NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release (October 23, 2019) 

The Westville School District is pleased to announce it has received a $1,043 grant from the Carol Watson Rural Oklahoma Community Foundation to provide Interactive Story Time Library supplies for K-2 students. The grant is part of the Classroom Enhancement Program that supports activities and programs at select schools in rural Oklahoma that will improve the classroom experience for students. 

“We are so pleased to have received this grant,” says Ms. Kellie Edwards, Lower Elementary Principal. "Interactive stories in an early childhood setting promotes critical and imaginative thinking skills.The resources from this grant will enrich students' vocabulary, broaden their experiences and stimulate brain development." “We appreciate the support of the Carolyn Watson Rural Oklahoma Community Foundation.” 

Funding through the grant will provide supplies to allow K-2 grade students to interact with the stories during Library Story Time. Students will be able to retell the story using manipulatives as well as act out parts for better understanding. Using the hands-on manipulatives will increase engagement which leads to increased academic achievement. 

Westville Public School is a rural school located in Northeastern Oklahoma along the Arkansas Border. The school serves students in PK-12 and strives to meet the needs of all students. 

The Carolyn Watson Rural Oklahoma Community Foundation was established at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation in 1995 by the late Carolyn Watson, longtime CEO and chairman of Shamrock Bank, N.A. Grants from the organization are awarded to improve the quality of life in designated rural Oklahoma communities. The grant programs are administered by the Oklahoma City Community Foundation. For more information, visit occf.org/ruraloklahoma.