The Council works with the Lenore Annenberg School Fund for Children by nominating schools for their annual award and acting as the fiscal agent for the award. Thus far, the Council has assisted three schools in the application process, and all received approximately $100,000. Requirements for the  award are that the school must serve a student population where at least 90% of the students receive free or reduced price lunch, and the project selected by the school must touch every child who attends.

For the school year 2009 – 2010, Lorah Park Elementary in Miami-Dade (Mattye Jones, Principal) received funding to bring hands-on science to all of the students. For 2010 – 2011, Principal Linda Klein of Broadmoor Elementary in Miami-Dade crossed the digital divide by bringing technology to all classrooms in the school. Also, Central Avenue Elementary in Osceola County (Rita Loeding, Principal) implemented an integrated curriculum focused on writing.

Lorah Park Elementary - 93% free/reduced lunch
The project was to create a state of the art science lab and provide hands-science instruction for all of the children. The school purchased two greenhouses, one for primary students and one for intermediate students so that the students would have the opportunity to study botany. Hands on science equipment including such things as microscopes, balances, skeletons, and grade level kits make science come alive for the children. Technology included as a part of the new science lab - an interactive white board and computers. An after school tutoring program for students having difficulty in science was also included. Books for the media center were also purchased.

Broadmoor Elementary - 93% free/reduced lunch
Broadmoor incorporated technology throughout the curriculum. An interactive white board was purchased for every classroom in the building, and teachers trained to utilize them with all subject areas. These were enhanced through the use of digital cameras and microscopes as well as student response systems. Other technology being utilized included Leapster in both reading and mathematics for younger students. Brainchild Study Buddy systems were utilized by older children. Brainchild and Leapster are used to reinforce classroom instruction.

Central Avenue Elementary - 100% free/reduced lunch
The project was to integrate reading and writing into all areas of the curriculum with a special emphasis on science and careers. This school also created a state of the art science lab and incorporated parental activities into their curriculum. Two mobile science labs were purchased in order to have utilization throughout the school and by all students/ Through the purchase of trade books, and materials for the media center, teachers were able to integrate all areas of the curriculum.

Three additional schools will be nominated for 2011 – 2012.

For additional information about this outstanding program, please contact:
Dr. Gail Quigley, Program Director