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Florida Public Charter Schools to Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, May 5-9, 2025
Member Schools of Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) Encouraged to Honor and Thank Their Teachers
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (April 4, 2025) – With this year’s Teacher Appreciation Week planned for May 5-9 – one month from now – many of Florida’s public charter schools are making plans to recognize, honor and thank their teachers.
In 1985, the National Parent Teacher Association (National PTA) designated the first full week in May as Teacher Appreciation Week. According to the National PTA, the 2025 Teacher Appreciation Week celebration will be based on the theme, “Teachers Light the Way to Brighter Futures.”
According to the National PTA website, “Teachers illuminate paths of knowledge, guiding students toward limitless possibilities. From morning greetings and classroom discussions to after-school support and thoughtful feedback, teachers shine their light on every aspect of student growth and development. Each day, they spark curiosity, kindle creativity and brighten the future for every student in their care.”
The National PTA offers a Teacher Appreciation Week Toolkit that can be downloaded in both English and Spanish. It includes thank-you cards, certificates, flyers, coloring pages, social media graphics, web ads and more.
In Florida, finalists for the state Teacher of the Year Award are announced in mid-May by the Florida Department of Education. The winning Florida Teacher of the Year and all of the finalists are honored in July.
The Florida Department of Education says its Florida Teacher of the Year program, “celebrates and elevates the education profession and recognizes outstanding educators in the state and their achievements.”
Member schools of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) are encouraged to recognize, honor and thank their teachers as part of the 2025 Teacher Appreciation Week.
“FCPCS congratulates its member schools for recognizing and honoring their teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week,” said FCPCS President Robert Haag. “Teachers are the backbone of our schools and we applaud them for their hard work, which has shaped the charter school movement in Florida and been a major reason for its success.”
About the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools
The Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) is the leading charter school membership association in the state. Since its inception in 1999, FCPCS has been dedicated to creating a national model of high quality, accredited public charter schools that are student-centered and performance-driven. FCPCS provides a wide array of technical support, mentoring, training, networking, and purchasing services to its membership, as well as serving as an advocate for all Florida public charter schools. |
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Florida Public Charter Schools to Celebrate Florida School Volunteer Appreciation Month During April 2025
Member Schools of Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) Encouraged to Recognize and Honor School Volunteers
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (March 28, 2025) – Many of Florida’s public charter schools are expected to celebrate Florida School Volunteer Appreciation Month during April, 2025, including a special focus during National Volunteer Appreciation Week from April 20 to April 26.
Member schools of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) are encouraged to participate in the 2025 celebration of Florida School Volunteer Appreciation Month, supported by the Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida.
According to information posted on the Florida Department of Education website, “School volunteers are a vital part of building relationships between schools, parents, community members and business partners, while adding value to the educational experience of students.”
The FDOE description of Florida School Volunteer Month continues, “From donating time to assist with classroom and school activities to mentoring students, volunteers play a significant role in our schools. We are grateful to our volunteers who have shown outstanding dedication and commitment to quality education in Florida.”
Schools are encouraged to share volunteer recognition activities at @EducationFL and tag #FLSchoolsVolunteer as another means of highlighting their school volunteers.
The Florida Department of Education annually recognizes school volunteers by honoring volunteers in three categories as part of its Outstanding School Volunteer Award. The three categories of award honorees are volunteer, youth volunteer and senior volunteer. The window for Outstanding School Volunteer Award nominations reopens in the fall.
April is Florida Volunteer Month
In addition, Florida Volunteer Month is celebrated every year during April. Volunteer Florida features outstanding volunteers on social media each day in April during Florida Volunteer Month.
“Volunteers make major contributions at member schools of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools,” said FCPCS President Robert Haag. “We applaud the strong efforts of our member schools to recognize and honor their volunteers, especially during Florida School Volunteer Appreciation Month.”
More information is available from the Florida Department of Education at Florida School Volunteer Appreciation Month.
About the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools
The Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) is the leading charter school membership association in the state. Since its inception in 1999, FCPCS has been dedicated to creating a national model of high quality, accredited public charter schools that are student-centered and performance-driven. FCPCS provides a wide array of technical support, mentoring, training, networking, and purchasing services to its membership, as well as serving as an advocate for all Florida public charter schools. |
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Two Florida Charter Schools Named Finalists for 2025 National Building Hope IMPACT Awards; A Volunteer from a Third Florida Charter School Named a Finalist for Another Prestigious Award
All Three Schools are Members of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS)
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., (February 24, 2025) – Two member schools of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) have been named finalists in the 2025 National Building Hope IMPACT Awards. A volunteer from a third FCPCS member school has been named a finalist for another prestigious award.
Suncoast School for Innovative Studies of Sarasota, Fla., is one of five finalists for the Community Engagement Award, one of four categories of Building Hope IMPACT Awards. SouthTech Schools of Boynton Beach, Fla., is one of five finalists for the prestigious S. Joseph Bruno Model Charter Award.
Three final winners will be announced in each category and $160,000 in grants will be awarded at the Fourth Annual Building Hope IMPACT Summit Awards Gala on May 7, 2025 at the InterContinental Miami Hotel. Building Hope will present $40,000 in grants for each category, awarding one $20,000 grant to the top winner in each category and two $10,000 grants to the runners-up.
Twenty Building Hope IMPACT Awards finalists were selected from nearly 200 applications from charter schools located in 41 states and the District of Columbia. Two other categories for 2025 Building Hope Awards include Student Empowerment Awards and Education Innovation Awards.
Hema Rodriguez of Choices in Learning Elementary Charter School also Named an Award Finalist
In addition to the semi-finalists named for the Building Hope IMPACT Awards, Hema Rodriguez of Choices in Learning Elementary Charter School in Winter Springs, Fla., has been named one of five finalists for the prestigious Shellie Ann Braswell Shine Brighter Award. According to Building Hope, the award recognizes a charter school volunteer who creates cherished memories and makes a meaningful impact on their school community. The winner will receive a $5,000 grant to further their impactful work within their school community.
“The Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools congratulates Suncoast School for Innovative Studies and SouthTech Schools for their focused efforts to provide high quality charter school education,” said Robert Haag, President of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools. “We also want to extend special congratulations to Hema Rodriguez of Choices in Learning Elementary Charter School in Winter Springs, Fla. She exemplifies the amazing volunteers found at FCPCS member schools throughout Florida.”
In 2024, HIVE Preparatory School of Hialeah, Fla., and River City Science Academy of Jacksonville, Fla., won awards and grants as part of the prestigious Building Hope awards program. Both schools are members of FCPCS.
Now in its fourth year, the Building Hope IMPACT Awards Program recognizes schools for their profound impact on the communities, families and students they serve. According to Building Hope, each application was evaluated by judges based on measurable impact, innovative educational approaches and the strength of their engagement with students and their communities.
The program has awarded $440,000 to 33 charter schools and $40,000 to eight school volunteer leaders. For more information about the Building Hope IMPACT Awards or to register for the 2025 IMPACT Summit in Miami, visit https://impactawards.buildinghope.org/.
Building Hope is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to increasing educational opportunities for K-12 students through its expertise in real estate, finance and operational services. During its 21-year history, Building Hope has supported over $1 billion in the development of school facilities.
About the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools
The Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) is the leading charter school membership association in the state. Since its inception in 1999, FCPCS has been dedicated to creating a national model of high quality, accredited public charter schools that are student-centered and performance-driven. FCPCS provides a wide array of technical support, mentoring, training, networking, and purchasing services to its membership, as well as serving as an advocate for all Florida public charter schools. |
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Three Member Schools of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) Named Semi-Finalists for 2025 National Building Hope IMPACT Awards; A Volunteer from a Fourth FCPCS Member School Named a Finalist for Another Prestigious Award
The Four Schools are Located in Marco Island, Sarasota, Boynton Beach, and Winter Springs, Fla.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., (January 28, 2025) – Three member schools of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) have been named semi-finalists for the 2025 national Building Hope IMPACT Awards. A volunteer from a fourth FCPCS member school has been named a finalist for another prestigious award.
Marco Island Charter Middle School of Marco Island, Fla., and Suncoast School for Innovative Studies of Sarasota, Fla., are two of the 10 semi-finalists for the Community Engagement Award, one of four categories of Building Hope IMPACT Awards. SouthTech Schools of Boynton Beach, Fla., is one of the 10 semi-finalists for the prestigious S. Joseph Bruno Model Charter Award.
Three final winners will be announced in each category and $160,000 in grants will be awarded at the Fourth Annual Building Hope IMPACT Summit Awards Gala on May 7, 2025 at the InterContinental Miami Hotel. Building Hope will present $40,000 in grants for each category, awarding one $20,000 grant to the top winner in each category and two $10,000 grants to the runners-up.
Forty Building Hope IMPACT Awards semi-finalists were selected from nearly 200 applications from charter schools located in 41 states and the District of Columbia. Two other categories for 2025 Building Hope Awards include Student Empowerment Awards and Education Innovation Awards.
Hema Rodriguez of Choices in Learning Elementary Charter School also Named an Award Finalist
In addition to the semi-finalists named for the Building Hope IMPACT Awards, Hema Rodriguez of Choices in Learning Elementary Charter School in Winter Springs, Fla., has been named one of five finalists for the prestigious Shellie Ann Braswell Shine Brighter Award. According to Building Hope, the award recognizes a charter school volunteer who creates cherished memories and makes a meaningful impact on their school community. The winner will receive a $5,000 grant to further their impactful work within their school community.
“The Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools congratulates Marco Island Charter Middle School, Suncoast School for Innovative Studies and SouthTech Schools for their focused efforts to provide high quality charter school education,” said Robert Haag, President of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools. “We also want to extend special congratulations to Hema Rodriguez of Choices in Learning Elementary Charter School. She exemplifies the amazing volunteers found at all of our FCPCS member schools throughout Florida.”
In 2024, HIVE Preparatory School of Hialeah, Fla., and River City Science Academy of Jacksonville, Fla., won awards and grants as part of the prestigious Building Hope awards program. Both schools are members of FCPCS.
Now in its fourth year, the Building Hope IMPACT Awards Program recognizes schools for their profound impact on the communities, families and students they serve. According to Building Hope, each application was evaluated by judges based on measurable impact, innovative educational approaches and the strength of their engagement with students and their communities.
The program has awarded $440,000 to 33 charter schools and $40,000 to eight school volunteer leaders. For more information about the Building Hope IMPACT Awards or to register for the 2025 IMPACT Summit in Miami, visit https://impactawards.buildinghope.org/.
Building Hope is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to increasing educational opportunities for K-12 students through its expertise in real estate, finance and operational services. During its 21-year history, Building Hope has supported over $1 billion in the development of school facilities.
About the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools
The Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) is the leading charter school membership association in the state. Since its inception in 1999, FCPCS has been dedicated to creating a national model of high quality, accredited public charter schools that are student-centered and performance-driven. FCPCS provides a wide array of technical support, mentoring, training, networking, and purchasing services to its membership, as well as serving as an advocate for all Florida public charter schools. |
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Florida Public Charter Schools to Celebrate Black History Month During February 2025
Member Schools of Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) Encouraged to Participate
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (January 22, 2025) – Many of Florida’s public charter schools are expected to celebrate Black History Month during February, 2025.
Member schools of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) are encouraged to participate in the 2025 celebration, which includes Student and Educator Contests organized by the Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida.
This year, student art and essay contests are based on the theme, “Honoring African American Contributions to Florida’s Success.”
The Black History Month Art Contest is open to all kindergarten through third-grade students in Florida, including students at Florida’s charter schools. According to the Florida Department of Education, each student will submit original, two-dimensional artwork based on the theme. Four statewide winners will be selected, and each winner will receive a $100 art supplies gift card and a 1-year pass to Florida state parks.
The Black History Month Essay Contest is open to all fourth through twelfth-grade students in Florida, including students at Florida’s charter schools. The Florida Department of Education press release notes each student will submit one essay no longer than 500 words based on this year’s theme. Six winners will be selected from Florida elementary schools, middle schools and high schools. Each winner will receive a 2-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and a $100 gift card for school supplies.
The Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Black History Month Excellence in Education Award Contest is open to all full-time educators in an elementary, middle or high school in Florida, including charter schools. According to the Florida Department of Education, four winners will be selected and will receive $2,500 from Volunteer Florida.
Nominations may be submitted by a principal, teacher, parent/guardian or student. The deadline for entries in all of the contests is 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3.
Many of Florida’s public charter schools have participated in Black History Month during previous years, according to FCPCS President Robert Haag.
“The Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools encourages our member schools to be part of the 2025 Black History Month celebration,” said Haag. “FCPCS strongly supports the Florida Department of Education’s program, “Honoring African American Contributions to Florida’s Success.”
Student and Educator contest entries and nomination forms and guidelines are available at http://floridablackhistory.com.
About the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools
The Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) is the leading charter school membership association in the state. Since its inception in 1999, FCPCS has been dedicated to creating a national model of high quality, accredited public charter schools that are student-centered and performance-driven. FCPCS provides a wide array of technical support, mentoring, training, networking, and purchasing services to its membership, as well as serving as an advocate for all Florida public charter schools.
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