New Members

Florida ASCD would like to recognize and welcome all of the new members who have recently joined or renewed their membership with our organization.

 

Mona Potter, Brevard Linda Arnold, Broward Carolyn Kervin, Broward Jill Gensel, Broward Dominic Church, Broward Idali Medina, Broward Michele Sanders, Broward Stephanie Soricelli, Broward William Mitchell, Citrus Angela Howard, Citrus Beth Thompson , Collier Joyce Skaff, Duval Sharon Burnette, Duval Louis Turecky , Duval Jarik Conrad, Duval Laurie Flynn, Duval Mary Buchanan, Duval Tina Johnston, Duval Patricia Melvin, Duval Peggy Tucker, Escambia William Farmer, Highlands Thomas Maher, Indian River

Dave Kramek, Indian River Joe Flanagan, Martin Tom Albano, Miami-Dade Catheryn Weitman, Miami-Dade Edwin Oksanen, Miami-Dade Anna Humphrey, Miami-Dade Adrianne Leal, Miami-Dade Carlos Viera, Miami-Dade Susan Howard, Nassau Joyce Goldstein, Okaloosa Patricia Bowen-Painter, Orange Mary Agnew, Orange Patricia Fox, Orange Wylene Reed, Orange Jason Wysong, Orange Dennis Herron, Orange Laurie Zuelke, Osceloa Sharon Griffin, Palm Beach Jacqueline Perkins, Palm Beach Anna Tsambis, Pasco Suzanne Morgan, Pasco Cynthia Harper, Pasco

Pamela Hatton, Pinellas Richard Misenti , Pinellas Michelle Byrne, Pinellas Cheryl Engelschall, Pinellas Jan Lessard, Pinellas Doretha Jackson, Pinellas Joel McGuire, Polk Shaundra Schlapia, Polk Paul Stegall, Putnam Cary Hartzog, Santa Rosa Carolyn Reichard, Sarasota Gloria Armstrong, Sarasota Lenford Sutton, Sarasota Kristi Bordelon, Seminole Robin Dehlinger , Seminole Shirley Cashion, Seminole Michael Dresback, St. Johns Carla Moore, St. Lucie Mary Hoffman, St. Lucie Lynette Walker, St. Lucie Linda White, Volusia Jo Ann Daniels, Wakulla

 

Members in the News

Kaethe Perez, Pinellas County Schools, has been promoted to an Elementary Mathematics Supervisor. We are excited for Kaethe in her new adventure as a math supervisor. Good luck!

 

Have you had a recent event to share with others in Florida ASCD (like a job change, promotion, retirement, award or recognition received, unique travel experience, etc.)?  We would like to include your information in the next Electronic Dimensions. Send it to us: fascd@fascd.org

 

 

return to top

---

Florida ASCD Events

 

Board Meeting

At our board retreat on June 23-24, 2007 we convened at TECO/PATHS in Osceola County, the school where our former secretary Theresa Barrett worked. This was a great opportunity for the board to learn about the wonderful work that TECO/PATHS is doing for their students. The board members really enjoyed eating in the school's cafe!

 

At the meeting our treasurer, David Magee, reported on the current status of our budget. The board was very concerned about the increase in costs of everything Florida ASCD does and it was recommended that we increase our dues to $39. It was noted that the dues have not been increased in over 16 years, and now was a good time to make this adjustment. A report was also given on the audit that was conducted the evening before our board retreat, and the audit revealed that the books were balanced and all general funds are being utilized appropriately.

 

During our retreat, the board members broke up into committees to work on the duties of the committees that they have volunteered to work on. The committees gave a report to the board of the work they have conducted and plan to do in the future. An online message board has been set up for the board to utilize in furthering the communication between board members and committees in-between meetings.

 

Kim Pearson, Executive Director, reported that Andrea Johnson and Donna Wissenger have resigned from the board. She reported that these two board members have stepped down from their position for personal reasons. They were recognized for their contributions and dedication to Florida ASCD and will be sorely missed. It was also noted that Florida ASCD now has board member openings in regions I and II in Florida in Northern Florida. (For region breakdown please see: http://www.fascd.org/leadership.htm).

 

During the meeting Ralph Barrett, past Florida ASCD president passed the gavel to Shelia Windom current president. She recognized Ralph's contribution to Florida ASCD with an award for his service.

 

The remainder of the meeting was a collaboration between Shelia Windom and Gail Disckson (from ASCD) on our plans for the upcoming year. Gail shared with our board the upcoming events and topics that are a focus for ASCD and helped us to align our goals and plans to their philosophy.

 

 

Annual Conference

Registration for Florida ASCD's 48th Annual Conference is now open!  This year's conference theme is Reinventing Schools: An Extreme School Makeover. The conference is November 30, 2007-December 1, 2007 at NOVA Southeastern University in Orlando, Fl. The conference committee is busy going through all of the proposals submitted for speakers at the conference. This event is sure to be one you do not want to miss! Please visit www.fascd.org/2007_Conference.htm for more information about our conference as well as our registration page. Registration is limited, so please register early. Florida ASCD hopes to see you there!

 

Congratulations to Florida ASCD's New Vice President

Florida ASCD names Lenford Sutton as Vice President for 2007-2008. Our members voted Lenford to represent them as a leader for the next three years as he follows through the progression of our steps in the leadership roles. We ask you to join us in congratulating him!

 

return to top

---

Grants

Grants Reward Community Colleges Helping First-Generation College Students
The Met Life Foundation and Jobs for the Future invite community colleges to apply for the 2008 MetLife Community College Excellence Award. The award will honor two community colleges for their institution-wide commitment to helping low-income students, first-generation college-goers, and working adults enter and succeed in postsecondary education. Maximum Award: $30,000. Eligibility: community colleges across the United States. Deadline: August 31, 2007. http://www.jff.org/~jff/JFF_Pages.php?WhichLevel=3&lv1_id=3&lv2_id=32&lv3_id=39&ShowProject=2

The Disney Minnie Grants
The Walt Disney Company and Youth Service America are delighted to announce grants of up to $500 to help youth-led service projects. Teachers, and youth leaders that involve youth ages 5-14 in planning and implementing service projects are encouraged to apply. The deadline for submitting your application is August 30, 2007. Visit the website at http://ysa.org/AwardsGrants/DisneyMinnieGrant20072ndRound/tabid/244/Default.aspx
 

Grants to Spread Literacy & Love of Learning
Ezra Jack Keats Minigrant Program for Public Schools and Public Libraries supports educators, parents and children in their efforts to spread literacy and love of learning. Maximum Award: $500. Eligibility: public schools and libraries anywhere in the United States and its protectorates. Deadline: September 15, 2007. http://www.ezra-jack-keats.org/programs/minigrant.html

 

Grants to Mobilize Youth for Service-Learning and Community Service

Youth Service America is looking for organizations that will function as lead agencies for Global Youth Service Day (April 25-27, 2008), the largest service event in the world that mobilizes youth to identify and address the needs of their communities through service-learning and community service. Maximum Award: $2,000 GYSD planning grant and direct assistance and support from Youth Service America. Eligibility: Organizations that engage youth in service in one or more of the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, or the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Ontario, or New Brunswick. Deadline: September 17, 2007. http://ysa.org/GYSD/LeadAgency/tabid/177/Default.aspx

 

Book Donations to Literacy Programs in Small and Rural Low-Income Communities

The Pathways Within Roads to Reading Initiative donates books to literacy programs in small and rural low-income communities. Maximum Award: 200 books appropriate for readers age 0 to young adult; English only. Eligibility: 501(c)(3) organizations that run school, after-school, summer, community, day-care, and library reading and literacy programs; must have an annual operating budget of less than $95,000 (schools and libraries are exempt from this budget requirement) be located in an underserved community with a population of less than 50,000. Deadline: October 15, 2007. http://pwirtr.org/biannual.html

 

Adult Education Grants

The U.S. Department of Education Office of Vocational and Adult Education Ready for College: Adult Education Transitions Program will provide grants that support state and local efforts to increase the rate at which adults, aged 18 to 24, successfully complete adult secondary education and transition to postsecondary education. Maximum Award: $1,000,000. Eligibility: state educational agencies, local educational agencies, postsecondary educational institutions, and other public or private agencies, organizations, and institutions. Deadline for Notice of Intent to Apply: August 6, 2007. Deadline for Applications: August 27, 2007. http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/announcements/2007-3/072707a.html

 

return to top

---

Awards

 

Call for Entries to Recognize Schools Making Dramatic Improvements in Student Achievement

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) and the MetLife Foundation are calling for entries in the search for the nation’s top "Breakthrough Schools." Applicants should be high achieving middle or high schools, or schools that are making dramatic improvements in student achievement, whose best practices and outstanding results can inform other schools as they further their own improvement efforts. Honorees will be chosen based upon documented success in implementing strategies aligned with the three core areas of NASSP’s Breaking Ranks II publication. Those three areas are collaborative leadership; personalization; and curriculum, instruction and assessment. Maximum Award: $5000. Eligibility: middle and high schools with 40% or more students eligible for free and reduced priced meals. Deadline: September 28, 2007. http://www.principals.org/s_nassp/sec.asp?CID=66&DID=66

 

Awards Recognize School District Best Practices

American School Board Journal (ASBJ) is accepting nominations online for the 2008 Magna Awards through October 1, 2007. Presented in cooperation with Sodexho School Services, winners of the Magna Awards receive national recognition in a special supplement to ASBJ and are honored at a luncheon at the National School Boards Association's annual conference. Awards are handed out in three enrollment categories -- under 5,000, 5,001 to 20,000, and more than 20,000. Grand prize winners in each category receive a $3,500 cash award from Sodexho. Nominations this year are being accepted only online. For more information, call (703) 838-6739.

http://www.asbj.com/magna/

 

Fulbright Scholars

The Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad Program provides opportunities for overseas experience. The program is open to educators and administrators with responsibilities for curriculum development in fields related to humanities, languages, and area studies. Topics and host countries of the seminars vary from year to year.  All seminars are in non-western European countries. Seminars are designed to provide a broad and introductory cultural orientation to a particular country (ies). The program is geared towards those educators with little or no experience in the host country (ies) who demonstrate the need to develop and enhance their curriculum through short-term study and travel abroad.  There are ten seminars being offered for 2007 with 16 positions per seminar, subject to the availability of funds.  Seminars take place from late June to mid-August for a duration of four to six weeks. Please see information sheet for more details.

 

return to top

---

News Briefs

Study: EBooks may encourage reluctant readers
A multiyear study is testing whether ambivalent student readers may do better with electronic books. "Poor readers are more eager to use the eBooks," lead researcher Richard Bellaver said. "If we can get one student in 100 to start reading just because of the novelty of the eBook, it's a great advantage." http://www.eschoolnews.org/news/showStoryts.cfm?ArticleID=7294

Teenagers support 'green' schools

Pupils want their schools to use gathered rainwater. Pupils want their schools to use renewable energy sources and rainwater resources, a survey finds. The poll of 850 13 to 15-year-olds in England found 81% backed the use of these forms of energy in schools. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/6913305.stm

Teachers earn classroom rewards for online student purchases
Teachers can earn up to $500 for their classrooms when their students purchase school supplies from OfficeMax online back-to-school shopping lists. Teachers get $10 for the classroom for every $100 in student purchases.  http://www.internetretailer.com/dailyNews.asp?id=23125

Richard Ellenburg Announced as the Florida Department of Education/Macy's 2008 Teacher of the Year
Education Commissioner Jeanine Blomberg and Macy's Chairman and CEO Julie Greiner last night announced Richard Ellenburg as the Florida Department of Education/Macy's 2008 Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made during a ceremony hosted by Emmy Award winner Debra Norville at Hard Rock Live! at Universal Studios CityWalk in Orlando. Ellenburg is a Science teacher at Camelot Elementary School in Orange County. "It is my honor to recognize Richard Ellenburg as the 2008 Department of Education/Macy’s Teacher of the Year," said Commissioner Blomberg. "Richard’s commitment to student success embodies the finest example the education profession has to offer." For more details, visit http://www.fldoe.org/news/2007/2007_07_13.asp

 

The Quick & Easy Guide to School Wellness

Healthy Schools Campaign and School Health Corp. are pleased to announce the release of "The Quick & Easy Guide to School Wellness", a multimedia how-to guide filled with comprehensive information, practical advice, tools and resources. "We want people to understand that they have the power to make their school wellness policy work, to really change things for the better," said Jean Saunders, director of school wellness for the Healthy Schools Campaign. "It doesn't have to be overwhelming. This guide brings together the most important resources in one place and makes it easy to create healthy change one step at a time." http://healthyschoolscampaign.org/campaign/wellness/index.php

 

return to top

---

ASCD Connections

 

Calling for New Voices
Want your innovative ideas, perceptions, or insight about education to be heard in a forum recognized locally, nationally, and around the world? Starting in October, ASCD Express, the online newsletter for the organization's digital membership, seeks to feature a brief 200- to 300-word opinion column from up-and-coming educators with a diversity of viewpoints. An ASCD blog post provides a list of the themes, and information on how to submit your column idea or completed column. View the post at http://ascd.typepad.com/blog/2007/07/calling-for-new.html

 

Summer Homework: Ask Questions, Be Heard, Learn More, Do More
Our summers are filled with exploration and inquiry, action and discovery, while too many of our school days are filled with memorization and lecture, boredom and repetition. This summer, ask questions, like those in the Grade Your School and Community tool. Learn more about how you can ensure that all kids are healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged by visiting the Resource Clearinghouse. Do more to make sure that summer isn't the only time of year we support whole children. Grade Your School and Community at http://www.wholechildeducation.org/grade/.

 

Annual Conference

Make plans now to attend  ASCD's annual conference in New Orleans, March 15-17, 2008. The conference theme is "Reinventing Schools: Courageous Leadership for Positive Change." Pre-conference institutes are available for registration now.

 

return to top

---

Contact Us

 

Florida ASCD Electronic Dimensions is published as the newsletter of Florida ASCD, publishing announcements, coming events, awards, short articles and items of interest for and about Florida ASCD members.  Items for publication should be sent to Florida ASCD headquarters at the address below. Views expressed are not necessarily the official position of Florida ASCD. Any product announcements appearing in Florida ASCD Electronic Dimensions are paid advertisements. They do not reflect an endorsement by Florida ASCD.

 

Please send comments, articles, announcements, and suggestions for future topics to the Editor:

 

Kim Pearson, Executive Director, Florida ASCD

11225 Kapok Grand Circle

Madeira Beach, FL 33708

727-871-1112

fascd@fascd.org

www.fascd.org

 

 

return to top