Approve Memorandum of Agreement with the Ophelia Project and Boys Initiative, Inc. for the Provision of Services for the Full Service School Program at Stewart Middle School (Student Services and Federal Programs Division)

The Ophelia Project – Tampa Bay has established a pilot program for boys known as The Boys Initiative: Boys of the Rise Program. With the cooperation and leadership of the principal and staff at Stewart Middle Magnet School, during the 2007/2008 academic year, a program is being developed. Grant funds have been sought to continue this program in future years and at additional schools. At this time, it is not known if these funds will be available. This program provides faculty training, activities for sixth grade boys, and parent and community involvement services to produce better academic and social outcomes for boys.

Goal 5 – The District will eliminate the FCAT achievement gap by a minimum of 10 percentage points as reported by No Child Left Behind.

The cost for these services is provided by the Ophelia Project and Boys Initiative, Inc. local grant funds provided by the Conn Foundation. Additional funding for these joint ventures will be sought by the provider with input from designated district staff. As appropriate, the Hillsborough County Public School staff will provide space at the site for program services.

The provider will submit program evaluation data to the district office of the Department of Student Services and the staff at Stewart Middle School at the end of the 2007/2008 school year. Evaluation data will be utilized for program review and planning purposes for the 2008/2009 year.