1) “What is the difference between the Gorrie PTA and the John B. Gorrie 

     Foundation?”

 

 

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2) “What is the mission of the Foundation?

Secure funding to expand and enhance the educational experience of every student at Gorrie Elementary School

3) “So what does that mean?” This typically translates to

     ● Purchasing educational tools that the district and/or state are unable to provide – be it   

        technology, supplemental curriculum, valuable student services or teacher training

     ● Paying for teacher or personnel support salaries (e.g., M.A.G.I.C. tutoring and Gorrie

        Strings)

     ● Supporting sustainable multi-year educational projects (e.g., M.A.G.I.C clubs)

     ● Funding large-scale site improvements

     ● Maintaining/enhancing prior investments (e.g., Coliseum, recent sound system installed)

 

4) “What does the Foundation currently fund?”

     ● Gorrie Strings – When Hillsborough County cut funding to all elementary violin programs,

        Gorrie and Mitchell decided to partner and fully fund the program. All Kindergartners and 1st

        graders receive string instruction from Mr. Timothy Dow as part of their curriculum. 2nd-5th

        graders have the option to participate.

     ● Tutoring – An invitation-only, no-fee program extended to those students, based upon

        teacher assessment, in need of educational assistance

     ● M.A.G.I.C. Enrichment Clubs - After school fee-based clubs offered to enhance your child’s

        overall experience at Gorrie. Each session, 4 per year, includes a variety of offerings (e.g.,

        cooking, volleyball) to meet the diverse interests of our students.
 

5) “Are there any new projects in the works?”

     ● Operation Cutting Edge Technology: Phased  initiative to update our school's technology

        with an eventual goal to be a one to one device school

     ● Gorrie Grows grows: Expansion of our Gorrie garden to include a blueberry garden, seedling

        table, composting bins, and a worm farm

     ● Addition of filtered drinking fountains

 

6) “How do we fund these important projects?

The Foundation is only capable of funding these programs through the generous donations we receive from our parents and community partners. The Gorrie Gala is Foundation’s annual fundraiser. The Gala raises money through ticket sales, live/silent auctions and sponsorships. It is an amazing night out with great food, live music and the chance to make new connections with parents and teachers.

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Over the past several years, the Foundation has funded many academic enhancements, technology/audio visual needs, campus beautification projects and other items.

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     - Academic Enhancements: Inner Explorer Program, BrainPop, Committee for Children

       Program, Wordly Wise

     - Technology/Audio Visual: Grade Level Laptop Carts, Classroom Projectors, Student Hearing

       Aids, Large Format Projection Screen & Projector for Coliseum & Movie Night Events

     -  Campus Beautification & Initiatives: Gorrie Grows Initiative, Kindness Bathroom

        Beautification Project, Resurface Basketball Courts, First Grade Flower Tables, Year-round

        Landscaping and Lawn Maintenance

     -  Student Programs & Other Items: Unfunded portion of Strings & Tutoring Programs, Artome

        funding to cover 100% of Students,  Washer/Dryer, Foundation Lecture Series, Media

        Center Support, Teacher of the Year Awards, Teacher Appreciation Week Contributions

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