August 2009 Vol. 8, Issue 8
In This Issue
Upcoming Events
Good4U
Foundation in the News!
Teacher's Perspective
Cash4MyClass.org
Success Story
Campaign Contributors
Good4U / Good4Us
Thanks July Supporters
Get Involved!  

 
 

 
 
 
 
 The Hillsborough Education Foundation is the proud recipient of Charity Navigator's
highest rating,
4 stars! 
Upcoming Events 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SMPS Tampa Bay 2009 Bowl-A-Thon Fundraiser
August 31, 2009
5:30pm - 8:00pm
Pin Chasers
 
IT'S JUST DAYS AWAY!  Help SMPS raise money for Teaching Tools for Hillsborough Schools at the inaugural Bowl-a-thon!  Special guests will include Superintendent of Schools MaryEllen Elia, members of the Hillsborough County School Board, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Lightning players.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers School Supply Drive
Sept. 27, 2009 - 1:00
Raymond James Stadium
 
Watch the Tampa Bay Buccaneers take on the New York Giants and help students get school supplies!  Before the game, the Bucs will be collecting school supplies to benefit our Teaching Tools for Hillsborough Schools Program.
Good4U
Good4Us
Apples
 
Disney on Ice Presents Princess Classics
September 12, 2009
7:30pm
St. Pete Times Forum
 
Don't miss this magical evening with your favorite fairy tale princesses!  Disney on Ice Presents Princess Classics at the St. Pete Times Forum.  Receive an exclusive educational discount and get lower level seats for $14.75 each.  A portion of all tickets sold through this discount will benfit the Foundation.  Deadline to order is September 8.  Click here for the order form and more information. 
 
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Walking with Dinosaurs - The Arena Spectacular
October 14 & 17, 2009
7:00pm
St. Pete Times Forum
 
Watch the award-winning BBC TV series come to life in front of your very eyes in this spectacular theatrical event.  Take advantage of the exclusive educational discount and get your seats for just $20.75.  A portion of all tickets sold through this discount will benefit the Foundation.  Deadline to order is October 7.  Click here for the order form and more information.
Learn More 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hillsborough Education Foundation in the News!
 
Join our mailing list!
Note from the President
 
There seems to be more excitement this year around "Back to School" than most.  There has been a lot of attention drawn to programs helping teachers and students during tough economic times when they need a little more help.  We've been thrilled that Teaching Tools and the free supplies we provide through this program have been featured by Fox 13, the Tampa Tribune, St. Pete Times, and WEDU recently.  Additionally, we had more than 100 sites collecting school supplies through our Stuff the Bus campaign - what great community support!
 
We're also very excited that our district is one of 5 nationwide to be a finalist for a significant investment by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  Gates' goal is to improve teaching and learning through significant school reform on a district-wide basis.  They have provided consultants for the last several months to work with the district and community to determine the best avenue to improve student performance.  As a result of that proposal, the Gates Foundation is considering investing $100 million in Hillsborough County over the next seven years to help establish Hillsborough County Public Schools as a model school district.  Stay tuned, the final decision will be made in October!
From a Teacher's Perspective: iResponds 
 
With a grant from the Hillsborough Education Foundation, Lowry Elementary was able to upgrade the learning experience while staying environmentally friendly!
 
Our school used our grant award to purchase iRespond devices for every intermediate classroom in grades three through five.  They make it a lot easier for teachers to grade, which means more time for learning.  The students are given a remote keypad which they use to respond to questions, and can pace their understanding.
           
"The iResponds are helpful for taking a test.  They are better than writing with your hands," says one student.  These systems provide each student with instant individual feedback and enable us to immediately modify our lesson plans as needed.  The use of these devices make students excited to learn and keep them engaged during lessons.  I have never seen my students so excited to review for a test!
                                                ... Lowry Elementary Teacher
Let the Fundraising Begin! 
 
The Foundation is excited to announce the upcoming launch of its newest fundraising initiative, Cash4MyClass.org.  Through this site, powered by the Friends Asking Friends network, participants will spread the word about the Foundation's School Enrichment initiative and help raise money to fund the programs it encompasses.
 
Creating teams and setting fundraising goals bring the spirit of friendly competition to this new fundraising activity.  The site also features a monthly success story, highlighting the benefits of the School Enrichment programs.  For more information and to become involved in cash4myclass.org contact Shannon Sellards at (813) 231-1864. 
 
 
School Enrichment Success Story : Water World   
Claywell Elementary

"We loved it because it incorporated science, reading, writing, and art all together." - first grade teacher
 
First grade teachers at Claywell Elementary took a unique approach to teaching the different focus areas under the first grade curriculum during the 2008-2009 school year.  They developed an oceanic project that encompassed all first grade subject matters and helped the students develop a greater awareness of the importance of protecting the environment.
           
The Water World project required the students to research oceans, ocean animals, water pollution, and water conservation. 
 
To find out more about Claywell Elementary's Water World, visit the Success Stories on the Foundation's website. 
Thank You!  Thank You!!  Thank You!!!
Faculty & Staff Educational Giving Campaign Supporters! 
 
With the start of a new school year, the Foundation would like to acknowledge all those employed with Hillsborough County Public Schools who contribute to the Faculty & Staff Educational Giving Campaign.  Your gift, no matter the size, plays a great role in supporting the programs that benefit our county's students and classrooms.
 
For a list of all contributors through May 2009 click here.
 
Good4U
Good4Us
 
We're very fortunate to have many partners who enjoy bringing special discounts and opportunities to our supporters.  The added bonus is a portion of the dollars raised per ticket comes back to the Foundation to support our programs!  We're delighted to share these special offers in a standing column (on the left) called Good4U / Good4Us.  Be sure to check them out.
Thank you to our July supporters! 
 
AOE Supply
Ashberry Water Conditioning
The Bank of Tampa
Bargain Computer Product
Center Place Fine Arts and Civic Association Inc.
Cinemas 10 & Imax Channelside
Circle at Crosstown / Mallory Square
Costco Wholesale
Covanta Hillsborough, Inc.
Troy D. Ely
Florida Laser Printer Service, Inc
Florida Obesity Surgical Associates
Fowler White Boggs P.A.
Frank Delgado, DMD and Christian Kamaris, DMD, MS
GPM, Inc.
Hill Ward Henderson
Hillsborough County Tax Collector
HYPE of Tampa Bay, Inc.
Kessler Consulting, Inc.
Susan M. King
Linda Lewis
Little Red Wagon Foundation, Inc.
Lodge at Lakecrest
Nielsen Media Research Global Technology & Information Ctr.
Nova Southeastern University
Maxine N. Offenbach
Planet Beach Contempo Spa
Diana R. Pollard
Raymond James Charitable Endowment Fund
Rays Baseball Foundation, Inc.
Republic Services of Tampa
Fred & Mary Sue Rothenberg
Samuel J. Salario
William Schwarz
Shriner's Children's Hospital
Sierra Foundation, Inc.
Thomas Sledd & Norma Figueroa
Slim Goodbody Corporation
Stephanie A. Stine
Tampa Bay & Company
Tampa Bay Lightning Foundation, Inc.
Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center
Tampa Convention Center
Tampa Theatre
The Tampa Tribune
UTEK Corporation
VALIC
William A. Gregory Jr. Foundation, Inc.
Yale Lift Trucks of Florida and Georgia
We don't know the answers, because we're not asking the right questions [about education].  Microsoft founder Bill Gates at the National Conference of State Legislatures 
Sincerely,
 
 
 
Bill Hoffman
President
Hillsborough Education Foundation