Gov. Kevin Stitt and State Supt. of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister have awarded Incentive Grants totaling $16 million to 150 Oklahoma school districts to help mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on student learning and ensure students are able to access learning opportunities in the new school year.
Tonkawa Public Schools will receive $78,848.
In a field of 360 applicants, Tonkawa Public Schools was one of 150 who will receive these special funds. TPS will spend funds in three of the five priority areas-internet connectivity, compensatory services for at risk students, and teacher training in the science of reading, Superintendent Lori Simpson said.
“This incentive grant will help the district realize long-term goals a little sooner than planned, she said.. TPS parent surveys indicated one of the barriers to distance learning is the lack of connectivity. The CARES Act Incentive Grant will provide internet connectivity to students whose households cannot afford this service that supports learning at home.
In addition, it will fund training for TPS teachers in the science of reading. Finally, it will make available extended-day programs to assist students to fill learning gaps caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic. “We are thankful and blessed to receive this gift,” she concluded.
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