Recently, the Kentucky Department of
Education announced that Russellville Independent Schools was awarded a Preschool Partnership
Grant that Mindy Key, Russellville READs! Outreach Coordinator, was instrumental in developing the proposal and is now an integral part of
implementing. Ms. Key shared that the district was awarded a similar grant in 2017; that this second
round of funding for the school system will extend two years; and Guiding Light Nursery and Preschool, located on 5th Street, is a community partner with Russellville Preschool Academy. The purpose of this grant is to help local preschools/child care facilities and the Russellville Independent School District collaborate with a goal to increase Kindergarten readiness for future Panthers. It will support professional development in our Preschools and engage our parents to bring about improved literacy and math skills “at home”. Ms. Key stated there are five grant goals: (1) increase the number of children participating in full-day preschool; (2) improve the quality of early childhood instruction; (3) work with the community to eliminate barriers to learning; (4) provide high-quality professional learning for teachers; and (5) increase family engagement in meaningful ways that help them help their children become kindergarten ready. The Preschool Partnership Grant will support both school-based and community-wide events that provide students, parents, and other Russellville citizens multiple opportunities to learn more about Kindergarten readiness and what they can do to support learning for the youngest members of the community. The Russellville Independent School District is one of 50 grant recipients.