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Dropout prevention is not only a school district problem; it's a COMMUNITY problem that requires the response of the WHOLE community.
 
 
 April 2014 eNewsletter

 

 

Welcome to the April issue of the Mobile Area Education Foundation e-newsletter. The school year is winding down and students and teachers are counting down to Spring Break. However, we are still busy at MAEF creating great opportunities for individuals and businesses to get involved with our public schools before the year is out. 

 

 

 What's Going On at MAEF? 

Partners In Education PIE

 

 

Last month MAEF hosted two special meetings for the schools' Partners in Education Liaisons. It was MAEF's goal to provide a platform for the PIE Liaisons to share their experiences and identify challenges. The meetings proved to be valuable experiences and MAEF would like to thank all of those who participated. Surveys were completed and the data gathered is now being analyzed so that improvements to the program can be made and preparations for the 2014-2015 school year can begin.

 

The deadline to turn in PIE notebooks to the MAEF office is Thursday, May 1, 2014 by 5:00 p.m. MAEF is located at 605 Bel Air Blvd., Suite 400. If you have questions about or need assistance with the notebooks, please contact Ilka Porter at the Mobile Area Education Foundation: 470-5216 or iporter@maef.net

 

Extended Learning Experience 

 

Upcoming Events: 

  

  • Lt. Wayne Goolsby from the Mobile County Sheriffs Office will lead an Anti-Bullying Campaign on April 10. 
  • James Wishoon, a Senior Accountant with Smith, Dukes & Buckalew, will speak to the students about his career and making smart financial choices. 
AT&T Vital Link
 

AT&T Vital Link MAEF has rolled out its application process for middle schools to participate in the AT&T Vital Link career awareness program. A select group of teachers and students will spend half-days in local businesses during the week of June 9th. Rising 9th grade students (current 8th grade students) will be paired in groups of 10 with a Vital Link Coordinator (school professional/teacher) at a local business. Students will gain exposure and gather a greater understanding of critical occupational skills such as communication, teamwork and problem solving. 

 

Schools must identify a teacher or educational professional to serve as the Vital Link Coordinator for their site. Schools applying to participate must also be able to provide students with access to a computer lab in order for them complete daily journaling activities.

 

If your middle school is interested in participating in this program, please visit our website, www.maef.net  to learn more and complete the online application. Applications are due April 18, 2014, by 5:00 p.m.  

  

If your business is interested in hosting students for this program, please contact Ilka Porter at the Mobile Area Education Foundation: 470-5216 or iporter@maef.net.

 

 
Career Awareness Volunteer Opportunities
 

Have you ever thought "Wouldn't It Would Be Cool" if students knew more about careers at an early age? Or have you ever tried to emphasize the importance of making the right "CHOICES" in life? Workforce development is crucial for our area and it is essential that we instill in our children the importance of work and the opportunities that are available.

 

If you are eager to make a difference in the lives of children but have limited time to volunteer, consider spending one hour with a classroom of elementary or middle grade students to share your career, why you chose this occupation, skills required to be successful and the importance of academics for future success.

 

Through two volunteer programs, Wouldn't It Be Cool (4th grade) and Choices (8th grade), MAEF has enabled over 100 business volunteers to reach nearly 3000 students to discuss the importance of academic success and smart choices for future success and careers.

 

If you are interested and willing to devote an hour of your time to help students see the importance of preparing for a future career, contact Ilka Porter at the Mobile Area Education Foundation: 470-5216 or iporter@maef.net

 

Reading Buddy 

 

 

We are closing the year out strong with our Reading Buddy Program. Since January we have matched nine new "buddies" with students in need of remediation. These new volunteers have committed to next school year as well. Starting at this time of year allows them time to begin building relationships with the students. It also gives the students a positive foundation going into the summer and a smoother start in the fall. Since the final training has been completed for the year, we are now accepting volunteers interested in serving students in the 2014-2015 school year.  If you or anyone you know would like to be a Reading Buddy, please contact Ilka Porter at 470-5216 or iporter@maef.net.

 

 

What to do?
Progress is being made, but there is much work to be done and we need YOU! The Mobile Area Education Foundation provides various volunteer opportunities to fit any schedule.

 

CLICK HERE or call today to make a difference in a child's academic journey and ensure they Graduate Ready!

 

Mobile Area Education Foundation

Office: 251.476.0002  | www.maef.net

The Mobile Area Education Foundation is a non-profit, local education foundation dedicated to creating higher expectations for our public schools and our community.