SHARON, FARRELL School districts seek grants for programs

The schools want to extend the program for at least three more years.
SHARON, Pa. -- The Sharon and Farrell school districts are seeking $600,000 in federal grants to expand an after-school and summer learning program.
The two districts secured a 21st Century Learning grant from the U.S. Department of Education three years ago and want to extend and expand the program for another three years, said Michael Calla, Sharon supervisor of curriculum and instruction.
The districts got $160,000 for the first year of the program, and that allocation has gradually risen to $172,000 this year. They are seeking $200,000 in each of the next three years, Calla said.
The program provides after-school and summer programs for pupils in grades four through eight, but under the proposed extension, the programs would be offered to third- and ninth-graders as well, he said.
Focus of program
The program focuses on academic enhancement in the districts' low-income areas, offering hands-on, interactive education programs as opposed to traditional books, pencil and paper, he said.
It's centered at Musser Elementary School in Sharon and the Farrell Elementary School although both locations have satellite operations, Calla said.
Although academics is a primary focus, the program includes components on leaning how to deal with disappointment and building hope, relationship building, creativity and recreation and parental involvement.
Various social service and educational agencies in the two districts, such as the Shenango Valley Urban League, Sharon Lifelong Learning Council, American Red Cross and local hospitals, are also involved, some providing contract services and some donating their services.
Calla said the new application is being channeled through the state Department of Education, which is handling grant requests for the federal education department.