February Foundation Forum
Consortium of Florida Education Foundations
Statewide Reach. Local Impact. For Students.
I’m writing this message while getting in some steps on my new desk treadmill, part of my New Year’s resolution to walk 365 miles this year.? I measure all my fitness goals through my Apple watch, but for some reason this walking isn’t measured accurately.? I haven’t figured it out yet but am thinking it’s likely because I’m not swinging my arms while walking because I am keyboarding. ? It’s really annoying me because I want “credit” and accurate data to measure my progress!? It’s frustrating when we do the work, but the measurement doesn’t fully reflect our effort.
I imagine that’s how our teachers and school leaders can feel at times.? As sophisticated as our performance measurement systems become, nothing can ever fully and accurately reflect their effort and daily impact on students.?However, as education advocates, we can notice as we interact with our school communities.?
One way you can encourage them on their daily treadmills is to join us in celebrating Public Schools Week.? Check out the first story below to learn more and chime in!
Best,
Mary Chance
President & CEO
Join Us in Celebrating Public Schools Week!
Did you know it's Public Schools Week? From February 26 to March 1,?Public Schools Week is a designated week for administrators, teachers, specialists, teacher educators, parents and school board members to host events for their communities and reach out to lawmakers, businesses, and other community members to discuss the importance of public education.
Join us in supporting our local public schools and uplifting our kids by sharing stories on your social media and using the hashtag #PSW24.
Education Foundations Provide Apolitical Forum for Action That Matters
Today’s reality: There is no shortage of wedge issues in education these days that can stall progress for our schools. Local education foundations provide an apolitical forum for action that matters and are increasingly being called on to build the social fabric of communities and foster long-term interest in their schools. ?
Corporate leaders and elected officials continue to take notice of the positive forum for action that local education foundations represent and find it’s a table they want to be at. ?
“Education foundations can bring people together for positive work that matters for our communities, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it, said Representative Dana Trabulsy (District 84), who recently joined the Board of the St. Lucie County Education Foundation.
The Able Trust and Consortium Launch 'Futures in Focus' to Support Students with Disabilities
As students move from high school into postsecondary education or the workforce, many students with disabilities struggle to make a successful transition. Florida’s high school graduation rate for students with disabilities is 85.5% compared to 88% for students without disabilities. This gap extends into postsecondary enrollment and Florida’s workforce. ?
For that reason, The Able Trust is launching “Futures in Focus” in partnership with the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations who announced this week that grants for Futures in Focus are being awarded to education foundations for locally-driven initiatives.
In Case You Missed It - What Works: Increasing College and Career Readiness
Did you miss our most recent Connecting Conversations co-hosted with Florida College Access Network on “What Works: Increasing College and Career Readiness?” You’ll want to check out this replay to see where Florida stands on college enrollment and attainment and expand your thinking for how local communities can support college and career readiness efforts. #CTEMonth
Grade-Level Book Studies Foster Perseverance and Resilience Among Brevard Students
Thanks to funding from the Consortium's FDOE Resiliency Through the Community award, the Brevard Public Schools initiated a program to inspire resilience among students. Working with the school district, every sixth grader read "The Coffee Bean" by Damon West, while ninth graders delved into "No Barriers" by Buddy Levy and Erik Weihenmayer. To enrich this educational experience, West and Weihenmayer were invited to speak to students, sharing their personal journeys and the core theme of overcoming adversity.
In total, more than 4,100 students participated in the authors' presentations. Weihenmayer, who lost his sight just before entering ninth grade, shared his remarkable story of not allowing his visual impairment to hinder his aspirations. Instead, he became an adventurer and mountaineer, eventually climbing Mt. Everest. Weihenmayer emphasized the power of perseverance in the face of challenges and the importance of having a supportive "rope team" in life.?To support this initiative, Brevard Public Schools' lead educators developed reading guides and question prompts, ensuring a cohesive educational journey for all sixth and ninth graders. This approach not only bolstered the students' reading comprehension but also fostered a sense of community and shared learning experience throughout the district.
FL Prepaid College Open Enrollment Begins with Lowest Prices in 10 Years
As our partner the Florida Prepaid College Plan Board celebrates 35 years of helping Florida families save affordably for college, they have lowered Prepaid Plan monthly prices by up to 25 percent during the Prepaid Plan Open Enrollment period from February 1 - April 30, 2024. ?
The reductions will bring Prepaid Plan prices to their lowest level in 10 years, starting at just $34 per month for a 1-Year University Plan for a newborn. The monthly cost of a four-year university plan for a newborn is down to $134 – that’s a monthly savings of about $50 compared to last year. ?
Power of 1:1 Match: Building a Culture of Readiness
When students thrive and graduate equipped to succeed in college, career and life, communities thrive. The Education Foundation of Sarasota County knows this and supports students in preparing for life after high school through mentoring, workshops, financial aid nights and peer-to-peer engagement. Funded in part by the School District Education Foundation Matching Grant Program, last year the foundation’s Student Success Centers saw a 71% increase in FAFSA completions, and 94% of seniors who visited the center felt confident they would graduate high school with a plan for life.
Local Education Foundations in the News
Hillsborough: Senior Scholarships Help Many Attend College
Nassau: Ed Foundation Hosts 'Mystery 5K'
Okeechobee: Cadet Program Trains Future Leaders
Orange: School Spirit Run Has Record-Breaking Year
Our Presenting Partners
We're thankful for our many partners who support Florida's local education foundations as they innovate learning, power potential, and celebrate success in their local schools. Interested in connecting students and teachers with the resources they need to be successful in the classroom and life?
Reach out to [email protected].