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Starting Strong Pre-K Initiative Donates $42,000 for Pre-K Tools and Supplies


DECATUR, Alabama (January 11, 2018)—The “Starting Strong Pre-K” initiative is donating $42,000 to Decatur City Schools Foundation to support Decatur City Schools Pre-Kindergarten classrooms. Schools will use the money to purchase tools and supplies that will make Decatur’s early learning opportunities better for years to come.


This donation will give Pre-K classrooms across Decatur access to better teaching tools, allowing our teachers to create engaging learning spaces for young children. Studies show that children who participate in Pre-K are more likely to succeed throughout elementary school. Early success in school is the foundation for long-term school success in individual students and for higher graduation rates in our community.

Representative Terri Collins, a leader of the initiative states, “Starting Strong was formed to help all Morgan County children start school prepared to learn.  Each year since 2012 Pre-K has been funded in some way, many years starting one or two new classes beyond the state grants for classes.  This jumpstart of Pre-K classes has made Morgan County one of the first large counties to be near 100% access for voluntary Pre-K.  We are proud of this effort, and providing technology and new books and learning tools for classes that have been working for years is also important.”

Chuck Ard, another leader of the initiative adds, “Starting Strong is excited to make this investment in our Pre-K children.  Pre-K programs are an essential part in preparing our children for their educational growth.  It is our goal for every child that lives in Morgan county to have this opportunity.”

Chuck Ard (right) with Luke Bergeson, Principal of Chestnut Grove.
Within the schools, teachers and administrators are excited to be receiving the equipment. Luke Bergeson, Principal of Chestnut Grove Elementary shares, “Chestnut Grove Pre-K students and teachers are very fortunate to benefit from this funding… We were able to stock our classrooms with leveled readers. Students are gaining a love for reading, and many will enter Kindergarten as beginning readers.” 

At Austinville Elementary, Leah Archer is excited to be receiving tablets to support the corresponding tablet curriculum she uses, adding, “These new tablets will free up time in the class as they will connect instantly to the wireless, the touch screens will give us a true assessment of the children's understanding of the skill, and the children will be able to use headphones to help them concentrate…We are so excited to receive these new tablets and know that our students will make great gains in their learning.”


The materials, supplies, and equipment purchased with this donation will immediately impact more than 246 children in 16 classrooms and 10 schools. The tools will be used for years and make an ongoing difference in the lives of many students and families.

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