."

Sprenkle said that the grant was appreciated and that it would help Sheldon provide more services to the students of the district. "We're thrilled to get this grant. You always want to do as much as you can for the students and this will help us to give them more."

The Sheldon district will hire a reading coach to work with students and staff and help develop a core reading program based on a new text book series. "There will be a lot of support for the students and teachers. We'll also get some software to provide students an alternative approach to fill in gaps in our present program," Sprenkle said.

Commissioner of Education D. Kent King stated that there were conditions attached to the grants in order for schools to continue receiving them. "Districts that receive Reading First grants must show positive results in order to receive continued funding for their projects. As a result, we hope this program will encourage schools throughout the state to share ideas and practices that are effective with all students."