Hillsborough County Public Schools Student Services and Federal Programs
Information Item

DATE: Tuesday, October 28, 2008
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Recognition of One Hundred and Twenty-Three Hillsborough County Schools Receiving the Five Star School Award for the 2007-2008 School Year (Student Services and Federal Programs Division)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Special recognition will be given to the four schools who have qualified for the award every year for 14 years, since the award’s inception. Those schools are: Apollo Beach Elementary, Cork Elementary Seminole Elementary, Thonotosassa Elementary. The Florida Department of Education first offered the Five Star School Award in 1994-1995. It is designed to recognize schools with exemplary programs that fully integrate school and community involvement to produce higher student achievement. This symbol of achievement is presented each year to those schools that have shown evidence of exemplary community involvement. Eligible schools are designated annually and must be renewed each year. In order to qualify for this award, a school must achieve 100% of the criteria in the following five categories, which comprise the stars of the award:

The school must also have a portfolio that documents the achievement of each category. In addition, a school must have a grade of “C” or above for the 2007-2008 school year to qualify for the Five Star School Award.

Many schools have strong programs in one or more of the areas, but outstanding schools develop strong programs in all five areas. Furthermore, these components must work together to demonstrate that active community involvement is vital to higher student achievement. Schools that achieve this designation receive the Florida Department of Education’s highest award for community involvement. Hillsborough County leads the way with the most 5 star schools in the state.

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

All Strategic Objectives

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: No)

There is no financial impact to the District. SERVE hosts an annual breakfast for the qualifying schools and their representatives. This event is sponsored by Caspers Company McDonald's and Bryn Alan Photography.

EVALUATION

Hillsborough County has grown from 5 schools who qualified for the award in 1994-1995 to one hundred and twenty-three in 2007-2008. This year there were thirteen new schools qualifying with four of the original schools receiving this award for 14 years.

SUBMITTED BY: Donna Houchen, Executive Director, SERVE

Velia Pedrero
Supervisor, Parent/Family & Community Involvement
(813) 272-4680
Gwen Luney
Assistant Superintendent, Student Services & Federal Programs
(813) 272-4879
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Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20081028_340 * Section C Item# 10