Hillsborough Education Foundation's 'Tools 4 Schools': Back-To-School Countdown (Day 27)

The Brandon Patch Back-To-School Countdown proceeds with this Day 27 report, offering news of interset as the first day of classes approaches.

Teachers in the Hillsborough County School District go back to school Aug. 15 to prepare for the first day of classes, Aug. 23.

______________

At the Renaissance Tampa Hotel in International Plaza next month, the largest annual fundraiser of the Hillsborough Education Foundation gets under way with a "Tools 4 Schools" networking and breakfast program.

The annual event supports the Teaching Tools for Hillsborough Schools  program, which aims to support children at risk of dropping out of school. The foundation notes:

More than half of the nearly 200,000 public school students in Hillsborough live at or below the poverty line, which qualifiy them for the free- or reduced-cost lunch program.

Tools 4 School benefits 100 Title 1 schools, "with another 55 [schools] awaiting needed funds and supplies.

A donation of $100 is enough "to ensure 2,100 students in 70 classrooms have enough pencils for a whole month," the foundation's website reports.

The breakfast is scheduled for Sept. 7, from 7:30-8:30 a.m., with a networking meet- and-greet designated for 7-7:30 a.m. Sponsorships are needed, with prices ranging frmo $1,000 (silver) to $5,000 (platinum). A gold sponsorship is $2,500.

Foundation Backgrounder

The Hillsborough Education Foundation was established in 1988 to help raise private and public support for Hillsborough County public schools.

The foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, which means contributions to the foundation are likely to be tax-exempt.

The aim is to provide funds and resources for teachers, schools and students in those areas that are not met by the school district's budget and that help to ensure students achieve academically.

According to the foundation'swebsite, the organization has invested more than $75 million in support of education in the county since its inception and obtains annually from the community more than $5 million in support. Moreover, 92 cents of every dollar invested goes directly into programs, according to the online report.

Free "HCPS" Polo for Faculty and Staff

Want a free shirt? To help send a student to college? To help fund a classroom in need? The Faculty and Staff Educational Giving Campaign is under way, which means if you work for the Hillsborough County School District you can elect to deduct a donation amount fomr your paycheck every pay period. Donate $4 per pay period and receive a free, emboridered, "HCPS" polo shirt. Get your free "HCPS" polo by Oct. 31, with an online application.

___________

ABOUT THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL COUNTDOWN:

This is the 27th posting in a 41-day effort that counts down the days before the opening bell of the 2011-12 school year for the Hillsborough County School District.

Previously posted:

• Back-To-School Countdown (Day 15) — Education Quotes To Consider
• Back-To-School Countdown (Day 16) — Sizer on Adolescence
• Back-To-School Countdown (Day 17) — Bully Prevention and Reporting
• Back-To-School Countdown (Day 25) — School Assignment, Choice in Hillsborough County