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AT&T awards grant to R-7

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

The Farmington R-7 School District has received a grant for $70,826 from AT&T. Farmington was one of four schools chosen from hundreds of applications turned in from 36 states.

The money received from the grant will be used to hire new staff members to help Middle School students make the transition to high school while eliminating any potential of students dropping out. This will be achieved through AT&T’s newly-launched Aspire Program.

Annually there are 1.2 million students nation wide that drop out of high school. The Aspire program will be used to help prevent these numbers from climbing. Even with Farmington’s drop out rates being under the state average, this will help students gain the skills that they need to succeed in the rest of their education, and the work place. “This can be done through motivational learning experiences, career exposure, and support.” said Marsha Haskell, Regional Director-External Affairs at AT&T Missouri.

Farmington R-7 Superintendent Dr. W.L. Sanders presented the opportunity to Director of at Risk Programs Debbie Aubuchon. A team was then created consisting of high school Principal Matt Ruble, Assistant Principal Susan Baber, Instructional Coordinator Roblyn Hatch, Debbie Aubuchon Director of At Risk Programs and her secretary Crystal Lilley. These staff members worked together to gather their information for the grant application. Aubuchon said, “This is a very big opportunity for the middle school and the high school.”

Haskell presented the check for the grant Oct. 24 to the team of Farmington R-7 staff members and superintendent with the help of State Senator Kevin Engler.

“I’m excited about the possibilities this is going to have to keep kids in school and on the right track.” Engler said at the meeting.

In addition to the Missouri Options program and Dr. Risk offered by the district, the Aspire program provided by the grant will create an environment for students to achieve the progress needed to be successful in school and in the workplace.

The school district has the option to re-apply for this grant for the next three years making it possible to help many Farmington students, families, and community members.