HCPS FL Logo Community Relations
Information Item
DATE: Tuesday, February 7, 2017
TO: School Board Members
FROM: Jeff Eakins, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Recognition of the Safety Seat Belt, "Battle of the Belts" Campaign sponsored by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and GEICO Auto Insurance (Community Engagement, Outreach & Philanthropy)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Battle of the Belts campaign organized by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Community Outreach Division, in partnership with the district, is run by school resource officers at all high schools to increase safety belt use by our teenage drivers and passengers.  High schools competed in three categories: Best Poster, Best Public Service Announcement Video, and Best Overall Challenge. This year marks the 6th annual competition which spans the last two months of the year to promote seat belt safety prior to winter break.  Each year a ceremony is held at the overall winning school. This year Gaither High School was the overall winner. Both quality and participation improved this year with 25 high schools competing.

Best Overall Campaign 1st Place: Gaither High School ($1,000);  2nd Place: Plant City High School ($500); 3rd Place: Riverview High School ($250)
Highest Percent Seat Belt Compliance 1st Place: Wharton High School ($700); 2nd Place Tie: Bloomingdale High School ($175); 2nd Place Tie: Gaither High School ($175)
Most Improved Percent Seat Belt Compliance 1st Place: Leto High School ($300); 2nd Place: Riverview High School ($150)
Best PSA 1st Place: Gaither High School ($500); 2nd Place: Plant City High School ($250)
Best Poster 1st Place: Leto High School ($300); 2nd Place: Jefferson High School ($200)
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Improve the high school graduation rate • Develop a culture of respect, trust, and collaboration • Engage and communicate with families and stakeholders • Demonstrate "best practices" in all aspects of safety: student, employee, visitor, facility, transportation, and health
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  No)
Revenue: $4,500 in total cash prizes were awarded to 8 7 district high schools.
EVALUATION
N/A
SUBMITTED BY:  MaryLou Whaley, Director, Community Engagement, Outreach & Philanthropy
Larry Sykes, Ed.D.   Dr. Alberto Vázquez
Assistant Superintendent, Outreach and School Improvement
(813) 231-1874		   Chief of Staff
(813) 272-4986
    C 13.08R
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20170207_806 (Board Meeting) * Section C Item# 13.08R