Goshen Elementary School’s “Power Hour” program has proven to be transformative for students in grades three through six to close academic gaps in reading and math. 

The program was made possible via a $9,000 grant from GreenSky of Millbrook. Goshen Elementary Principal Dr. Kristina Griffin wrote the grant after being named principal of the school in January as a part of her strategic effort to address learning loss and improve student outcomes through targeted instructional support. 

Griffin said the school recognized an urgent need for intervention and the program was designed to provide focused, small-group instruction tailored to each student’s individual needs. With the support of the grant, Goshen Elementary was able to hire retired certified teachers to enhance the instructional program. Those retired teachers include Vanessa Johnson, Dena Elmore, Peyton Whittle and Misty Curtis. 

As of April, Goshen students have received more than 200 hours of intensive, standards-based instruction, strategically aligned to strengthen foundational skills and promote long-term academic growth. 

“This program is about more than just catching up—it’s about restoring confidence, accelerating learning, and changing outcomes,” Griffin said. “Thanks to GreenSky’s generous investment in our students, we’ve been able to provide additional intentional, high-impact instruction that is both data-driven and deeply personal. Every child deserves that level of commitment and care.” 

Anthony Brannick, CEO and Founder of GreenSky, added, “Dr. Griffin is an exceptional leader with an evident passion for education. Our vow at GreenSky is to provide the necessary resources to ensure kids everywhere—from every place—have access to the tools they need to be successful. Helping was a no-brainer.”

Griffin said that “Power Hour” is not just an intervention but, “it is a lifeline, a beacon of what is possible when schools and communities come together to prioritize the success of every learner.”