Jan 8, 2025
Last quarter, PGEC made surprise visits to schools in their service territory carrying a big faux check and a camera. Why? To fulfill the mission of the cooperative’s Round Up for Education program.
Round Up for Education was created to distribute much-needed funds to local schools to provide teachers with additional funds for supplies and instructional materials. The program collects donations from cooperative members in the form of their monthly bill being rounded up to the next whole dollar.
“Those extra pennies go a long way towards impacting the quality of education in the area,” says Brittany Tann, the co-op’s senior communications specialist. “Showing up to each of these schools with the faux check and seeing the looks on students’ and educators’ faces is a testament to what this program is about. We want our local schools to know that we are here as a community partner to do our part in shaping the future generations of leaders.”
Surry County High School’s Assistant Principal and Director of School Safety and Security for Surry County Public Schools, Preston L. McKellar, Jr., received one of the surprise visits. “Thank you for the donation to our awesome P.E. Department,” he expressed. Round Up for Education funds in the amount of $239.59 were awarded to Coach Stephen Ross and Coach Monica Gilchrist to purchase equipment. Both coaches have a combined tenure of nearly 50 years.
“Coach Ross and Coach Gilchrist recognize the connection between physical activity and mental health, promoting exercise as a way to reduce stress and anxiety. They have always actively motivated students to engage in physical activity, fostering a positive attitude towards fitness.”
“As a public school teacher for almost 30 years, 24 of those years in Prince George, it is always a challenge to prepare for each new group of students to be sure all things are in place for the class to function. Thanks to PGEC, my reading area came together beautifully! With funds from PGEC, I was able to get a classroom carpet that is large enough for the whole class to use at one time! Reading centers and story time will be so much nicer with the carpet! The students will enjoy free time and reading time on the carpet.... thanks so very much!” - MaryEllen Flickinger, 4th grade teacher (South Elementary)
“Our goal for the equipment is to encourage healthy physical, social and emotional activity. All of which are Virginia Department of Education Standards of Learning. Commonly referred to as SOLs.” - Coach Stephen Ross and Coach Monica Gilcrest
For more information about the Round Up for Education program and how you can participate, visit www.pgec.coop/round-up.