Hillsborough County Public Schools Student Services and Federal Programs
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, July 20, 2010
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve the Agreement for Technical Services Between the Ophelia Project and Boy’s Initiative Inc. (OPBI) and Young Middle Magnet School to Provide Students with the Gender-Specific Program Called RISE (Revealing Inner Strengths Through Empowerment) (Student Services and Federal Programs Division)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Ophelia Project and Boy’s Initiative of Tampa Bay will provide the gender-specific program called RISE (Revealing Inner Strengths through Empowerment). The overall goal of this unique program is to give all sixth-grade boys and girls the interpersonal skills and opportunities for them to be successful inside and outside the classroom. For approximately four weeks, each sixth grader will experience RISE as one of their wheel classes. Each student will have the opportunity to gain skills and acquire knowledge that will guide them in dealing with issues such as: resiliency, self-esteem, relationships with peers, conflict resolution, diversity, mass media, and leadership. Parents will be notified of the benefits of the RISE program.

ANNUAL DISTRICT GOAL(S) AND CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S)

* Motivate students to become responsible learners

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

This Agreement for Technical Services will be paid from Young Middle Magnet School’s Title I funds in the amount of $15,000.

EVALUATION

In order to determine the effectiveness of the Ophelia Project and Boy’s Initiative, a portfolio assessment will be done for each student participating. These student created portfolios will contain observations, writing activities, and summaries of individual conferences held with students. Portfolios will be available to parents and sixth-grade teachers. Each portfolio will be evaluated to determine the impact of this initiative on a student’s resiliency, self esteem, peer relationships, conflict resolution, academic achievement, leadership and community service.

SUBMITTED BY: Jeff Eakins, General Director, Federal Programs

Gwendolyn L. Luney, Assistant Superintendent
Student Services and Federal Programs
(813) 272-4879
Gretchen Saunders
Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4260
A 5.15
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20100720_415 * Section A Item# 5.15