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Foundation for Rural Education Excellence
Supporting Academic Achievement in
Rural Northeast Florida Communities
August 2023 Newsletter
The Foundation for Rural Education Excellence, a registered 501 (C)(3) organization, was founded in 1998 to facilitate philanthropic support for rural school districts of the North East Florida Educational Consortium (NEFEC): Baker, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Flagler, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Nassau, Putnam, Suwannee, and Union Counties as well as Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind and PK Yonge Developmental Research School. Working collaboratively, our mission is to enhance academic success and career opportunities for rural students in northeast Florida.
Welcome Back To School Everyone
Members of NEFEC's Instructional Team had the opportunity to participate in Nassau County's back-to-school professional learning day on August 4th.

The team got the chance to collaborate with educators who are doing amazing work for all students in Nassau County. Participants spent their day adding to their toolboxes, building resiliency, and setting themselves up for a stellar school year ahead. We can't wait to see what is accomplished in Nassau County this year.
Visiting A Favorite Kindergarten Teacher
A small crew from NEFEC recently made a special visit to one of our favorite Kindergarten teachers and former NEFEC employee, Qatresha Champagne.

Qatresha is teaching at Ochwilla Elementary School in Putnam County.

We love you Qatresha! Your students are so lucky to have you as their teacher. Your “beehive” is just perfect!
Back To School Ice Cream Social In Hamilton
FDLRS/NEFEC had the opportunity to participate in Kizzy Burch's 17th Annual Back to School Ice Cream Social in White Springs (Hamilton County). 

Multiple organizations were there to help families as they were getting ready for back to school. Everything from backpacks, to school supplies, and lunchboxes were given to students as well as information about FDLRS and other agencies that attended.  

Kizzy Burch is a child advocate, local event planner, and organizer who brings the community, families, and businesses together every year through this event to help children get excited about going back to school.

Ice cream was the perfect treat on a very warm day.
Mark Your Calendars
26th Annual Golf Tournament

FREE's annual golf tournament is scheduled for March 22, 2024, at The Palatka Golf Club.
Summer Leadership Conference

NEFEC's Annual Summer Leadership Conference is scheduled for July 8-10, 2024, at the Sawgrass Marriott in
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.


Foundation for Rural Education Excellence
(352) 317-0621
foundationruraled@gmail.com
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