IN West Mifflin Winter 2019 | Page 8

WHAT’S NEWS IN WEST MIFFLIN MORE THAN $60,000 IN COMBINED FUNDING AWARDED TO TWO SCHOOL DISTRICTS, PRIVATE SCHOOL FOR SCHOOL SAFETY EFFORTS Two school districts and one private school associated with the 35th Legislative District were awarded a combined total of $64,531 in state funding for school safety and violence reduction initiatives, announced state Rep. Austin Davis, D-Allegheny. Davis said the competitive 2019-20 Safe Schools Targeted Grants were awarded through the state Department of Education’s Office for Safe Schools, which offers four types of safety grants: equipment grants; program grants; school police officer grants; and school resource officer grants. “Keeping kids safe within the confines of a school is a necessity, especially in wake of recent events where students have been the victims of gun violence,” Davis said. “That alone makes the funding awarded to these schools all the more significant. No child should have to fear for their safety, and this funding will help these schools continue to be safe havens for students and teachers alike.” The school districts and private school that received funding are: South Allegheny School District - $20,000. The funding will help implement programs geared toward school safety. 6 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE ❘ West Mifflin School District - $24,993. Grant money will be used to purchase safety and security related equipment. Mary of Nazareth Catholic School - $19,538. The school will use the funding to purchase safety and security related equipment. Davis said all four grants offered by PDE’s program aims to assist schools in reducing unnecessary student disciplinary actions and promoting an environment of greater productivity, safety and learning; and enhancing anti-violence efforts between schools and parents, local governments, law enforcement, and community organizations. This program is separate from the School Safety and Security Grant program administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. THE SOUTH HILL’S WOMEN’S CLUB LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERS If you have an interest in joining a fun group of women give our membership chairman Sue a call at 412.257.1057. We have a lot of interesting programs lined up for the Winter months starting on January 3, 2020. A representative from The Frick Pittsburgh will speak about our local museum and share information about the 1893 World Exposition in Chicago and detail how it ties to Pittsburgh. February 10, 2020, Kelly Stebler a practitioner of Reiki will explain and demonstrate the benefits of Reiki for our physical, mental and emotional health. March is our annual covered dish dinner. Meetings start at 8 p.m. and are held at Vanadium Woods, 50 Vanadium Road, Bridgeville, Pa. 15017. icmags.com KORTZ: SEVERAL LOCAL SCHOOLS AWARDED GRANTS FOR FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES Approximately $158,000 in funds have been awarded to six elementary schools in the 38th Legislative District through a federal grant program to provide students with fresh fruits and vegetables during the school day, state Rep. Bill Kortz, D-Allegheny, announced today. The funding is awarded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. The program’s goal is to expand the variety of fruits and vegetables in schools by increasing consumption among students with the hope of positively impacting their present and future health. “Studies have shown, time and again, that when children eat healthy, it benefits their overall well-being, and they’re better prepared to learn,” Kortz said. “The USDA’s Fresh Fruits and Vegetable Program also helps our schools address food insecurity and provides an opportunity for youngsters to make healthier food choices.” The following West Mifflin schools that received funds through the program include: Clara Barton Elementary School - $13,340. Homeville Elementary School - $19,377.50. New Emerson Elementary School - $9,947.50. The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program began in Pennsylvania in 2004 and is now in every state. Schools must have a free and reduced meal eligibility of 50 percent or more in order to qualify for the grants.