Educational foundation awards
Jill Powell with $5000 grant

Photo and story courtesy of The Metter Advertiser

Shown with the $5,000 Educational Grant Foundation award are (l-r) Metter Elementary Assistant Principal Carlene Ussery; Foundation treasurer Carvy Snell; grant recipient Jill Powell; and Foundation chair Nancy Norton.

December 3, 2007 - A summer institute for gifted and advanced learners at Metter Elementary and Metter Intermediate School has been financed primarily through a $5,000 grant from the Foundation for Public Education in Candler County.

Jill Powell, MES gifted program director, applied for and received the grant to offer a day camp complete with hands-on experiments designed for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. “I would like to thank the citizens of Candler County who have supported the Foundation as well as the Foundation Board of Directors for their tireless efforts in ensuring the means are provided to enhance the curriculum and learning process for the students of Candler County,” said Powell.

“Ideas and imagination are important, but true implementation of such ideas is what gives our children a real advantage. My appreciation is sent out to the Foundation and all involved for supporting the heart of education -- our children,” she continued.

In her application, Powell stated her plans to establish a summer institute for gifted and advanced students through a partnership with Georgia Southern University and PRISM. Students from Metter High School may also be called upon to help with the institute.

Instruction may include such topics as chemistry lab, computer lab, biology and art, math (critical thinking skills) and engineering.

Formed in 2005, the Education Foundation was established to secure funds for an account that has been earmarked solely for programs and activities that stimulate and accelerate learning for Candler County School children.

All funding received by the Foundation goes directly to provide for new experiences for students. A committee of local citizens and educators evaluate applications submitted by teachers to determine how those funds should be dispersed.

Contributions are tax deductible and can be made in the form of cash, including donations made “in memory” or “in honor”; annual gifts; payroll deductions; major gifts; deferred gifts, which can be established with an accountant or financial planner through wills, life estates or life insurance; or grants, which may be available in the public or private sector. For more information about the Foundation, contact Candler County Board of Education, 912-685-5713.