Hillsborough Education Foundation - December Enewsletter

In its 20 year history, the Foundation has sought ways to support the students, teachers & schools in Hillsborough County. As the needs have changed, so have the areas of support. We're very pleased to announce a new initiative - our School Enrichment Program. Often students, teachers, and schools need help in specific focus areas such as: literacy, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math), civics, arts & culture, etc. We have a variety of programs already implemented in the schools (such as Hillsborough Reads, Classroom Grants, and the School Excellence Initiative) to assist in these areas. Now we can focus our community efforts in those areas where need is the strongest.

While we will work on all of the areas mentioned, we will focus our initial efforts on literacy and STEM. These have considerable potential for help in areas the district considers critical to student achievement. Chris Smith, a member of the Foundation's Board of Directors, has taken over as Chair of our School Enrichment Committee and is joined by a dedicated group of individuals who will help us make this a success. Stay tuned for more and please visit us online to learn more about the Foundation's current work with these issues.

"Shopping For Excellence In Education"

Thanks to the efforts of D.J. & Laurie Johnson, the holidays were a bit brighter for the Hillsborough Education Foundation this year. The couple worked with Deborah Kent's, an up-scale South Tampa boutique, to host Shopping for Excellence in Education on December 11th. The 4-hour event was a great success in raising money and awareness for the Foundation. Guests enjoyed hors d'oeuvres and other refreshments while browsing designer fashions and student art. The evening also featured door prizes and a silent auction. All proceeds from ticket sales and the silent auction benefited the Foundation.

The Hillsborough Education Foundation would like to thank Deborah Kent and the boutique's dedicated staff for a festive and enjoyable evening.

Nature's Classroom

We are pleased to announce Phase III is complete! The construction on the new animal habitats is finished and all animals are officially moved into their new homes. The move went very smoothly and the animals are happy with their larger, more natural surroundings.

The old habitat area was demolished and is now being prepared to be used for the planting of natural vegetation and instructional garden areas. In early 2009, we will host a Rededication of Nature's Classroom to celebrate the completion of this project! The Foundation would like to thank The Beck Group and their subcontractors, who so graciously contributed to the construction.

Blue present

Pictured above: An American Alligator enjoys his new habitat at Nature's Classroom.

Education Night With The Tampa Bay Lightning

The Wednesday, November 26th Tampa Bay Lightning game against the New York Rangers was designated Education Night. A portion of the proceeds from all discounted ticket packages sold to that night's game went to the Hillsborough Education Foundation. This promotion scored a total of $1,775 for the Foundation.

The Hillsborough Education Foundation would like to thank the staff and supporters of the Lightning Foundation for their continued generosity and support.

Surprise Patrol - Finalists Named!

Thursday, December 18th was a special day at eight schools in Hillsborough County. These schools were visited by the Hillsborough Education Foundation's Surprise Patrol and, before a cheering audience of students, fellow teachers, and principals, eight exceptional teachers learned they are a finalist for the 2009 Teacher of the Year Awards.

The Foundation is pleased to honor teachers for their inspiring efforts towards the education of Hillsborough County students. We would like to offer our congratulations to all 222 Teachers of the Year as well as this year's finalists:

Suzanne Huopalainen of Chamberlain High
Megan Allen of Cleveland Elementary
Charla Kerwin of Springhead Elementary
Debbie Loescher Mattox of Davidsen Middle
Jane Gucciardo of Martinez Middle
Stacey Schlarbaum of Burnett Middle
Darrell Frost of Just Elementary
Marschette Hunter-Lane of North Tampa Alternative

The red carpet will be rolled out on Monday, February 9th to recognize all of the finalists and nominees, and to name the 2009 Teacher of the Year. See the "Coming Events" for more information on attending this exciting evening.