PLUS Grants Awarded To Henry Co. Schools, PSSD Teachers

By Shannon McFarlin News Director

Paris, Tenn.–It was an early Christmas for teachers in the Henry County Schools and Paris Special Schools Systems who were awarded some $55,000 in PLUS grants during individual presentations at their schools.

The PLUS program (originally called PLUS Endowment) was the brainchild of former Henry County Schools Superintendent Wiliam Atchison as a means to provide funding for educational opportunities over and above those provided in regular school budgets. The PLUS program started in 1999.

Each fall, teachers learn if they will be receiving the grants for which they applied. In years past, the awards were presented at a large banquet, but this year, the grant presentations were made by board members to the individual teachers.

Winners of the Atchison grants this year are Dustin Smith, Paris Elementary, “Gardening Geniuses” for grades 3-5, $1,150; and Jane Fiscus, Wendy Bowden, Lathan Ross, Heather Bastyr, Paris Elementary, “Engaging Science Activities”, $643. Smith had a perfect score from the panel of judges and plans to use aquaponics to grow lettuce and provide it on the school’s salad bar.

Recipients of the Roddy Atkisson Memorial PLUS grant were Henry teachers Megan Blackwell, Jacey Flanagan and Austin Thompson, for “The Hen-ry Coop” for special education K-8.

Lakewood teacher, Kimberly Wallet, was the recipient of The Kim McDaniel Shining Bright Foundation grant. She was the pre-k-2nd grade teacher with the highest score awarded by the PLUS grant panel of judges. This continues the legacy of excellence started by the late Kim McDaniel.