NIE program makes difference in Shelby County schools

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, February 17, 2004

Every week, the Shelby County Reporter and various other sponsors send the newspaper into Shelby County schools.

The newspapers are used in a number of ways by many teachers and students across the county studies of English and grammar to keeping up with current events.

Through the Newspapers in Education program, 1,105 newspapers are delivered to schools throughout the county each week.

The NIE program works with the help of sponsors throughout the county who purchase the papers each week and place them in the schools.

Forty-eight sponsors are currently involved in the NIE program.

&uot;We sincerely appreciate the partnerships we have developed with our sponsors,&uot; Tim Prince, Reporter publisher, said.

&uot;We’re thankful for all the support we are able to give to our local schoolchildren.&uot;

The 1,105 newspapers go into nine schools across the county.

&uot;Most of the papers are used with all the classes a teacher has in a day’s time,&uot; said Mike Dennis, Reporter circulation manager.

Participating sponsors in the NIE program include:

in Alabaster: Martin Marietta Aggregates, All South Handling, Morrison Plumbing, Southern Dance Arts, MASH Medical, Satellite Signals, Wood Discount Pharmacy, Rafiki Mini Storage and Lowery Homes Inc.;

in Calera: Donna’s Cafe, Burton Campers, Hair & Nail Design, Golden Rule Bar BQ, Hosey Roofing Repair and American Concrete Pumping;

in Chelsea: Cross Creek Golf;

in Columbiana: Higgins Body Shop, Benefit Services, H&H Commercial Waterproofing, Sonny Conwill, Joseph Brothers Lumber and Howard Tire Service;

in Helena: Companion Veterinary, Frankie’s Market Cafe, Baptist Health Center Helena and Elizabeth Roland, Attorney at Law;

in Montevallo: Henke Property and Environmental Testing Service;

in Pelham: Ronald E. Boackle, Holliman, Shockley & Kelley, Mickey Johnson, Kari-Lane LLC and A. Davenport Bonding Inc.

in Sterrett: Air Pro Refrigeration; and

in Wilsonville: Mularski Concrete.

According to Dennis, teachers or parents who would like to use the newspaper as a tool in their schools or classrooms should call 669-3131.

Sponsors are also needed. To participate, call Dennis at 669-3131