Science & Math Brought To Life

          Fuguitt Elementary students are benefiting from a hands-on, real-world, learning experience that has increased their interest in the field of math and sciences: a butterfly garden. Recently, Erin Macking, a Fuguitt Elementary teacher, received the Transamerica Incubator Grant from the Pinellas Education Foundation to build a full size butterfly garden. Students participating in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) program have been using their learned skills to plan and design a butterfly habitat. With the support of the STEM Solutions program, students in grade 1,2, and 4 will have the opportunity to design permanent butterfly habitats, care for larvae, see butterflies emerge from their chrysalis, upkeep host plants to house their butterflies, and based on their own data collections, write their own non-fiction book on the life cycle of a butterfly. As a result, Fuguitt Elementary is watching students’ science and math test scores  fly high.

Doorways/Take Stock In Children: Strides for Education 5K Walk/Run


   tAKE sTOn Saturday, November 19, 2011 many supporters of Pinellas County education came out to Eagle Lake Park and competed for a cause in our first annual Doorways/Take Stock In Children: Strides for Education 5k Race. By supporting the race, participants helped provide scholarships, mentors and hope to "at-risk"children. Special thanks to all donors and participants of our first annual Strides of Education 5k. 

The Foundation can't wait to see you next year!
Click here to view photos from the race.
Click here to view a video from the race.

Special Thanks to Race Sponsors:

 

Susi Crawford: Interior Design Career Profile

       

A recent PTEC graduate, Susi Crawford is now a successful interior decorating consultant, a volunteer at a Pinellas County middle school, and a mother of three beautiful girls, but she did not always know that interior design would be her career path. At one point, she was attending college for a degree in nursing. However, while there she never received hands on training. One day, her daughter was in an accident and needed nine stiches. The moment that Susi saw blood on her daughter’s foot, she knew that she wasn’t meant to be a nurse.
 

Read more about Susi's career here.

PEF 25 Year Anniversary Celebration Success

    The Pinellas Education Foundation celebrated 25 years of service to the students and teachers of Pinellas County on November 16th with a fabulous evening of delicious food, laughter and entertainment at the TradeWinds Island Grand on St. Pete Beach. Globally acclaimed jazz pianist Dick Hyman was a featured performer and corporate entertainer John Charles provided comic reflief throughout a program of tributes and spirited humor as Dr. Gus Stavros was roasted by community leaders, Bob McIntyre, Howard Hinesley, and Tom James. Over 400 supporters enjoyed roasting and toasting Dr. Stavros and celebrating the Pinellas Education Foundation’s 25 year milestone.

Click here to view more photos of the evening.