Posted on October 13th, 2016 by
Thomas E Kennedy
Education Foundation Coupons For Classrooms Campaign
Last year’s Citrus County Education Foundation ‘Coupons For Classrooms’ campaign raised over $50,000 whihc went directly back into the classroom their the CCEF Mini Grants program.
The CCEF is currently selling the “Coupons For Classrooms” coupon books through 10/22/16. The books are available through all school sites and also through Bernadette Salmaggi in Educational Services at the District Services Center, (352) 726-1931 ext. 2321.
The price for these coupon books are $25 each. The book features an online app that gives the option to use digital coupons. These are nationwide savings, and can be used throughout the US! Approximately 80% of our local businesses have opted to use the digital coupons as well as the book. If you are using the digital app and do not find a local coupon, they are not able to use the digital coupons yet!
Below is a digital sample copy of the Coupon book:
https://issuu.com/savearound/docs/citrus_county_fl?e=18348958/30511381
Please support this great campaign and thank you to the Citrus County Education Foundation work raising funds for Citrus County Schools!
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Filed under: Blog Posts, News & Updates
Posted on October 11th, 2016 by
Thomas E Kennedy
Royal Unity Walk
Walk against Bullying
Join us on Wednesday, October 19 at 4 PM-5:30 PM at the The Old Courthouse, Inverness for the second annual Citrus County’s Unity Day ans Walk to “Take a stand against bullying!”
This year will honor Sheriff Phil Royal and we will be joined by Mrs. Royal.
Don’t forget to Wear Orange!
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Filed under: News & Updates
Posted on October 10th, 2016 by
Thomas E Kennedy
CCEF partners for low cost Internet for students
Did you know about $9.95/mouth Internet Service?
Recently the Citrus County Education Foundation announced that it was partnering with CenturyLink, to provide secondary students with lowest cost internet service at their home. Shaunda Burdette, Executive Director for the CCEF shared that the Internet service rate would cost $9.95 a month. The program is called Century Link Internet Basics Program and can be reached by the web or toll free at (866)-541-3330.
The CCEF hopes that this discounted service will help ensure that students have access to valuable and essential educational resources available on the internet.
A flyer on this program can be download at: http://www.centurylink.com/assets/pdfs/CIB%20General%20Campaign%20Flyer.pdf
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Filed under: News & Updates
Posted on October 6th, 2016 by
Thomas E Kennedy
Schools Closed Friday
Citrus County Public Schools closed Friday due to Hurricane Matthew.
It is projected that there will be 40 mph winds and gusts 55-70 mph strong winds. Superintendent Sandra “Sam” Himmel shared that Lecanto Primary School will be opening Thursday afternoon as a shelter.
The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office said that Citrus is expected to have tropical storm force winds through much of the day Friday, starting at around 7:00 a.m.
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Filed under: News & Updates
Posted on September 9th, 2016 by
Thomas E Kennedy
No Makeup for Recent Storm Days
On Thursday, September 8th, 2016, Superintendent Sandra “Sam” Himmel announced that the Citrus County School District has verified with Florida Department of Education officials that Citrus County Schools will still meet the annual requirement of 900 hours of instruction, without having to make up the two days of school missed as a result of Hurricane Hermine. The school Principals have been consulted and believe the loss of two days at this point in the year will not have a tremendous negative impact on our students’ learning.
Therefore, the Superintendent under her authority granted by State Law has made the decision to waive these two days. This will not adversely impact any employees pay. Superintendent Himmel shared if staff has any questions to please speak with their immediate supervisor or the Human Resources Department at 352-726-1931 ext. 2295.
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Filed under: News & Updates
Posted on September 1st, 2016 by
Thomas E Kennedy
Post-Election
The ½ Penny for Schools Sales Tax did not pass with 45.24% voting “For” and 54.76% voting “Against”. I want to thank the many, many people who worked so hard to share about the real need for this funding to replace the great reduction in capital educational funding. Just today The Tampa Bay Times shared an article on how Citrus County Schools is not alone in the challenges for funding educational capital needs. (see story: https://t.co/xeIy2fKI6C)
Why this school referendum didn’t pass can be attributed to several things, but doesn’t change the fact that in the end not enough voters supported replacing the funding. I am frustrated by those that shared misinformation or perpetuated misinformation about the referendum and the great funding needs we have, along with the enormous reduction in educational funding. Their actions will result in a negative impact on our students and schools.
I cannot put this gently—this is going to be a difficult road ahead. We will find a way through this, but not without having to make even further reductions. Over the coming weeks and months, the superintendent and the school board will continue refining our 1-3-5-10 year capital improvement plans. Even after refining our capital needs and funding we will have to now turn to our general fund to meet our capital funding needs.
I must be frank that we will be having to make some very tough decisions. The challenge lies in how we balance meeting educational requirements, new and future state mandates, provide raises for employees, address growing maintenance/construction needs, while all the while trying to lessen the impact felt in the classroom and on our students. In the past the superintendent and school board have been able to minimize the effects in the classroom and have tried to not reduce services. I am not sure that will be possible unless something drastically changes. We have far too many needs and mandated requirements compared with the funding we receive.
We will continue to advocate for the needs of our students and classrooms. We will always be putting students first in the decisions we make. They are the sole reason our schools exist. We have a responsibility to not fail them. I have much confidence in our superintendent and school board and our local educational leaders making the best decisions for our students’ and schools’ future.
Please continue to share with those that will listen the true challenges associated with the loss of educational funding. Support those who are in office who support our students and schools. Use your power as voters to elect those that support our students and schools. Lastly we must continue to speak out and communicate to our elected state leaders that their educational reform movement of mandated over-testing and underfunding to our students and schools must stop!
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Filed under: News & Updates
Last year’s Citrus County Education Foundation ‘Coupons For Classrooms’ campaign raised over $50,000 whihc went directly back into the classroom their the CCEF Mini Grants program.
