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Writer's pictureTim Crawford

$271 DLT Grant - STEAM Students SCUBA - Moustaches & Lids - Trick or Treating

The Friday Finish – November 1, 2024

Red Bird Receives $271,013 USDA Grant for Distance Learning

Red Bird Mission was awarded a US Department of Agriculture Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) grant in the amount of $271,013 for the Red Bird Distance Learning Program. An additional matching funds totaling $40,000 has also been pledged for the project by Just Transition Fund and private individuals.  The Red Bird Rural Learning Program will use funds from the USDA Rural Development to purchase equipment to create and enhance five distance learning labs that will offer access to online classes for residents who lack access to high-speed broadband in the exceptionally rural Appalachian Mountains in Southeast Kentucky from Bell, Clay, and Leslie County. The Red Bird Rural Learning Program will link area educational institutions and residents to high school and GED college preparatory courses, online vocational training courses, and online community college courses at the learning center.


Jamie Collett, HR/IT Director; Tim Crawford, Development Director; Marsha Roark, Red Bird Broadband Action Team Coordinator; and Kari Collins, Executive Director, made a trip to the state capitol in Frankfort Monday for the public announcement of the grant. Dr. Thomas Carew, Kentucky Director for USDA; Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, and USDA Administrator Andrew Berke, Rural Utilities Services presented ceremonial checks to 8 different organizations receiving DLT grants.



Red Bird STEAM Students SCUBA for First Time

The Robotics Team and Civil Air Patrol Cadet Squadron made history by being the first students at Red Bird School to receive SCUBA training. Red Bird Christian School students traveled to the Hazard Pavilion on Monday morning to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to plunge into a new world of SCUBA, freediving, and snorkeling. The experience was hosted by the Challenger Learning Center of Kentucky with certified instructors from Smoky Mountain Diving providing the expertise.


Almost all students were excited, but some were a little nervous and unsure of what was to come.  One student asked Kayla Smith, CAP Senior Member, "Will you swim with me?" to which she replied, "Of course I will!" Kayla and other adult leaders assured the students that this was going to a fun and thrilling experience that they will never forget.

Before their training, the students eagerly gathered around the instructor, a skilled and experienced Scuba diver. They were taught important concepts such as the purpose of marine conservation, the importance of protecting underwater life, and awareness for environmental concerns.


Wanting to know more about the instructor’s experiences, one student asked,

"Have you ever swam with sharks?" "Yes, I have!"

the instructor replied and passed around a real Megalodon shark tooth that she had found while SCUBA diving.

"Wow, this is so cool," 

the students said as they examined the tooth.


After a demonstration of how to use the SCUBA gear correctly and safely, the students put their knowledge and gear into action! Groups of 2-4 swam underwater with skilled instructors by their sides, encouraging them and making sure the students were okay.

"I felt like a fish!" 

one student said. Another replied with,

"I was living out my dream to be mermaid." 

What a great day! All students were happy and want to go back.

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Moustaches, Lids, Pajamas and Cardinal Spirit Highlight Red Ribbon Week

Folks stopping by Red Bird Christian School this week might have done a second take on Monday to see dozens of students with stick-on moustaches, but it was part of the focus on Red Ribbon Week! All across Kentucky schools are participating and you may be asking yourself, what is the meaning of “Red Ribbon” and why is it so important?


Red Ribbon Week encourages students to promote smart choices, positive behavior, and to live healthy lifestyles. Red Bird is striving to create a supportive and encouraging environment for students to engage in activities and discussions to help them understand the importance of their health and wellbeing. Red Ribbon honors all who have fought for drug prevention, and strives to create future leaders who join the fight against drugs. Proverbs 22:6 – “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”


When asked, “What is the importance of Red Ribbon week?” a 6th grade student answered,

“There are a lot of good and fun things I can do instead of doing drugs.”

Fourth-Fifth Grade teacher Patty Vance answered,

“This week has been an opportunity to develop confidence and resilience, helping students to say ‘no’ to peer pressure while feeling the support of their school and community. Each themed, dress up day has encouraged student participation and resulted in perfect attendance all week for most classes! It's been a great, extra fun week!”

Trick or Treating at Queendale Center

Preschool students of Red Bird School’s ECD program had the chance to do some Trick or Treating in the Queendale Center “neighborhood” Thursday morning as they strolled to buildings around campus in their costumes. Parents and family are encouraged to come out each year to share their children’s experience of this annual event.


Later, a Trunk or Treat was held in the Administration-Cardinal Café parking lot for a safe, more “efficient” Trick or Treat experience for children and families in our area. Last year, lots of people were stopping in The Cardinal Café for free hot chocolate. This year, Trick or Treaters were a little slower taking the free hot chocolate since temperatures were 15 degrees above normal!



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