The Poplarville School District Family Resource Center gives students a place where they can utilize educational materials such as computers and accelerated reading books to help them succeed in the classroom.

Cynthia Russell has served as the center’s coordinator for the past three years. She was a teacher for 29 years in the Poplarville School District and takes pride in watching students learn and grow at the center.

“We’re very fortunate because I was under the impression this was something that every school district had, but we’re one of a few,” Russell said. “It’s been a pleasure to see the parents come in and bring in their children and sit down and read.”

The center offers educational books, which focus on math and reading, for pre-kindergarteners through adults that can be used at the center or checked out. They also have 13 computers, a copy machine, a laminator and printers for the community to use free of charge, Russell said.

The center opened its doors in 1998 and has since provided educational resources that help students further their education.

“Since I’ve been here the last three years, I’ve seen more parents and students come in and parents who are back in school themselves who need our computers because they may not have one at home. Also, more high school students are coming in to work on their classwork,” Russell said.

Teachers within the school district also utilize the materials found at the center. Russell said they work hand in hand with the district to ensure the student body succeeds academically.

“We generally try to be an information depot because a lot of times we’ll have people that need information about different services. Even though they may not be offered here at the center, I direct them to where they should go,” Russell said.

People can register at the center in order to use their materials.

The center is located at 1349 South Main St., Poplarville and will be closed until Jan. 4 due to the holidays.

The center is open from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and Wednesday and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.

Russell said they stay open later to allow parents a chance to use the resources to help their children succeed in school.

For more information about the center, call Russell at 601-795-1349.