Hillsborough County Public Schools Business
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 Ferrell Middle School to Provide Students with the Gender-Specific Leadership 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 three 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. Additionally, approximately 30 seventh-grade students will continue participation in a bi-weekly leadership program. The purpose of this program is to encourage students to utilize their inherent leadership skills in positive ways. 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 Ferrell Middle School's Title I funds in the amount of $10,000.

EVALUATION

In order to determine the effectiveness of the Ophelia Project and Boy's Initiative, a pre- and post-test will be administered to each student, measuring the impact the program has made in its core areas. The Ophelia Project and Boy's Initiative will also work closely with Ferrell Middle School to determine whether a decrease in referral rates and an increase in attendance and academic grades are seen because of the program. The Ophelia Project and Boy's Initiative will generate reports on outcomes, and they will be made available to Ferrell Middle School and any other district representatives to whom it would be appropriate to report.

SUBMITTED BY: Jeff Eakins, General Director, Federal Programs

Gwendolyn L. Luney, Assistant Superintendent
Student Services and Federal Programs Division
(813) 272-4879
Gretchen Saunders
Chief Business Officer
(813) 272-4260
A 5.16
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20100720_415 * Section A Item# 5.16