The Carbondale Elementary School District in Carbondale, Illinois, has received a significant boost in funding aimed at supporting the health and safety of students and their families. The district has been awarded a $5 million grant to establish family resource centers that will provide essential services beyond the traditional academic scope.
City leaders gathered for a luncheon on January 31 to learn about the full-service community school grant that will fund the initiative. Superintendent Janice Pavelonis explained that the goal is to adopt a community schooling model, which seeks to offer comprehensive support to students and their families. The district plans to launch this initiative by establishing two family resource centers on local school campuses, with the aim of addressing a variety of needs that may affect students’ readiness to learn.
The services offered at these resource centers will focus on five key areas: physical and mental health, food insecurity, after-school care, family education, and housing stability. Pavelonis emphasized that the centers will not only serve the students but also the broader family unit, ensuring a holistic approach to education and well-being. This initiative is designed to help families meet non-academic needs that can significantly impact a child’s ability to succeed in school.
Pavelonis expressed excitement about the potential impact of the grant, highlighting how it will not only transform the lives of students but also reshape how education is delivered in Carbondale. The district is eager to see the positive effects on students’ lives as the new resources and services become available. By providing these crucial supports, Carbondale Elementary aims to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for both students and their families, ultimately helping to prepare them for academic success and personal well-being.