Franklin-Simpson Educational Excellence Foundation

Individual Learning Plan Student/Parent Workshop funded

Community Education and the Franklin Simpson Middle School will be hosting an Individual Learning Plan Workshop for parents and students on Tuesday, November 10th.  The FSEEF will be cosponsoring the event with their contribution of $220.  The goal of this workshop is to teach parents and children how to use the interactive, web-based Individual Learning Plan to its fullest capacity.  The program consists of learning inventories, career interest surveys, education planning tools, college information, etc.  For more information on the ILP workshop, contact Robin Hollingsworth, Community Education Director at 270-586-3089 or visit the Simpson County Schools website at www.simpson.kyschools.us. 

Simpson-Lincoln Academic Team receives funding

Congratulations to the Simpson-Lincoln Academic Team coached by Marschelle Sekora and Sarah Tucker.  They received $250 toward their year's expenses from the FSEEF.  We look forward to hearing great things from this group of academically talented students.

Adult Education proposal funded

Simpson County Adult Education has seen an increase in enrollment since the downturn in the economy.  Many adults are sharpening math, reading and writing skills in order to perform well on various pre-employment assessments while others are returning to class to pursue their GED's.  Given that many of these GED candidates are currently unemployed, SCAE Director Kay Drake proposed partnering with the FSEEF to offer partial scholarships to those GED candidates who cannot afford the increased testing fee.  The FSEEF is proud to set aside $1,000 in its Voucher Incentive Program (VIP) to assist these individuals who are trying to lay a strong foundation for their futures.  It is our pleasure to assist Simpson County Adult Education with this scholarship program!

FSMS Band to Purchase New Instruments

The Franklin-Simpson Middle School band will soon be marching to the sound of a new drum--no make that HORNS!  The FSEEF awarded FSMS band director Scott Ragland with $6000 to purchase new instruments for the middle school band.  The band has grown dramatically in the past couple of years, so it is our privilege to ease their growing pains with new instruments.  Look for the FSMS band in the HOMECOMING parade and at their various seasonal concerts.

SUMMER DONATIONS

Over the summer of 2009, the FSEEF provided donations to the following organizations to assist with their various projects:  Boys and Girls Club $200, F-S Cheer Boosters  $200, Quarterback Club $400, F-S Golf Boosters $200, and Business & Professional Women's Fill the Pack program $500.  We wish each of these organizations a very successful year!

New Technology for FSHS English class

In an effort to make English more relevant to FSHS English students, Mrs. Jan Swisher introduced blogging into her English classroom using the Mac notebook.  Students bought into this "trial run" leading Mrs. Swisher to request a Mac notebook and document camera for her English classes.  The FSEEF board is pleased to present Mrs. Swisher with $2,200 to implement this project long term and remain on the "cutting edge" of English instruction.  Congratulations, Mrs. Swisher!!

Lincoln Elementary Receives $700

Mrs. Amanda Hughes, special education teacher at Lincoln Elementary, received $700 to initiate a video modeling program within her special education classes.  Highly researched and proven effective for students with autism, video modeling is a repetitive behavior modification process that focuses on appropriate behaviors/responses to social stimuli. FSEEF is pleased to provide Mrs. Hughes with the funds needed to begin this program.

FSHS Math Department Awarded Grant

At the request of Robin Fowler, FSHS math department, the FSEEF board of directors awarded $5,000 for the purchase of document cameras and Smartview technology.  Both of these technologies can be used in conjunction with the Intelligent Classroom already installed at the high school to enhance student learning.  The document cameras will provide students with an immediate, digital view of student work and replaces the traditional overhead projector.  Smartview technology will allow teachers to demonstrate use of graphic calculators on the screen as well as immediately providing the student with graphic information.  Congratulations to the FSHS math department!  We look forward to seeing this technology in place soon.

LINCOLN ELEMENTARY PLAYGROUND FUNDED

The Lincoln Elementary PTO, administration and physical education teacher Lance Hamilton have worked diligently to bring a new playground to Lincoln Elementary--the first in its history.  Historically, Lincoln Elementary students have utilized the city/county "mini-park" for recreational activities.  In an effort to provide students with an enclosed, safe, structured environment for play and recreation, Mr. Hamilton submitted a grant in the amount of $23,000 to FSEEF that would fund Phase 1 of the playground project.  The FSEEF board of directors fully funded this $23,000 proposal realizing the importance of physical activity and social opportunities for Simpson County's fourth and fifth graders.  But, the LIncoln supporters did not stop there!  Through their Picnic for a Playground community-wide effort, the PTO raised over $4,000 for the playground.  Watch our website for photos of the playground construction!  Congratulations to Mr. Hamilton and Lincoln Elementary!!!!

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB RECEIVES COMPUTER LAB

The Boys & Girls Club of Franklin-Simpson opened its doors to the children of Simpson County in early summer.  Programs are in place to address needs and interests of kids from age 6 to 18.  The Franklin-Simpson Educational Excellence Foundation awarded the BCG $10,000 to establish a computer lab that will not only access the internet and various Microsoft applications, but also will make implementation of National Boys & Girls Club programs possible.  Congratulations to the Boys and Girls Club of Franklin-Simpson.  We are proud to assist you with such a worthy program!