Petersburg grant goes toward learning centers

The Petersburg school system qualified for a state grant that enables it to implement community learning centers at two schools.

Johna Vazquez, an instructional technology resource teacher with the school system, wrote the grant application. She said it was rewarding to have Petersburg qualify for the $200,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Education.

The grant application was submitted for the 2008-2009 school year. Grants ranged from $82,880 to $200,000.

Petersburg received one of 38 grants this year to fund 21st Century Community Learning Centers, a grant program authorized under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. Amelia, Chesterfield, Cumberland, Dinwiddie and Henrico counties also were awarded grants.

The community learning centers will be established at J.E.B. Stuart Elementary School and Peabody Middle School in Petersburg.

The after-school program, called Pupils Reaching Inward to Determine Their Excellence, will serve 160 students and 240 of their family members at each school.

The program is focused on improving academic achievement, offering youth development programs and addressing literacy and education-development needs of working families.

Students involved will receive supplemental instruction in reading, writing and math to meet state requirements.

Southside Virginia Family YMCA was a co-applicant for the grant. Middle school students will get some benefits of that partnership. Some recreational activities, such as martial arts and dance classes and swimming lessons, will take place at the YMCA, Vazquez said.

"I think the children are very excited about it," she said.
Contact Jeremy Slayton at (804) 649-6861 or .