At the end of the 2013-2014 school year, the Jefferson-Morgan School District received a grant from the Highmark Foundation. Many schools received a grant at the closing of the last school year to help benefit their school in some way. Jefferson-Morgan got a grant to fund the J-M Fresh Water and Air Improvement Plan. Coming from the grant also, the school was able to purchase not only working water fountains, but picnic tables in the outside commons area. The 2014-2015 school year allows the students to eat outside if they wish and take advantage of being outdoors. There’s been a positive feedback from the students and seem to be going smooth.

“It’s a positive effect on the school because with the new picnic tables we’re allowed to have lunch outside. Not all the kids have to be jammed in the cafeteria, but have more freedom. Also the water fountains let us have water bottles in the classroom. They are actually cold this year,” states JM student, Briana Bates.

Along with all the positive feedback there are some people that have their different opinions about the new water fountains and picnic tables. Jefferson-Morgan is doing well with the start of the new school year and as most of the students take advantage of the outdoor commons area there are some who speak different about it. The grant was provided to move forward in the plan but not everyone can agree.

“We didn’t need the picnic tables.  We could have used the grant for something else of use. Yes, they are nice and all, but it would be different if all of high school students ate first lunch. The water fountains are nice because it keeps the water cold. It’s has a positive effect,” stated sophomore James Riley.

All in all, the Jefferson-Morgan Re-fresh grant has improved the school in just a step of a way. With the new picnic tables, water fountain and the marquee out front of the school they were able to purchase with the grant. They are still trying to keep it cool in the school and the students being able to carry water bottles with cool water are just a step. Keep cool and stat re-fresh.