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In this edition of ConnectED:
- HCPS Graduation Rates Set a New Record
- Excellence in Education Awards - Meet Our Finalists!
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Jeff Eakins - Superintendent of the Year!
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New Way to Fund Classroom Grants
- Support Education with Newly Designed License Plate
- Tampa Bay Times - School Board Member Tamara Shamburger Reflects on 2018
- Emergency Relief to Gadsden County
- Change a Life - Mentor a Student
- Your Time Can Make A Difference at Achievement Schools
- HEF Spotlight - Joe Addison
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HCPS Graduation Rates Set a New Record
For the
fourth year in a row, graduation rates in Hillsborough County have
risen!
As partners with the District, we are very proud of the graduation rate now being at
85.8%
.
The increase in the graduation rate amounts to an astounding 1,055 more students earning a high school diploma, which highlights the determination of students and the dedication of teachers and staff who work with them every day.
The benchmark goal of Hillsborough County Schools is to raise graduation rates to
90% by 2020. In support of this, Hillsborough Education Foundation offers a variety of programs focused on ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed in the classroom and beyond.
For example, our
Take Stock in Children program offers at-risk students the opportunity to achieve by providing 1 on 1 mentorship, a college success coach, and the promise of a college scholarship upon high school graduation. Additionally, we offer a variety of life skills and career readiness
workshops, senior
scholarships,
funding for school and classroom projects, access to
free school supplies and more.
Congratulations to the administration, teachers and students!
Learn more about the new record
here.
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Excellence In Education Awards
Meet Our Finalists!
On Dec. 7th
, HEF staff & board members, school board members, HCPS leadership and sponsors came together to surprise each of the finalists for Surprise Patrol
. We are excited to announce the
13 finalists for the
Excellence in Education 2019 Awards! The
final contestants for each of the categories are as follows:
Teacher of the Year: Scott Hottenstein, Anne Smith, Dakeyan Graham, Nicole Bates, Jake Van Hise
Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year: Amalia Santiago, Tamon Williams, Sandra Misciasci, Unique Vernon
Instructional Support Employee of the Year: Le'Jean Miller, Barbara Maxwell, Jordan Harris, Aymee Mejias
Teacher of the Year Finalist, Nicole Bates during Surprise Patrol visit
To see the full album of pictures from each of the surprise visits, click
here.
Join us in celebrating
Excellence in Education on
Jan. 24th when we announce the winners of
Teacher of the Year,
Diversity Educator of the Year and
Instructional Support Employee of the Year!
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Jeff Eakins - Superintendent of the Year!
From left to right: HEF Board Member, Royce Reed; HCPS Superintendent Jeff Eakins; HEF President, Kim Jowell; HEF Board Member, Bob Graham; CFEF President, Mary Chance
On December 4th, Hillsborough County School superintendent, Jeff Eakins was recognized by the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations (CFEF) as the
Star Superintendent of the Year
.
Based on his unyielding commitment to the success of all students, along with his strong leadership and vision, HEF was proud to nominate him, and thrilled when he was announced the winner for this
12th annual award
.
Well deserved honor!
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New Way to Fund Classroom Grants
We are excited to announce the launch of our
new portal for classroom grant funding! This new design lists projects by
school name and category, so donors can easily select an area where they would like to make an impact.
The page hosts a wide variety of projects from literacy & character-development to the arts & STEM-related initiatives. Grants are available for every budget ranging from
$100 - $2,000
per program or project.
Be sure to check out this page on our
website to select one that you would like to support!
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Support Education With Newly
Designed License Plate
New tag design, same great cause
-
now available for purchase at your local tax collector's offic
e!
With each purchase or renewal of one of these
Support Education S
pecialty
plates, $20 goes directly back to support students and teachers in our community.
Be sure to get yours
HERE!
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Tampa Bay Times - School Board Member Tamara Shamburger Reflects on 2018
"...It gives me pride that we are preparing more students for post-secondary education, the military, or for careers enabling our graduates to provide for their families..."
Hillsborough County School Board member and newly elected Board Chair,
Tamara Shamburger
shared her reflections on 2018 with the Tampa Bay Times. Covering a number of areas, She expressed her gratitude for the passing of the referendum and excitement for what it means for the teachers and students of Hillsborough County.
Read the full article here.
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Emergency Relief to Gadsden County
After Hurricane Michael passed through the panhandle, the devastating effects were felt in its wake. Schools throughout Gadsden County suffered substantially and Hillsborough Education Foundation was happy to step in and offer support.
Roger Milton, Gadsden County Schools Superintendent recently expressed his gratitude in a letter to HEF saying, "The devastation of hurricane Michael left Gadsden County facing some challenges that many of our students, their families and our staff are trying to overcome... The school supplies that you donated to our school district for our students have assisted us tremendously during this recovery and relief period."
Following a natural disaster of that nature, it takes a united state-wide effort to begin the process of recovery. With education as our first priority, HEF is always eager to assist whenever possible, regardless of county lines.
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Change a Life - Mentor a Student
Looking for a way to give back?
Consider becoming a mentor to an HCPS middle or high school student!
Take Stock in Children pairs at-risk students with caring, responsible adults who will provide
emotional support and foster a
positive self-image.
Click here to view the areas of the county where we need mentors the most. Could be right near your job or home!
Just one hour of your time per week, can make a LIFETIME of difference!
To get matched with a student for the 2018-19 school year, contact Anna Laird
at
[email protected]
or (813)463-4283.
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Your Time Can Make A Difference At Achievement Schools
We love our volunteers and we couldn't do it without you!
In addition to the teaching tools store, HEF has joined the school district in support of its focus on the needs of Achievement Schools. As a result, we have a number of volunteer opportunities such as painting, planting gardens and reading to students, all helping to fill gaps at these schools where resources may not always be readily available.
To schedule a time to volunteer at an Achievement School or in the Teaching Tools Store, contact Samantha Gray
(813) 574-0260
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Joe Addision | College Success Coach
Responsibilities include: Working with students in the TSIC program to ensure readiness for life after graduation.
Who was your favorite teacher and why?
My 4th grade teacher Ms. Feather. I was not the smartest kid in 4th grade but she took the time and turned me into a student who showed high gains going into the 5th grade. She would stay after school and help me with nay subject I needed help with. She currently still teaches and I make it my goal to visit her every year in her classroom.
What was your first job?
Fitness Manager at Sports Authority
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
If I had a super power it would be to fly.
What was your most memorable vacation?
Paris! I had so much fun and met a lot of great people. Best part was visiting Normandy Beaches, the food and being able to see the Mona Lisa at the Louvre.
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www.educationfoundation.com
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