Monticello
School District
The implementation of the “School of the 21st Century” (21C) guiding principles and core components at Monticello School District has resulted in improved services to children and families in our community. The district has used 21C funding provided through Yale University over the past few years to:
• Assess community needs and resources
• Bring together a multi-discipline community board
• Provide information and referral services to parents
• Support parent resource centers
• Increase the number of quality-rated preschool centers in our community
• Provide training and network opportunities to private preschool and daycare providers to assist them to better prepare children for Kindergarten
• Strengthen existing after school programs
• Support parent education programs
• Improve collaboration between faith-based organizations, community organizations, and the school district.
The goal of the Monticello School District 21C program is to provide holistic services to families with children enrolled in the district and to help students achieve academic success. Through an asset mapping project, the district refers families in need of medical, dental, childcare, and other services to appropriate service provider(s). Gaps in existing resources were identified through a comprehensive needs assessment and the district continues to seek grant funds as well as collaborate with other community organizations to fulfill unmet needs.
Through 21C grant funds, Parent Resource Centers were established at all district campuses and Head of the Class Childcare Center. The 21C program also strengthens existing district programs including the 21st Century Community Learning Center after school programs, the district’s Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) preschool program, and the “Dare to be YOU” parenting class program for the families of preschoolers.
The 21st Century Community Learning Center program provides academic remediation, academic enrichment, homework assistance, arts/music, and recreational activities during the hours immediately after school. There are 1,142 students enrolled in the after school programs, representing 53% of the total student population. This program helps students raise academic achievement levels and supports working families by providing a safe haven for children who would otherwise go home to an empty house.
Children in our community have vastly improved preschool education opportunities as a direct result of participation in the 21C program. Increased training opportunities for public and private preschool staff, networking opportunities, and 150 quality-rated preschool slots have been added in our community over the past 3 years. We are also reaching out to the parents of preschool aged parents through a voluntary parent education program. The program, “Dare to be YOU”, received model program status from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and focuses on raising participant’s self-esteem, self-respect, promotes improved decision making processes, teaches empathy, and responsibility for self and others. The program has been scientifically proven to decrease harsh parenting styles, improve parental competencies, and decrease family management problems. Parents who attend at least 12 weekly sessions are provided a $200 stipend.
The 21C program has truly improved the lives of families in our community. The 21C guiding principles and core components initially provided a framework for planning and self-evaluation. We currently have all six core components in our district and continually strive to improve services to better meet the needs of our children and their families.
Contact: Katrina Cavaness, Project Director, 21st CCLC
kcavaness@monticello.k12.ar.us
City Park School
175 Henley Street
Monticello, AR 71655
Phone (870) 367-4020
Fax (870) 367-1531
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