In a generous move to bolster the educational journey of Gates County High School students, Gates County Community Partnership donated $750 to the school’s science department. The funding is set to empower school science teachers, Ms. Renee Kittrell, Ms. Rachael Badgett, and Ms. Ashley Hall, in purchasing necessary lab supplies and consumables.
The importance of funding for science supplies cannot be overstated. At present, Gates County Schools allocates a small amount per teacher annually for classroom supplies. The high school science department has traditionally pooled these funds to purchase essential items like chemicals, personal protective equipment, and consumables. However, these funds often fall short, leaving the teachers to supplement their classroom needs out of their own pockets.
Without sufficient funding, the opportunity for students to engage in exciting and challenging lab experiments is limited, potentially stifling their ability to develop vital skills. Whether students pursue careers in STEM fields or not, the expertise developed through a robust science education serves as a foundation for lifelong learning and success.
“During a recent grant collaboration with the science department of Gates County High School, we found out about the need for more funding to support the annual purchases of miscellaneous supplies and consumables. The story touched the heart of one of our benefactors and they immediately expressed their desire to fully fund the cause. We are excited for the future,” stated Benjamin C. Saunders, Jr., Vice President of Gates County Community Partnership.
The impact of this donation extends beyond the financial relief it provides. Dr. Barry Williams, Superintendent of Gates County Schools, highlighted the significance of the contribution: “Gates County High School is thrilled to receive this generous anonymous donation, as science education is crucial for our students’ future success. This incredible gift will be used to directly support our dedicated science teachers by helping to offset their out-of-pocket expenses for classroom supplies and activities. Now they can better focus on what they do best: inspiring the next generation of scientists.”
