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Curriculum and Instruction
Action Item
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DATE: Tuesday, May 16, 2006
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Accept Grant Funds From Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County/Environmental Resources Management Division, to Continue to Develop Knights P.R.E.S.E.R.V.E. (Protecting and Rescuing Environmentally Sensitive Essential Resources in a Varied Ecosystem) - $35,253 (Curriculum and Instruction Division)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Knights Elementary School responded to a Request for Proposals (RFP) from the Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) of Hillsborough County/Environmental Resources Management Division to secure funds to continue the Knights P.R.E.S.E.R.V.E, a Project directed toward restoring a two to three acre area of forested (swamp and hydric hammock) and non-forested (marsh) wetland partially located on the school site. The work envisioned will establish an active, purposeful restoration of a three tiered forest which is being consumed by invasive species of flora, both native and exotic. This Project will provide long-term educational opportunities to study the interrelatedness of the ecosystem as well as the challenges of restoring that ecosystem.
The Project began in June 2005 and is projected to continue through May 2008. The total cost of the Project is set at $98,291 and is planned to be addressed in three planned stages as funding is secured. Knights Elementary School has been awarded $35,253 to continue this Project. Prior funding included $3,500 from Southwest Florida Water Management Division (SWFWMD) and CF Industries, Inc. providing $28,000 in in-kind services.
Progress made to date includes:
- CF Industries, Inc. has completed water testing.
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Completed an in-depth analysis of the existing ecological features of the targeted area, as well as a comprehensive plan for its restoration.
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Students and community members have removed plant debris and manually removed some invasive species (flora). They have also actively participated in the restoration of the area by replanting native flora in the targeted area.
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SWFWMD funds have been used to purchase science related reading materials and plants native to Florida for the restoration efforts.
This grant award will provide an outdoor science laboratory and learning environment to enhance, enrich, and expand the ability of approximately 852 students to address ecological science studies through hands-on activities while developing a more keenly defined appreciation of the responsibility each has to the protection of the earth on which we live.
ANNUAL DISTRICT GOAL(S) AND CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S)
Goal 1 - The percentage of students scoring at Level 3 or higher on FCAT reading will increase a minimum of 5 percentage points.
Goal 3 - Student performance on FCAT science will increase a minimum of 5 percentage points.
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)
If accepted, grant funds of $35,253 will be included in the district special revenue/federal programs budget.
EVALUATION
By May 2008, air potato vines, primrose willow, and other invading species of plants will be eradicated and will be replaced with plants identified as beneficial to the wetland area. Updates on the progress of the Project will be submitted by June 30 of each year of the Project.
SUBMITTED BY:
Linda S. Bailey, Principal, Knights Elementary School
Cecile Longfellow, Resource Teacher, Knights Elementary School
Barbara Franques
Area Director, Area VI Schools
(813) 707-7050
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Michael A. Grego, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
(813) 272-4221
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8.01C
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Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20060516_176 * Section E Item# 8.01C
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