Grant Background
In April 2012, the Pennsylvania Dept. of Ed. announced that P-O was one of fewer than 50 school districts in the state awarded a Keystones to Opportunity (KtO) grant to improve literacy. The $654,514 amount is for the first year of the planned 5-year funding stream that requires no local match. This is the largest competitive grant award in the school district's history. The funding will be used to improve literacy from birth through grade 12. P-O is partnering with Cen-Clear Child Services, Child Development and Family Council (CDFC) and Central Intermediate Unit #10.  
• presentation to school board in April 2012. 
• article in the Centre Daily Times in April 2012.
 
What is Literacy?  
There are four main elements of literacy that apply to all content areas and age ranges. 
 
Reading and analyzing fiction and non-fiction text (such as math, science, arts, etc.)
Writing with focus, content, organization, style and conventions
 
Speaking clearly and appropriately for an intended audience
 
Listening critically and responding to others 
All of these elements are embedded in state standards. For more, see www.pdesas.org.