Our sixth selection to receive a contribution from PDS CARES 30 gifts for 30 years is the Logan Elm McDowell Junior High Library, nominated by PDS clients, Steve & Paula Thomerson. Paula tells us “Logan Elm has been unable over the last 20+ years to encourage its voters to pass a levy for new buildings. The teachers and staff do a great job educating the students for today’s colleges and work places, but the facilities are sadly lacking.”
 
“McDowell Junior High is continually rated as excellent by the state rating system. The teachers have gotten the students enthused about reading and the students will grab a book during any free time. However, the library has lots of empty shelf space and the librarian would love to fill those spaces. She visits Half Price Book Stores, collects labels (Campbell and Box Top) and uses them to buy books. Any donation would be greatly appreciated by so many and be put to such good use,” Paula added.
 
PDS CARES recently visited Logan Elm’s website. We were so pleased to read that despite the school system’s financial constraints of the past several years, the students and staff at McDowell Middle School have been recognized as a “High Progress School of Honor” which is based on the 2013-2014 Ohio School Report Card data on student reading and math performance.
 
The state recognized 27 “High Progress Schools of Honor” this year. McDowell was also named a High Progress School of Honor in 2013. They are only one of six schools who received this recognition in both 2013 and 2014. The award spotlights schools who overcome challenges while outperforming other schools in the State. PDS Planning and PDS CARES would like to extend our congratulations to the staff and students for this special recognition of your accomplishments!
 
Logan Elm School System is located in Circleville, Ohio. For more information visit: http://www.loganelmschools.com/
 
PDS Cares “30 for 30” is a charitable gifting program which will make donations to thirty 501(c)(3) charities in 2015 in celebration of PDS Planning, Inc’s 30th year anniversary.