It may not sound like such a big deal.

 

Spiral notebooks. Packs of pens. Pencils. Paper. Binders. Crayons. All basic supplies that students need. Treats for FCAT week. Certificates for honor roll achievements. Assistance and encouragement that provide the basics for school. For elementary school students, it can make all the difference.

 

And for teachers, transportation to a teaching initiative, monthly incentives, an appreciation celebration, first day of school refreshments for parents of their students. Thanks for a job well done.

 

As the International Drive Master Transit and Improvement District continues its support of Pine Hills Elementary School for the 2009-2010 school year, the school’s principal says that the program fills a huge void that cannot “be defined by a dollar value.”

 

“The commitment made by these partnerships, is an invaluable resource for students, teachers and the community. The District helps to fill a huge void and we are grateful for the experiences that it will provide for our students,” says principal De Cheryl Britton, in her first year at the school.

 

Pine Hills Elementary in Orlando, opened its doors in 1954. The District began working the school during the 2005-2006 school year. This volunteer effort takes place each year in conjunction with the Central Florida Hospitality and Lodging Association (CFHLA) Adopt-A-School program. The CFHLA organization formed this important program in 2002 with the mission to identify, develop and promote positive community partnerships between every public school in Central Florida and with the CFHLA Membership.

 

“This is a commitment that our staff and partners feel is one of our most important. It gives is great personal satisfaction to support these students and their teachers during an economic downturn that has caused hardships for everyone,” says Luann Brooks, executive director of the International Drive Master Transit & Improvement District

 

“We see our involvement in the Adopt-A-School Program as even more critical than ever before and we look forward to continuing our support."

 

Programs and activities began in July with a School Supply Drive for Pine Hills and Tangelo Park. Coordinated by Ana Murillo, promotions manager for the District, the effort was enhanced through a donation from industry partner, Mears Transportation. This means that more students at both schools received much needed school supplies. Murillo was also able to maximize her purchasing power this year with contributions from partners WonderWorks, the YMCA and WorldMark.

 

Murillo’s advocacy for the students, says Britton, along with the other services provided by this effort, “is huge.” She says that the resources have also meant that students receive recognition for their achievements and teaches are “rewarded for their challenges.”

 

On the first day of school, the District Partners provided refreshments for parents. For the August pre-planning day, lunch was provided for teachers.

 

Upcoming projects include:

 

Previously, the International Drive District partners also donated hundreds of dollars worth of audio visual equipment, office furniture, computer equipment and office supplies.

 

Brooks says that the District is in the process of looking ahead to the 2010-2011 school year and establishing new goals to help as many teachers and students as possible.

 

Created in 1992, the District is a special taxing district formed under a public-private initiative with Orange County, the City of Orlando and the businesses of the International Drive Resort Area. Recognized as an outstanding example of cooperation between three distinct entities, this is the first district of this type established in Florida and is now used by other regions as a model. The District is comprised of three separate Municipal Service Taxing Units (MSTU) that are jointly operated under this unique partnership by a Governing Board and an Advisory Board.

 

For more information on the District’s involvement with the Adopt-A-School program or information regarding the District itself, please contact Luann Brooks at 407-248-9590.

9/09