Members of the community will join students and staff at Williams Elementary School on Saturday, November 5, from 10 a.m.-noon for a Beautification Day project involving the school's front landscape. Workers and volunteers will arrive earlier to have everything set up to allow the children, families and staff to assist with planting, mulching and cleanup in the front of the school.

"The Beautification Day will support the inviting atmosphere we are trying to continue to create at L.H. Williams," said Principal Dr. Shandrina Griffin-Stewart. "When the physical environment of a school is attractive it helps students appreciate their surrounding as well as take ownership for and during the learning process. We want our students to honor and take great pride in the school in which they attend."

Under the 2010 Capital Improvement Program, major renovations at Williams Elementary School began during the summer. Renovations have included major interior modifications as well as new roofing and heating and air conditioning systems. Parking spaces were also added and modifications were made to the parent pick-up area to improve traffic flow. Community members approached the school about getting involved with the repairs and offered to designate a Beautification Day when everyone could get together to work on the school's front landscape.

"This day will also give students, parents, staff members, and the community in general a chance to renew their dedication and commitment to student achievement and performance for all students," Dr. Griffin-Stewart said.

Williams Elementary School is located at 325 Pursley Street. For more information, contact the school at (478) 779-3650.

About the Capital Improvement Programs

The 2010 Capital Improvement Program is funded by an Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, which is a 1 percent sales tax approved by voters in 2009. Other items included in the 2010 Capital Improvement Program are the construction of five new elementary schools, including Heard Elementary; new construction and extensive improvements to athletic facilities at all middle and high schools, including field houses at four high schools; improvements to other schools; and improvements in technology.

The District's 2005 Capital Improvement Program - also funded primarily by a voter-approved ESPLOST - invested $165 million in upgrades, additions, improvements, and new schools in Bibb County. Included in that Program were: the new Central and Southwest High Schools; extensive renovations and a gymnasium expansion at Northeast High School; the new Ingram-Pye Elementary School; the new Northwoods Academy; the new Howard High, Ballard-Hudson Middle, and Bloomfield Middle Schools; extensive renovations at Hartley Elementary School; and improvements and upgrades to other school facilities.

Prior to that, the District completed the 5-year, $150 million ESPLOST-funded 2000 Capital Improvement Program. This Program included the construction of  11 new schools and the Central Kitchen facility; provided improvements and upgrades to 11 schools and two athletic facilities; and added additional classrooms at 16 schools.

For complete details on the Capital Improvement Programs, visit www.bibb.k12.ga.us/splost.html.