For Release: Monday, July 24, 2006
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

WOOD RIVER - HARTFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT #15 RECEIVES EDUCATION GRANT

Washington - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) announced today that Wood River - Hartford School District #15 has been awarded a $625,606 Partnerships in Character Education grant from the U.S. Department of Education.  It is anticipated that the grant will be for a total of four years.  The Partnerships in Character Education program allows funds to be used to design and implement character education programs that help students develop good character by teaching elements such as caring, civic virtue, citizenship, justice, fairness, respect, responsibility and trustworthiness.  Project-specific goals include improved student attendance and academic performance as well as increased parental and community involvement.

"Students have a better chance of reaching their academic potential in a school environment that fosters respect for themselves and others," said Costello.  "Character education can be an important part of this process."

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