OAKLEAF VILLAGE TEACHER AWARDED $5,000 GRANT FOR WORLD MUSIC INSTRUCTION
Paula Summers Named One of Three Teachers in Florida As A 2016 Fund for Teachers Fellow

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. May 16, 2016 --- Paula Summers, a music resource teacher at Oakleaf Village Elementary, was recently named a 2016 Fund for Teachers Fellow – one of only three recipients from Florida. With her $5,000 FFT grant, Summers will participate in a World Music Drumming workshop in Leesburg, VA, to obtain Level One certification and bring this curriculum back to her elementary music students next year. The five-day workshop focuses on learning the basics of African and Caribbean drumming, singing, and moving and includes large group teaching, small group interaction/micro teaching, and time playing and improvising in small ensemble settings.

Summers’ learning will support a new afterschool drumming club she established this year, as well as all of her preK-5 students and perhaps even students’ parents.

“Most people know that music education is associated with increased academic achievement; studies repeatedly show that students with high levels of arts participation consistently outperform others in virtually every area,” said Summers. “This opportunity to be with music colleagues and discuss teaching settings, programs and ideas will be a wonderful thing indeed.”

Summers is among 500 FFT grant recipients from across the country who were awarded approximately $1.8 million for experiential learning that impacts student achievement after submitting their unique ideas for relevant professional learning.

About Fund for Teachers

Fund for Teachers is a national program that enriches the personal and professional growth of preK-12 teachers by investing in their ideas for relevant learning that has the greatest impact on their careers, students, and school communities. Since 2001, Fund for Teachers has invested approximately $26 million in self-designed fellowships of more than 7,000 preK-12 teachers across the United States, changing their role from knowledge takers to knowledge makers. Fund for Teachers believes the answer to effective teaching lies in trusting teachers to identify gaps in their learning (and/or their students’) and providing grants to make the learning happen.

Graduating Ridgeview High student doesn’t miss a day

ORANGE PARK – He was tardy twice in his K-12 education, but Darrius D’Angelo Suggs never missed a day of school.

During his high school years at Ridgeview High, Suggs was a member of the Beta Club, FBLA, Student Council and took part in the Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy. He was also on the Homecoming court last fall.

Beginning June 27, Suggs will attend the University of South Florida.

Franklin graduates from Hampden-Sydney College

HAMPDEN-SYDNEY, Va. – A Fleming Island resident was among the 236 men who graduated May 8, at commencement exercises marking the end of the 241st academic year at Hampden-Sydney College.

Austin Fleming graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics. He is the son of Anthony and Deidra Franklin of Fleming Island.

U.S. News & World Report Hampden-Sydney – a private college for men – in the top tier of liberal arts colleges. The college is known for its liberal arts curriculum, the honor code which stresses individual and collective responsibility and a focus on the education of young men.

Clay residents graduate from Florida Gulf Coast University

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Two Clay County residents recently graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University.

Claire Grewe of Orange Park graduated with a master of arts from the College of Education, while Ashleigh Calhoun of Orange Park completed a bachelor of arts from the College of Arts and Sciences

Florida Gulf Coast University is dedicated to providing student-centered learning environment that offers the highest quality educational opportunities for the development of the knowledge, insights, competencies, and skills necessary for success in life and work.

Clay principal presented ‘Shine Award’

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A Clay County School District elementary school principal was among 10 Florida educators presented Shine Awards by Gov. Rick Scott on May 10.

The Shine Award is presented to teachers and administrators in Florida who make significant contributions to the field of education.

Sarah Lawson, principal of Lake Asbury Elementary School, is the 2015-2016 recipient of the Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership. She serves on the Professional Development Advisory Council for the district’s 41 schools in her county.

“I am proud to recognize 10 of Florida’s top administrators today for their outstanding leadership in schools and districts across our state. Their hard work and commitment to students and teachers help make sure our state offers the highest quality education possible,” Scott said.

Teachers union dedicates new building

MIDDLEBURG – After years of leasing office space, the union that represents Clay County teachers has its own building.

The Clay County Education Association officially dedicated its new building located at 3798 Old Jennings Road on May 12 where its members surprised union President Renna Lee Paiva with a plaque to adorn the building lobby.

Members thanked Paiva and her leadership for buying the building and said the purchase would not have been possible without her leadership.

CCEA had previously leased office space at 2823 Bolton Road near Orange Park.