Education Excellence

It will be a "little bit country and a little bit rock n' roll" when The Foundation for Educational Excellence holds its "Jewels and Jeans" gala at the Country Club of Hilton Head on Saturday, March 2, from 6 to 9 p.m. to benefit children and teachers in Beaufort County public schools.

Headlining the evening is everyone's favorite band, Deas Guyz. While Reggie Deas and his band entertain, guests will enjoy delicious delicacies from award-winning Country Club Chef Mark Lietzke, silent and live auction items, and the presentation of this year's "Inspiration" award winner.  The 2013 Inspiration Award recipient is Dr. Wayne Carbiener, a former member of the Beaufort County Board of Education and contributor to the Foundation.  Dr. Carbiener provided the initial seed money so that the Foundation could implement its grant making process in 2009.

The Foundation for Educational Excellence was established by the Beaufort County School District to support student enrichment activities and projects that are beyond regular school budgets through Innovative Teacher Grants. The grants awarded can be as diverse as purchasing supplies to build a robot or establishing an eco-habitat for native species. What all grants have in common is that they spark inquisitive minds. Twice a year, teachers throughout the entire district are invited to submit a grant application to the Foundation. Projects are chosen on their merit by a committee of the Foundation. Grants of up to $500 are awarded to a teacher directing the project.  Since 2009, the Foundation has awarded nearly $40,000 in grants to teachers benefitting thousands of Beaufort County public school children.

A few recent innovative teacher grants include:
Melanie Blanton  |  Grades 5-8th  |  Robert Smalls Middle School  |  Amount:  $478
"River of Words" - Purchase paint brushes mats, frames, and canvas to offer gifted and talented students an extension opportunity during extended learning by exposing them to an interdisciplinary study using the River of Words curriculum while also participating in the district and nationwide competition. Students will interact with the environment around them through nature walks and hands on experiences collecting and analyzing data from Port Royal Sound provided by the Lowcountry Institute. Students will then produce written poetry and a piece of visual art, which follows the guidelines for entry into the River of Words competition. This project will nurture the student holistically because they will be able to make memories and connections between disciplines, which will support them as they become lifelong learners as well as encourage them to be advocates for the environment and the arts.

Lori Cassidy  |  Grades 1-5th  |  Hilton Head Island Elem IB  |  Amount:  $456
"Building Better Bodies" - Purchase two sets of dumbbells to use in the physical education classes' fitness strength-training unit. The dumbbells are clearly identified by color indicating the amount of weight and are designed for kids. A study in the Journal of School Health found that physically fit kids scored better on standardized math and English tests than their less fit peers. Studies show that there is a significant relationship between students' academic achievement and physical fitness. This project will provide students, who generally do not have any type of strength training equipment at home or access to a club such as YMCA, the ability to become stronger and healthier children that will grow into stronger and healthier adults (physically and academically).

To help fund worthy projects such as these, the public is encouraged to help by attending the Foundation's annual fundraiser. "Jewels and Jeans was a sold-out event last year," said Foundation for Educational Excellence chair, Peggy May. "The evening offers wonderful food, libations, music by Deas Guyz and great auction items ranging from trips to jewelry and art.  All dollars raised are given back to our Beaufort County public school teachers and students through innovative teacher grants."

The ticket price for Jewels and Jeans is $48 per person and can be purchased in advance at Burke's Pharmacy on Hilton Head and Markel's Card and Gift Shop in Bluffton and all First Citizen Bank branches throughout the county.  Tickets can also be purchased online at www.foundationedexcellence.com. For further information and questions, please contact Carol McMillan at 843-322-2306.