The Purdy school district, for the first time ever, received a $10,000 DESE Grow Your Own grant for recruiting and retaining teachers in the district. Purdy awarded its first scholarships to three individuals who are enrolled in the Missouri State University Pathways for Paras Program. Each individual received a $1,000 tuition reimbursement. In addition, there are six students who are active in Purdy’s Future Educators. These students are placed in selected elementary classrooms to observe, learn and facilitate activities within the classroom. The grant also provides funding for current high school students to earn a Paraprofessional Certification and/or a substitute certification. Two Purdy seniors will be taking their Paraprofessional exam at the end of the school year. Scholarship recipients include, from left: Misty Hughes, Kaylynn Harris and Jemi Ozbun. They are pictured with Amy Harkey, High School FCS Educator. Contributed photo
