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| Photo by Silas Dekine |
Bridging the Gap for a Better Community
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PROGRAMS
Literacy is for Everyone
Literacy Initiative 2011 - 2012
During the 2011 collaborative planning meeting we discussed ways to engage our students and came up with the following:
- Fun Programs
- Mentorships from the following–
- Senior Citizens
- Retired Teachers
- Student Mentors (H.S. Junior. and Senior.)
- Church Members
- Clubs
- Starting younger with reading initiatives
- Reward system
- Group and individual recognition
- Positive reinforcement
- After school program for struggling students
- Get parents involved
- Get parents involved in workshops and support groups
- Collaborate with youth organizations
Specific concepts were discussed and partnerships/projects were laid out.
Where do we go from here?
Rev. Smalls – Project #1
The Pledge: Will work with male church members and groups to become volunteers and mentors
Due Date: 1st day of school
Goal: Will have a minimum of 10 mentors
Additional support: Mrs. Ruby’s Kids will provide additional training for volunteers
Focus: Reading and social interaction will be provided by this group
Mrs. Grate – Project #2
The Pledge: Reward based literacy initiative
Due Date: August 17th 2011
Goal: To solicit contributions from Wal-Mart and Barnes and Nobles to provide reward for all the children that meet their goals
Additional Support: Sonia Hill to contact Rochelle Geathers from Wal-mart to assist with gift cards.
Mrs. Grate to make contact with Barnes and Nobles to solicit contributions.
Focus: To provide a reward based outreach effort to those children that improve or meet specific reading goals.
Mrs. Queen Funnye and Mrs. Mary Neal – Project #3
The Pledge: To solicit women to become volunteers/mentors for girls in the elementary and middle school.
Due Date: August 17th 2011
Goal: to have a minimum of 10 female volunteers to assist in this effort
Additional Support: Mrs. Ruby’s Kids will provide training for all volunteer/mentors
Focus: Reading, social interaction and self esteem building
Mr. Terrance Myers – Project #4
[This will be in collaboration with project #1]
The Pledge: The Ghost Ryderz will provide youth mentoring for 4th -6th grade for males.
Due Date: August 17th 2011
Goal: To have a minimum of 5 volunteers from The Ghost Ryderz Bike Club to volunteer and mentor
Additional Support: Mrs. Ruby’s Kids will provide additional training for volunteers
Focus: Reading, social interaction and respect will be provided by this group
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Plantersville Summer Academy
Science Day at Hobcaw Barony
June 14 & 15 2010
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Plantersville Academy-S.O.A.R.
Studies show that the quality of after school programs can decrease juvenile crime, youth participation in violent crime and risky behaviors, improve academic achievement,
and increase student self-confidence and social skills.
(Safe Youth, “After School Programs Reduce the Potential for Violence”. )
Meeting the “Support of Basic Needs that Foster Academic Achievement” funding focus of the Waccamaw Community Foundation, the Village Group proposes the development and implementation of an after-school program, S.O.A.R. (Student Opportunities for Academic Results) targeting students in grades 1-5 in the Plantersville community during the 2010 school year. The Board of Directors is requesting $50,000 from the Waccamaw Community Foundation for the proposed program. The total annual budget is $90,350.00.
The program is modeled after the Civil Air Patrol's Cadet Program’s established curriculum and activities and provides an atmosphere for higher academic performance standards through educational, cultural and enrichment activities. Lessons help students meet the state testing requirements in math, reading and other curricula areas. The proposed program includes three (3) supportive segments. First, focusing primarily on academic achievement, S.O.A.R. program includes three days per week on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 2:30 pm. until 6:00 pm. at Plantersville Elementary School. The proposed program begins in August and continues through May (when school is in session). Secondly, twice each month, the program will offer special sessions on Saturday mornings. Beginning at 8:30 am. until 12:00 pm. students receive tutoring for general studies and specialized instruction in preparation of state educational testing.
The third segment includes seven (7) special activities provided to students each year promoting healthy family activities, community history, and community service. Proposed activities include speakers, field trips, visual arts, music, finance/banking, environmental education, etiquette, life skills, and career opportunities. The proposed year around program is supported through other local non-profit organizations, volunteers, teachers, and community leaders. The organization received approval from the District Superintendent and the School Board to use the facility.
School Matters, a service of Standard & Poor's, reports Plantersville Elementary School includes 142 students grades Pre-Kindergarten through Fifth grade. Of the enrollment, 26.8% were proficient on the state testing in reading and 25% were not proficient in math. The school is an IS Title 1 school and employs 12 teachers, two of whom are nationally board certified. At Plantersville Elementary School, 98% of the students are Black and 92% received free or reduced meals. The school's attendance rate is 98.3%.
The Village Group, a non-profit, began providing programs to improve the social and educational opportunities for young people in the Plantersville Community in 2006. The mission of The Village Group is to empower individuals to make a positive change in our community and as a result improve the quality of life for citizens in Georgetown County. Through the support and time of community leaders, parents, and concerned citizens, the first six (6) week summer program hosted 100 students. Students received instruction for academic success, leadership, citizenship, character, and the understanding and value of service.
The proposed S.O.A.R. program will provides students in grades 1-5 hands-on activities and programs. The program centers on helping students meet math and reading standards and improve score results of state testing (ie. PSAT, SAT, ACT). A cooperative and collaborative project, community organizations supporting the project include the Soul Winner Ministries, Plantersville Elementary School, Plantersville Community Development Service Project, Georgetown County School District, Workforce Investment Act Youth Council, Your Day Your Way and the South Carolina Department of Social Services.
The program provides a “stepping stone” to a brighter future for the students and encourages parents to participate as role models thus providing a foundation for children to make intelligent choices/decisions both socially and academically. The goal of the proposed project is: to provide educational and social programs for students grades 1-5 improving their opportunities for educational attainment and community involvement.
- By March 2010, register at least 50 students grades 1-5 in S.O.A.R. as measured by forms, letters, enrollment, and attendance.
- By September 2010, to provide at least seven (7) S.O.A.R. enrichment programs for all participating students including guest speakers, field trips, and special activities as measured by schedules, attendance, surveys, correspondence, photographs, press releases, and student evaluations.
- By September 2010, to provide two (2) 3,5 hours special hour Saturday sessions for all students each month as measured by schedules, enrollment and attendance charts, and student participation evaluations.
- By September 2010, to provide ongoing academic support to all students enrolled in the program through tutoring, mentoring, and hands on activities as measured by attendance, evaluations, test scores, surveys, financial records, activities, photographs, classroom behavior reports, and academic reports.
The project, benefiting young people, also provides positive and engaging learning opportunities and growth for families and community members. Seeking support from local businesses, past patrons include Bethel AME Church, Plantersville Turf Farm, Plantersville General Store, First Federal Bank, and various individuals. Additionally, the program is supported through in-kind contributions from the Georgetown County School District.
The following is an outline of the projects time line and those responsible for the activities.
| Time Line | Activity | Responsibility |
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January - May 2010 | Marketing/Publicity | Board of Directors
Volunteers/Community Members |
| January - July | Fundraising (Recruit Patrons, Supporters, and Businesses) | Board of Directors |
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April - June 2010 | Recruit and Hire Director, Teachers, and Assistants | Board of Directors |
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June - July 2010 | Registration of students | Board of Directors
Director and Teachers |
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August 2010 - May 2011 | Implementation of Program | Board of Directors
Director, Teachers and Assistants |
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June - July 2011 | Evaluation/Assessment | Board of Directors
Director, Teachers and Assistants |
The Village Group continues to develop new programs for the students, families, and residents in the Plantersville Community. The proposed program, like the summer program, continues to follow students through high school and into college, encourage parents and extended family participation, and develop on-going fundraising for financial sustainability.
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Washington D.C. Educational Tour
In addition to visiting government and civic monuments and buildings we exposed our youngsters
to the progressive and wide ranging industry of aviation. With the creation of our new Aviation Education
Career Program we offered first level exposure to the aviation industry by providing aviation exploration
for elementary, middle and high school students. Each participant of the program learned about aviation history,
theory of flight, and other related subjects. The focus was on aviation exploration with emphasis on professional
opportunities for women and minorities. On this trip we tourned the Air and Space Museum on the National Mall
and also the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Washington Dulles International Airport.
The two sites together showcased the largest collection of aviation and space artifacts in the world.
Our trip to Washington, DC would have been incomplete without experiencing a tour of the White House
and to visit the home of the first African-American President and his adoring family.
For over two hundred years, the White House has stood as a symbol of the Presidency,
the United States government, and the American people. We want our youngsters to have
vivid memories of the current White House occupants so they could share this experience
with their children and grandchildren.
Reading literacy program
We are partnering with Plantersville Elementary School (PES) to improve reading comprehension through family journal and diaries.
"Read across America" where the child sends a note and a list (journal) to a family or friend about what they are reading.
The person that receives it sends a postcard back to his friend or relative and sends the journal on to another friend or
relative for 2 months where the journal is sent back to the original sender.
We also will host a spaghetti dinner in conjunction with the PTA for parents and students.
The librarian will take the children and read a story while the parents go the class room to observe the teacher presenting a reading or study strategy.
Finally each child will receive a book at the end of the year for summer reading. When the child completes the book he/she will write a letter to the teacher that discusses both the book and their summer adventures.
The teacher will then mail another book to the child, the cycle will continue for 8 weeks. Prizes will be awarded to the top reader in several categories.
Beach Educational program
Again we are partnering with PES to transport students to the Huntington State to visit the 2,500-square-foot Education Center – featuring a saltwater touch tank and a live baby alligator among its exhibits
The Educational Center was created to share with visitors the interdependence of human beings and the natural community, focusing on the intersection of land,
marsh and sea that makes the Grand Strand such an attractive and critical environment. We will also host a cook out for the students, serving hot dogs and hamburgers.
Aviation Education Career Program
The Village Group is pleased to announce the continuation of the educational program which offers first level exposure to the aviation industry
by providing aviation exploration for middle and high school students.
Each participant of the program will learn about aviation history, theory of flight, and other related subjects.
The focus is on aviation exploration with emphasis on opportunities for women and minorities. Students will have the opportunity to go on field trips
to aviation facilities, museums and participate in other hands-on activities designed to give students a total aviation experience.
All expenses associated with this program, except food, will be funded through The Village Group.
This school year our goal is to participate in the following activities:
- visit local airports in Georgetown County
- visit Washington DC Air and Space Museum
- travel on an overnight field trip to Greenville, SC to visit a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA ) approved training program and commercial airport
- invite representatives within the FAA and also someone associated with the Organization of Black Airline Pilots to speak to middle and high school students at Carvers Bay
The directors and members of The Village Group seek to engage the young people of this rural African American community in such a way as to inspire, motivate and compel middle and high school students to explore careers in aviation. It is our intent to provide such excitement through a series of field trips.
The aviation industry has much to offer these young individuals. Only five percent of professionals in the aviation industry represent women and individuals of color. The young people in the Village Group need to know that they can tap into this field rich with history, culture, challenges and educational opportunities. It is our desire to help them see that the aviation industry has something for everyone. For those interested in working with their hands, aircraft maintenance technology can be a field to explore. For those seeking management positions but don’t wish to leave the beloved state of South Carolina, they can receive a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Maintenance Management through a partnership with Greenville Technical College and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Of course, there are opportunities for those wishing to fly the friendly skies and become pilots.
Back to School Rally is held each August
At Plantersville Elementary School
Donated school supplies are given out to students
Village Group Partners
Cultural Council of Georgetown County
Service over Self (SOS)
Become a Non-Profit Partner
...and help strengthen the arts in our community! Got an event coming up or news you
want to publicize? Add a few extra miles to your publicity by using the Cultural Council
as a marketing portal! Supply us with the right information, and let us spread the word
through our website, newsletter, PR contacts, and more! For just $100 a year you can reach
strengthen your organization and reach a bigger audience through the following Cultural
Council services:
• Feature item on the Cultural Council home page of our website for 2-4 weeks per
event.
• Your orgnanization’s profile on the “Groups” section of our website with multiple
images of your events.
• Top item on the Cultural Council bi-weekly newsletter prior to your event, or
after a news announcement with an image. The bi-weekly newsletter reaches over
500 recipients interested in specifi cally the arts in our community.
• Supply us with a press release and we will send it out to our media contacts and
state arts groups.
• Allow the Cultural Council to be a venue for tickets to your events.
• Invitations to organizational development workshops.
• Priority notifi cation of grants available through the Cultural Council.
• Be a vital part in strengthening the arts in our community!
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