This is such a worthy program! TEK

Pictured, from left: affiliate members Rhonda Lestinsky, Jane Tessmer, Diane Perkins, Regina Brinkman and Pam Cleary; Debbie Lattin of Citrus County Harvest, and affiliate members Bob Ringo, Susan Troy, Sara Fitts, Jennifer Duca (chairwoman) and Jerry Brinkman.

Debbie Lattin accepts a check in the amount of $2,600 from the 2010 Realtor Affiliate Committee for Citrus County Harvest’s “Blessings in a Backpack” program. This is a program that bridges the meal gap for students on free- and reduced price

meal programs from the time they leave school on Friday until they return to school on Monday, providing three meals each day on Saturday and Sunday. These funds will help support their initiative at Hernando Elementary School and Homosassa Elementary School.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK…

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Filed under: News & Updates

On January 10, 2011, I attended a School Advisory Enhancement Council at the Renaissance Center.  The Renaissance Center  is an alternative education facility for middle and high school students in Citrus County.  The curriculum at The Renaissance Center  meets the Sunshine State Standards and participates in the Citrus County Public Schools instructional time lines.

I was pleased to see three sets of parents and students attend the meeting.  Briget Brothers, the high school reading/physical education teache,r presided over the meeting.  Ms. Brothers shared about the quarterly  Renaissance  student awards.  These awards are positive motivational incentives for students.  I have had the privilege of attending these awards ceremonies and it is always a positive time for students and families.

Renaissance’s new guidance counselor, Mr. Timothy Hall, spoke about how Renaissance recognizes the needs of its  students are always evolving.  He shared that the guidance department has a flexible response to the changing needs of this population. Mr. Hall talked about some of these initiatives and highlighted  what they are doing to address them.  One of the initiatives is the Social Personal Class.  For the guidance counselor the challenge becomes how to provide valuable information to the students without compromising instructional time. He explained that the social personal class provides an opportunity for students to have structured time where they can engage student services personnel. Students in this class become familiar with the resources and support services designed to address their unique needs. Students are encouraged to take an active role in their own success plan. Some of the  topics that are addressed in this class are: What are the ramifications for failing to receive a high school diploma? How can I use my earlier successes as the foundation for future growth? If I am behind on my academic credits, what will be the best method for me to make up or recover these credits?  To help answer some of these questions, Mr. Hall has some students taking the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery which will be given on Jan. 18th, 2011.  Mr. Hall will also bring students to Job Corps and the College of Central Florida.

I am always so impressed when I spend time at  the Renaissance Center, not just with the faculty, staff and educators (who are impressive) but also with the students who, while  struggling  in different areas, are making  positive efforts to be better and more successful.

Related Links

• Renaissance Center
• Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery
• Job Corps
• College of Central Florida

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Supporting the Academic Excellence of Gifted Children

With Dr. Patricia Gatto- Walden

FREE Parent Workshop with Dr. Patricia Gatto- Walden sponsored by Working on Gifted Issues and the Exceptional Student Education Department.

February 5, 2011 at Citrus High 8:30 am to 12:00 pm in the cafeteria

• If a child is gifted and evidences advanced capability, why doesn’t (s)he perform well?

• Grades do not seem to motivate him, what will?

• My child will not do homework, so teachers do not believe (s)he is so smart. What can I do to help?

• My child gets so nervous about tests and essays and then waits till the last minute to prepare, how can I help with this procrastination?

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