News from FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools
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  Celebrating 25 Years of Support for Volusia County's Public Schools
   FUTURES Education Foundation

Established in 1985 to increase business and community involvement in public schools and to provide programs and activities beyond the financial capabilities of the school district, the nonprofit foundation is the only organization that provides assistance to all public schools in Volusia County.
www.FuturesVolusia.org
Volusia County Schools
      Volusia County Schools


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Look for a new monthly column from FUTURES in each month's issue!


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Thanks for supporting Volusia County public schools for 25 years!
Upcoming Events
FUTURES is now organizing its calendar for the 2010-2011 school year.
You can find it first at FUTURES' new and improved website,

Thanks go to the more than 2,000 of you who have visited us online since January. Bookmark the FUTURES website and look for even more FUTURES news online in the coming months.


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What We'll Remember About FUTURES' Year

Greetings!

When Volusia County Schools ended its year on June 8, the FUTURES Foundation could look back at a year of accomplishment as well. A few of our memories from 2009-'10:
  • Thirteen high school seniors received college scholarships from Take Stock in Children, a FUTURES initiative that rewards high-achieving students who have successfully faced challenges. In addition, 13 incoming high school freshmen were selected for Take Stock. They will work with our Student Advocate  and will each have a mentor for their high school years.
  • Eighty middle and high school students from Volusia County public schools were recognized at the Turn Around program, part of FUTURES' dropout prevention strategy (see story, below).
  • In February, Kristy Kuches, a seventh-grade math teacher from Heritage Middle School in Deltona, was named Volusia County Schools' Teacher of the Year for 2011. She will serve as Volusia County's Teacher of the Year until February 2012, representing all of Volusia's teachers.
  • At the end of 2009, FUTURES awarded 103 Mini-Grants to Volusia County public school teachers. A total of $60,385 was granted to teachers in amounts ranging from $150 to $1,500. Over 25 years of community support, FUTURES has funded more than 2,200 such Mini-Grants, totaling $1,126,681, thanks to generous sponsors.
All contributions to FUTURES Foundation are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law, and the money stays in Volusia County. For more information, visit our website or call Beth Butera at (386) 255-6475, ext. 50730.
Turn Around Kids Hit Home Run at Cubs Game!

Daytona's CubbyAt a Daytona Cubs game on May 18, 80 middle and high school students from Volusia County public schools were recognized at FUTURES Turn Around program. The Turn Around program recognizes and rewards students for making significant improvement in their behavior, attitude, citizenship and grades.

Proud parents watched as their children were commended by their school principal and pre-game announcements offered congratulations. Two Turn Around students were selected to throw out the first pitches and all students and their families enjoyed a meal and the game.

Thank you, Daytona Cubs, for supporting FUTURES!
Volusia County Schools Maximize Their Mini-Grant Funding

Davis SignFUTURES has awarded over $1.1 million to Volusia County teachers to fund classroom projects during its 25 years. This year George Marks Elementary in DeLand and New Smyrna Beach Middle School each received six Mini-Grants.

Four Mini-Grants went to teachers at the relatively new Champion Elementary School in Daytona Beach. Their projects are a sampling of the rich variety of proposals FUTURES fields each year:

"Championologists": Rowann Hoy and Kathleen Roam requested $579 to turn third-, fourth- and fifth-graders into expert scientists in just five months. Teams of student herpetologists (studying reptiles), ornithologists (birds) and dendrologists (trees) researched, examined and identified specimens in the school's wetland environment. They  then worked together to teach others about Champion's wildlife.

"Fun-ics: A Phonics Adventure": With $436 from FUTURES, Lynsey Glover helped students who were in danger of failing the FCAT and being held in third grade to improve their "decoding skills and fluency" by strengthening their knowledge of phonics. The school's PTA also pitched in $100 to buy the needed instructional materials.

"Paws ... itively Strong Kids From the Start": Using curricula called "Strong Start" and "Strong Kids," purchased with a $303 Mini-Grant, Jule Dedea, Jennifer Samar and Dr. Connie Sorice addressed negative behaviors at their school. They have found that children need instruction in coping skills and positive behavior just as much as they need to be taught math or reading skills.

"Teddy Bear Hugs": The local Build-A-Bear Workshop got involved with applicant Polly Hougham to help Champion students improve their writing skills and give other local children a little boost at stressful times. Forty third-graders at the school wrote stories to accompany bears that were passed along to city fire and police departments. In turn, officers and firefighters give the bears and stories to children in distress.