by a local builder , and a mechanic shop nearby throws pizza parties when kids succeed academically . A community garden at the school was made possible by a grant from the Farm Bureau – it ’ s watered by a nearby fire department branch , tilled by a neighbor with a tractor , and planted with seeds purchased by the community .
“ What the children see is that people care about them . They know that so many people really care about them and continue to care about them , even after they graduate high school ,” said Dr . Webb . “ They really feel the connection to the community and want to help take care of the school and the community .”
Regular Community Day events at school bring in a wide variety of working people to showcase what they do best . Kids might learn about chinking logs from a cabin-building company , or enjoy a tale told by a storyteller . The events expose them to a variety of walks of life and make connections to the world around them .
About nine out of ten Grassy Fork students are economically disadvantaged , Mr . Tocholke said . “ We have some needs here . If a child is hungry , they ’ re not going to learn well .”
Community members help provide support for needy students . A food bank brings truckloads of food to send home , local ministries provide coats for kids who need them , and other groups make sure students have Christmas presents .
The Grassy Fork community culture extends to each individual student . Individual learning needs are closely monitored by teachers and staff . Innovative after-school programming improves technology access and provides homework help , while