PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. (Feb. 13, 2009)—The Wal-Mart Foundation recently awarded grants to six Calvert County schools to fund educational, workforce development, and environmental projects. The grants range from $1,500 to $3,000 and fund seven projects in the six schools.
John Bahr, Community Involvement Coordinator for the Wal-Mart in Dunkirk, worked with teachers and administrators in schools serving students in northern Calvert County as they prepared their grant applications.
"Wal-Mart supports the local community," Bahr said. "What better way to do this than by supporting our schools?"
Northern Middle School received $1500 to support the school's Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports Program. They plan to bring in speakers and sponsor student assemblies that emphasize career exploration, environmental issues, and character education.
Plum Point Middle School received $1500 to purchase solar panels to light the school sign. Science and Green School students will monitor and maintain the panels as part of environmental science units.
Windy Hill Middle School received $1500 to purchase reading materials to help students with strategies to comprehend informational text. Students need these skills to be successful citizens and employees.
Huntingtown High School received $2500 to purchase laptops, headphones and speakers to support environmental science instruction.
The Northern High School Lorax Club received $1500 to build a shed to house environmental science equipment such as stream analysis chemicals and waterproof boots.
Northern High School received $1000 to purchase technology equipment to use with their classroom interactive whiteboards. Freshman Academy students will benefit from interactive learning opportunities.
The Calvert Career Center received $3000 to purchase specialized cameras and a photo printer for the Graphics Arts program to enable students to develop industry-required skills.
Jack Smith, School Superintendent, said that he appreciates the generosity of Wal-Mart and the efforts of Bahr. "We have excellent programs in our schools and they are enhanced and enriched when we receive grants like these," said Smith in a statement.
Bahr presented the awards to the principals of Huntingtown and Northern high schools during a half-time ceremony at the basketball game at Huntingtown High school on Friday, February 6. Bahr will present the Calvert Career Center and middle school awards at a future reception.