Stonewall, La. – Mary Catherine “Kitty” Foster, a teacher at North DeSoto Lower Elementary, was surprised this week with a $1,500 classroom grant from the credit‑union‑run “One Class at a Time” program. The grant, provided by Barksdale Federal Credit Union, is earmarked for interactive learning materials that will extend classroom instruction into the home.

Grant purpose and planned use

Foster intends to use the funds to assemble take‑home learning library bags for her students. Each bag will contain a carefully selected book paired with a set of educational games. The goal is to give children the opportunity to check out the materials, engage with them at home, and involve their families in the learning process.

Supporting family time and homework

“We’re going to make homework fun and engaging, and you know, promote family time,” Foster said. By providing a structured yet enjoyable learning experience, the initiative aims to reinforce reading skills, critical thinking, and cooperation between parents and children.

Community impact

The grant reflects a growing trend of local businesses and credit unions investing directly in education. Barksdale Federal Credit Union, headquartered in nearby Shreveport, has a history of supporting community projects through its charitable arm. This contribution aligns with the credit union’s mission to strengthen families and neighborhoods by fostering educational opportunities.

Parents in the North DeSoto area have expressed enthusiasm for the program. One parent noted that having a ready‑made learning kit simplifies after‑school activities and encourages reading habits that might otherwise be difficult to sustain.

Broader educational context

Grants like this one are part of a larger movement to address educational disparities in rural Louisiana. By supplying resources that bridge the gap between school and home, educators hope to improve literacy rates and overall academic performance. While statewide test scores have shown modest gains in recent years, initiatives that involve families directly are seen as essential to sustaining progress.

Looking ahead

Foster plans to evaluate the program’s impact over the coming months, tracking student engagement and parental feedback. If successful, she hopes to expand the library bag model to other grades within the district.

“When families read together, they build stronger bonds and better learning outcomes,” Foster added. “This grant gives us the tools to make that happen every day.”

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.