CCSC secures large grant for Knoy

CLOVERDALE -- In partnership with Indiana's 21st Century Scholar Program--Wabash Valley, Cloverdale schools has received $1,240,000 for an innovative collaborative project through the most recent rounds of 21st Century Community Learning Centers grants competition.

The project, Western Indiana Knoy Learning Centers, is a "night school" program designed to meet the needs of students who may need a non-traditional format.

"We are committed to providing more opportunities to high school students who need additional support to graduate," said Cloverdale Superintendent Carrie Milner, emphasizing the project's goal.

In all, 17 individual school corporations in five different counties have united in one common goal for all its students -- graduation and a high school diploma. While individual district requirements may vary, students will be recommended for the program through school administration and counseling upon review of individual circumstances.

Upon satisfactory completion of lost credit and a return to graduate expectations, students may be allowed to continue in the program or rejoin their traditional "day school."

Students who fail a required course will be eligible to apply for entrance into the program to regain lost credit. Former students who were unable to graduate due to lack of necessary credits will also be eligible to apply.

Upon completion of the program and school specific credits, students will receive their high school diploma, enabling them to seek gainful employment, continue in workforce training or college aspirations and ultimately have the tools necessary to be successful members of the respective communities.

The program's director, Kirk Freeman, is a former Greencastle Community School Corporation assistant superintendent and Clay County educator. He brings to the program unique insight from his many years in the field of education and through his consulting service.

"This is one of the most promising alternatives to our traditional form of education I have seen," Freeman said. "It is a privilege to be a part of the project."

Joining Cloverdale Community School Corporation in the unique collaborative program are Bloomfield school district, Clay Community Schools, Eastern Greene schools, Eminence Community School Corporation, Greencastle Community School Corporation, Linton-Stockton School Corporation, Monroe-Gregg School Corporation, North Putnam Community Schools, Southwest Park Community School Corporation, Rockville Community School Corporation, MSD Shakamak Schools, South Putnam School Corporation, Spencer-Owen Community Schools, Turkey Run Community School Corporation and White River Valley school district.

For additional information, contact Toni Tomlinson, Knoy Resource Center, at 795-2495 ext. 5563.

Specific school program information will be forthcoming prior to the start of the 2010-'11 school year.