U.S. Secretary of Education Praises United Way Education Program During Visit to Orlando

From left: U.S. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan; HFUW President and CEO Robert H. Brown; the rapper, Common; United Way Worldwide President and CEO Brian Gallagher; and Robert Velasco II, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service

During a recent visit to Orlando, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan spotlighted the Interfaith School Turnaround Project (IFSTP) as a terrific example of how nonprofit organizations, such as United Way, can partner with other community groups to improve education.    

Duncan was in Orlando February 24 to launch Together for Tomorrow, a federal initiative promoting IFSTP and similar community-engagement models that are rallying public, private and nonprofit sector support for schools across the U.S.

Also attending the meeting were United Way Worldwide President and CEO Brian Gallagher, U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, U.S. Representative Corrine Brown, Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW) President and CEO Robert H. Brown, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and other local and national leaders.

Transforming Our Schools
“Community and family involvement can be the make-or-break factor in successfully turning around low-performing schools,” Duncan said during a town hall meeting held at Memorial Middle School, one of four Orange County public schools where IFSTP is being implemented. “Together for Tomorrow will provide real-life examples of how to effectively transform our schools and build a community-to-community support system that can help take this critical work to scale.”

Duncan also announced that the Orlando IFSTP project, one of six operating in leading U.S. cities, had become a full “demonstration site,” which other communities can now emulate in creating their own programs.

United Way Lead Agency
Based on HFUW’s efforts to improve education, it was chosen to lead the launch of IFSTP, which began last September. To date, more than 100 volunteers have been recruited to serve as tutors and mentors for at-risk students. Also assisting with the program are six VISTAs (Volunteers in Service to America) who are coordinating volunteers and serving as school liaisons.

Designed by the White House Committee on Neighborhood and Faith-Based Partnerships, the U.S. Department of Education and the Corporation for National and Community Service, IFSTP aims to improve students’ attendance, behavior and academic achievement. IFSTP is also a program of Orlando Cares, the City of Orlando’s Cities of Service initiative. In addition to the city, other local partners include Orange County Public Schools and numerous faith-based groups.

Greater Success Ahead
Following the meeting, HFUW President and CEO Robert H. Brown predicted even greater success as IFSTP is fully implemented over the next few years. “Together, through the passionate commitment of volunteers and others, we can help ensure that every student receives the quality education they deserve,” Brown said. “Heart of Florida United Way is extremely proud to support IFSTP. It’s an important part of our focus on education and helping children thrive from cradle-to-career and beyond.” 

To learn how you can volunteer and help support IFSTP, click here.

United Way is Lead Partner in White House & U.S. Department of Education Pilot

Robert H. (Bob) Brown, HFUW President/CEO, announces United Way's role as lead agency in a national interfaith pilot to improve children's literacy.

As part of our investment in education, Heart of Florida United Way is serving as the lead agency in an exciting new pilot that’s moving the needle on education at four Orange County public schools

Known as the Interfaith School Turnaround Pilot – or IFSTP, the launch was officially announced last week during a joint press conference with Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer who is supporting the pilot through the Cities of Service initiative known as Orlando Cares.

National Pilot
Designed by the White House Committee on Neighborhood and Faith-Based Partnerships, the U.S. Department of Education and others, IFSTP is being implemented at Memorial Middle School, as well as its three feeder elementary schools, Richmond Heights, Palmetto, and Catalina.

United Way, with support from six VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) representatives, has so far recruited more than 100 local faith-based volunteers who are working with students as readers, tutors and mentors. The goal: Improve children’s literacy skills, academic performance and behavior, while providing support to teachers and parents.

Improving Graduation Rates
IFSTP also supports United Way’s broader goal to improve graduation rates – locally and nationally ‒ in part, by focusing on early literacy skills.

“Research shows that for every 50 children who struggle to read in kindergarten, 44 will still have difficulty in third grade,” said Joan Nelson, United Way Vice President of Community Investment. “Without strong reading skills, these students typically fall further and further behind and eventually become four times more likely to drop out of high school.”

Creating Brighter Future
During the press conference, Robert H. (Bob) Brown, United Way President/CEO, urged greater community support of IFSTP. “Providing more books, improving family literacy and volunteering as reading buddies or tutors are all ways we can improve early reading success,” he said. “Through the passionate commitment of volunteers, we can create a brighter future for our students, our schools and community.”

Interfaith Volunteers
To date, the following interfaith-based organizations have committed to provide volunteers for IFSTP:  Congregation Ohev Shalom, Harvest Baptist Church, Haqq Mosque – Knowledge for Living, Koinonia Ministries of Central Florida, Love Covenant World Center, Muslim Women of Orlando, St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Summit Church, Team Brand New and the University of Central Florida (UCF) Muslim Student Association.

To get involved, please contact the United Way Volunteer Resource Center at (407) 835-0900 or e-mail volunteercenter@hfuw.org.

Stand Up Against Bullying: Three Events This Week Can Help Make a Difference

Ryan Halligan, 13, committed suicide following repeated bullying by his classmates. His father, John Halligan, is in Orlando this week to help parents, teachers and students prevent this from happening to other children.

Each year, approximately 2.7 million students are bullied by 2.1 million students who verbally, physically or emotionally abuse their classmates. In addition, nearly 15% of students who skip school do so because of a fear of being bullied. Even more alarming, a study by the Yale University School of Medicine found a distinct link between bullying and childhood suicide.

To help turn the tide on this serious problem, John Halligan, a Vermont father whose 13-year-old son, Ryan, took his life due to repeated bullying, is in Orlando this week to speak to parents, teachers, students and others.

Three free sessions, which will discuss the signs of bullying, cyber bullying, prevention and teen depression, will be held:

• Weds. Dec. 14, 7 p.m., Lyman High School, 865 S. Ronald Reagan Blvd., Longwood, FL  32750
• Thurs., Dec. 15, 7 p.m., Horizon Middle School, 2020 Ham Brown Rd., Kissimmee, FL  34746
• Thurs., Dec. 15, 7 p.m., Edgewater High School, 3100 Edgewater Dr., Orlando, FL  32804

The events are sponsored by the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida and are funded in part by the Community Investment Funds of the Community Foundation of Central Florida and Dr. Phillips Charities.

For more information, please call the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida at 407-628-0555.

United Way Partners with City of Orlando and OCPS in Innovative Pilot to Improve Local Schools

United Way staff and volunteers recently welcomed students back to Catalina Elementary, one of four local schools supported through a new program to improve students' academic achievement.

As part of its investment in education, United Way, in conjunction with the City of Orlando and Orange County Public Schools, recently launched an innovative program to move the needle on achievement at four local schools.

Known as the Interfaith School Turnaround Project (IFSTP), the initiative is a focused, community-centered effort to support students, parents and teachers in order to improve literacy skills, academic performance, behavior and civic involvement.

Early Reading Skills Affect Graduation Rates
“Research shows that for every 50 children who struggle to read in kindergarten, 44 will still have difficulty in third grade,” said Joan Nelson, United Way Vice President of Community Investment. “Without strong reading skills, these students typically fall further and further behind and eventually become four times more likely to drop out of high school.”

To combat this, United Way is recruiting hundreds of local volunteers from interfaith groups to tutor and mentor students at Richmond Heights, Palmetto and Catalina elementary schools, as well as Memorial Middle School.

Based on its efforts to improve education, United Way was chosen to serve as the lead agency for the pilot, which is part of the City of Orlando’s Cities of Service ORLANDO CARES initiative. The school program was designed by the White House Committee on Neighborhood and Faith-Based Partnerships, the U.S. Department of Education and the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).

In addition, six VISTA/AmeriCorps volunteers are helping coordinate the project thanks to funding and in-kind support from CNCS, Orange County Public Schools and other community partners.

Volunteers Needed
“This project is a great example of what United Way and our partners are doing to improve education, which is the single most important factor in determining that children grow up to do as well or better than their parents,” Nelson said. “Volunteering doesn’t require any special skills or large commitment of time, just a compassionate heart and a desire to improve the life of a child.”

Are you interested in becoming school volunteer? Click here to get started.

Dana Taylor of MIX 105.1 LIVES UNITED to Help Kids Succeed in School

Dana Taylor from MIX 105.1 reading to children

Yesterday I had the opportunity to attend a United Way Day of Action event at the Boys and Girls Club branch in Sanford, where we met up with Dana Taylor, co-host of  MIX 105.1’s popular morning show.

Dana first met with a group of 12-to 18-year-olds who were full of questions about how she began her career and became a successful radio personality.

A true pro, Dana encouraged the kids to read more, find out what it is they love to do, and then the set educational goals to achieve their dreams.   

In keeping with the event’s focus on improving children’s reading skills, she also spent time reading her favorite children’s book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, to a group of six- to nine-year-olds.

Day of Action, which takes place on June 21, is supported by United Ways across the country. This year’s event marked the start of a three-year goal to recruit one million volunteers to readers, tutors and mentors to help kids across America succeed in school and beyond.

To meet Heart of Florida United Way’s goal of recruiting 3,000 local volunteers, we need you to LIVE UNITED and join us in becoming part of the solution. Click here to take the pledge and learn how you can make a difference in our community.

Oscar Lindquist
Full Sail Volunteer
Heart of Florida United Way

Not sure what YOU can do to improve education? Start with one child

United Way Worldwide recently webcast a town hall meeting to learn more about the state of education in communities across the country.  Hosted by CNN’s Soledad O’Brien, the purpose of the event was to ask about the biggest challenges facing youth, especially those that are preventing them from obtaining a good education.

The meeting coincided with the release of “Voices for the Common Good: America Speaks Out on Education,” a report that documents the aspirations and concerns of everyday Americans who shared their opinions on what it will take for children to succeed in life.

One of the report’s most significant findings: People want to work together to improve education, but they don’t know where to start.

In response, United Way Worldwide is launching an initiative to recruit one million volunteer readers, tutors, and mentors over the next three years. It’s a huge undertaking, but one that has incredible potential for helping turn our educational system around ­– and improve the future for our children and nation.

That said, I’d like to share a story of how my own life was changed by a person who took an active interest in my education.

As a ninth grader, I attended a high school that could have very well been described as a “dropout factory.”  I was an “A” student, but not for the grades I worked to earn. Rather, I was a quiet student who did not give the teacher any trouble.

I remember sitting in French class one day when the teacher was overrun by loud and aggressive students. As she tried to keep control of the class, I continued keeping a low profile. At the end of the semester I earned an “A,” even though the only French I knew were the lyrics of old Labelle song, which under no circumstances would be considered appropriate for a child.

I mentioned to my mother and our next door neighbor—a former educator, no less—that if I went to college at that point, I’d probably flunk out.  Thanks to my neighbor’s concern and counseling, I was quickly whisked from my old school and enrolled in a new one where I had to work twice as hard just to catch up to the other students.

The point?  My experience shows how one person–in this case, my next door neighbor−got involved with one student–me−and changed the course of my life.  It could be just that easy for you to do the same.

That’s why we’re asking you to click here and take the pledge to become one of United Way’s One Million Volunteers. By clicking here, you can also search for meaningful opportunities to volunteer and make a difference right here in our own community.

Go ahead! Join the ranks and start with one child. You just might change a life forever.

JahKiya Bell, MNM
Director of Community Investment
Heart of Florida United Way

Florida Racing to Top in Education Reform

In case you missed the terrific news, Central Florida school districts recently learned they will benefit from Florida’s share of Race to the Top funding, which is likely to secure up to $700 million for the state over the next four years.

Funded through the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Race to the Top is a competitive grant program that encourages and rewards states that are implementing significant educational reforms in the areas of standards and assessments, data collection, teacher effectiveness and progress in turning around struggling schools.

Sixty-five of Florida’s 67 school districts—including all Central Florida districts—signed Florida’s Race to the Top application.

In a recent Orlando Sentinel article, Orange County Public School District Superintendent Ron Blocker said the funding would “not solve our economic woes,” but it would help pay for reform efforts that could not be accomplished otherwise.

Working out new evaluation and pay systems will be challenging, but Blocker said he was optimistic and eager to gather teacher feedback as that effort begins.

The article also reported that Florida intends to accelerate past reform efforts, with plans to:

• Increase the number of students who graduate from high school and go on to college
• Cut the achievement gap between white and minority students
• Improve the state’s performance on national achievement tests

While the results of Florida’s educational reforms will be months—even years—down the road, it’s evident that Race to the Top funding is a significant boost for fixing the state’s flawed educational system.

As United Way continues to seek new solutions for improving the health, education and well-being of children here in our own community, we’re excited about the news and are hopeful it will move our students closer to the head of the class.

JahKiya Bell
MNM Director
United Way Community Investment

Turn Out to Support Children — Sept. 14 “Milk Party” Rally Sends Powerful Message

“How are the children?” is a traditional greeting of Masai warriors, with the requisite response being, “All the children are well.”  But if Central Floridians posed the same question to one another, would we truthfully be able to respond in kind? 

The reality is that if the state of Florida were given a report card on how it invests in children, it wouldn’t want to show it to its parents.  The Policy Group for Florida’s Children and Families highlighted the following dismal numbers in a recent reported entitled “Investing in Florida’s Children: Good Policy, Small Economics”:

• We have the 2^nd highest number of uninsured children in the nation (822,000 or 19%) versus a national average of 11%. 
• Our child abuse rate is more than double the national rate (29.6 vs. 12.1 per thousand) and we rank 41^st in child abuse deaths. 
• We rank 34^th out of the 38 states that fund pre-k programs, and we are the only state in the nation to actually decrease funding for pre-K programs 2 years in a row.

The children in Florida — our children — are not well.  But if you’re unhappy about the numbers, there is something you can do about it. 

Plan now to attend the Central Florida Milk Party Rally on Tuesday, September 14^th at the Dr. P. Phillips High School Performing Arts Center (6500 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando, FL 32819) from 6:30- 7:30 p.m. 

Organized by the Children’s Movement of Florida,  the group is lifting a page from Tea Party activists but with a twist: government should do more, not less, for children.

Let’s all turn out for the rally to show state and local leaders that we have the power to make the well-being and education of our youngest and most vulnerable citizens Florida’s highest priority. 

There will be family entertainment, appearances by local celebrities and movement leaders, a video presentation, take home gifts, as well as milk and cookies. This event is free and open to the public.  Bring your children, bring your co-workers, bring your friends.  Take a stand to ensure that all the children are well.

For more information on The Children’s Movement of Florida and about the current state of Florida’s children, please visit www.childrensmovementflorida.org.

Bridget Healy, MNM, MPA
Manager, United Way Community Investment

Time Magazine: By ninth grade, summer learning loss could be blamed for roughly two-thirds of the achievement gap separating income groups

Whether you call it “summer learning loss” or “the summer slide” the bottom line is this: our most vulnerable youth cannot afford up to 12-weeks of summer vacation with no access to educational experiences or learning opportunities. That is to say, this is the bottom line according to David Von Drehle as published in the August 2^nd issue of Time Magazine.

Up until the time I graduated from high school, I attended summer school every year. Did I want to? No. Did I need to? No. Did I have to? Yes, actually. As my mother succinctly explained it to me, “You’re going to summer school to stay ahead.” Her perception correlates with the message of Time Magazine‘s article “The Case Against Summer Vacation”. Simply put, “test scores show that all students’ learning skills improve at similar rates during the school year, but higher-income kids keep up the pace during the summer while lower-income kids plateau or lose ground.” Want a visualization of why adding educational opportunities for lower-income youth to summer vacation is so important? Take a look at the Two Steps Forward video posted on YouTube by the National Summer Learning Association.

By no means is anyone advocating that we do away with the summer break in between school years. However, since summer school is no longer an option whether our youth want it or need, the information put forth by Time Magazine gives us even more impetus to work together in creating lasting solutions to increase educational competency and graduation rates. This article reminds us not to focus all of our attention on the school year, but to include opportunities that will occur over summer vacation as well. If the children are still our future, let’s teach them well (all year long) and let them lead the way.

Von Drehle, D. (2010, July 22). The Case against summer vacation. Time, retrieved from http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2005654,00.html

JahKiya Bell
August 10, 2010