PINEVILLE — The Bell County School District has received several grants to help transform existing programs and add new ones.

The Bell County Day Treatment Center has been awarded money by the Kentucky Educational Collaborative for State Agency Children (KECSAC).

According to a press release from the Bell County School System, the Bell County Day Treatment Center was awarded a total amount of $3,000 and monies will be used to fund activities that promote academic success.

“Monies received will have a major impact on our current program and students,” said Kenneth Sams, Bell County School Board Member.

The purpose of the grant is to transform the Day Treatment Center into a Recovery Education Center, according to Bell Co. Schools.

After-school or summer programs will be provided and are intended to accelerate achievement for all students, minimize the achievement disparities and promote healthy development among targeted students.

This will be accomplished through strengthening academic focus by providing a program with quality resources and interventions based on combined student assessments and standards.

Students will have greater access to technology, recreational activities, and hands-on learning experiences, according to the school system.

The program will demonstrate educational and social benefits that exhibit positive behavioral changes by offering academic, recreational and cultural enrichment opportunities to students during non-school hours.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for students to participate in challenging academic and increased enrichment opportunities,” said Superintendent George Thompson.

The Yellow Creek School Center received a grant for developing a community park and community garden.

According to the school system, students have recognized their school’s and community needs, and created a project that will become a gateway – which will support positive community growth and development in the Yellow Creek community.

Students gathered and identified two major problems within the community: Obesity and the lack of a community park.

Therefore, students have created a plan for developing an area of land into a community park and creating a community garden. The overall goal of the project is to create a healthy community. Expanding the current walking trail, creating a community park, and developing a community garden will accomplish this.

“The great joy of this project is that students gain ownership. Since older students have done the planning and will need to complete some of the more demanding work, we perceive our younger students actually planting the garden once the grounds are developed,” said Principal Jerry Lawson.

Together students, community neighbors, and local businesses have agreed to work together to create this project. Following opportunities and expanding partnerships, this project will provide the physical and social benefits to the people in the community.

Monies were also received to host a regional service-learning institute in Bell County.

The institute will address literacy concerns in communities and throughout the county. Together students and adults will not only identify literacy barriers and concerns, but will also develop a plan for addressing these concerns.

Stephen Woodward is a Staff Writer for the Daily News. He may be contacted at swoodward@middlesborodailynews.com.