The pre-K through 8 students in the DPS 61 Extended Day program had higher attendance, higher reading scores and fewer disciplinary issues than their peers, according to the district.
While the focus of federal COVID-19 relief money for schools was on recovering from the pandemic, districts were allowed to use some for construction. For many districts, it was a once-in-a-lifetime infusion of cash.
The events are part of Champaign’s effort to invest in the neighborhood and prevent gun violence.
The massive Inflation Reduction Act has equally massive consequences for farmers of color who were promised debt relief more than a year ago. The legislation repeals and replaces a section of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), which provided funding to relieve the debt of farmers of color who have been discriminated against
CHAMPAIGN — A new coalition of small nonprofits aims to tackle gun violence in Champaign County. Called H3 for “harm,” “healing” and “hope,” the coalition is the brainchild of FirstFollowers. The non-profit group helps formerly incarcerated people with their re-entry into society. “Although my organization’s name is on it, it’s not a FirstFollowers initiative,” explains FirstFollowers
URBANA — Surveyors will start knocking on doors in rural Champaign County this weekend to ask residents if they are happy with their internet service. Champaign County officials commissioned the survey to find the most efficient way to close internet gaps with $3 million in COVID-19 relief. “There might be a way that we can
The American Rescue Plan promised $4 billion in debt relief to “socially disadvantaged farmers.” But a swarm of lawsuits from banks and white farmers alleging discrimination has put the aid on hold. Barbara Norman remembers exactly how she felt when she first opened the letter from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It was a cold,
CHAMPAIGN — Champaign-Urbana nonprofits are using COVID-19 relief to help victims of labor and sex trafficking free themselves. To become free and independent, victims need a legal status via a trafficking – or “T” — visa. Lisa Wilson is the executive director of The Refugee Center in Champaign. She says T visa applicants need a
DANVILLE — As schools throughout Illinois grapple with teacher shortages, Danville is working out the kinks in a grow-your-own teacher program. Danville School District 118 has promised to cover class costs for assistant teachers and other staff who want to go back to school to become teachers. Despite interest from about 20 staff members, just
DECATUR — Decatur Public Schools has long wanted to offer classes before and after school. It took federal COVID-19 relief to make that happen. When DPS tried to launch this optional, extended school day in the past, families had to pay. Now, thanks to COVID relief, it’s free. “Three years ago, this priority bubbled to
RANTOUL — Learning slowed across Illinois when the COVID-19 pandemic began. Now, schools have the money to do something about it – in the form of federal COVID-19 relief. School districts in Rantoul have chosen to use the money to establish teacher “office hours.” “The philosophy is similar to a study hall, if study halls
CHAMPAIGN — Champaign has a new plan to stop the recent spike in shootings. The Champaign City Council approved the plan unanimously on Tuesday night after hearing two hours of testimonies about gun violence in the city. Samantha Carter lives in Garden Hills, one of the most affected neighborhoods. “I would like to share with