SCHOOL BUS
Foundation for Rural Education Excellence
Supporting Academic Achievement in
Rural Northeast Florida Communities

September 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.
Visit our website

Rural Connect Coaches and Administrators

Rural Connect administrators and coaches assembled in Columbia County recently for a continuation of the Summer Literacy Institute. Both groups collaborated around data visualizations, B.E.S.T. standards, and evidenced-based literacy routines. All participants were given a Morpheme Magic Kit to use with teachers and students. These kits were funded by a Dollar General Literacy Grant to provide quality instruction around morphology. ELA teachers will also receive copies of the books in future sessions.  

New Teacher Network Elementary Session

New Teacher Network Elementary Session A was a wonderful success! Many great routines were shared to support learning as well as strategies regarding classroom management. Participants were given bags of supplies and books authored by Todd Whitaker.

Supplies for "It's Okay To Play In VPK"

Earlier this month, NEFEC's Instructional Special Projects Team packed 180 trainer kits that will soon be shipped to Early Learning Coalitions across Florida. Over 85,000 pounds of materials were assembled in order to bring this project to life! It has been a privilege to support and partner with the Florida Department of Education's Division of Early Learning with the "It's Okay to Play in VPK!" Program.

Math Manipulatives...Part One

In the first of a two-part series, fifty (50) K-2 teachers from Dixie, Nassau, Levy, Suwanee, and Baker received manipulatives, tools, and training to promote students’ growth in mathematical thinking and reasoning. Using manipulatives can provide a strong foundation for students in mastering counting, place value, computations, problem-solving, fractions, ratios, and algebraic reasoning. 

Governor DeSantis, State Officials Support Hurricane Idalia Recovery Efforts

At the September 8th Live Oak vs. Chiefland football game, five of our district foundations were presented $100,000 each by Governor Ron DeSantis and other State officials in support of Hurricane Idalia recovery efforts. Thank you to these esteemed leaders for acknowledging the strength of Florida districts in the face of adversity.

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


Twitter  
EDUC8