Pinellas Education Foundation

We are excited to announce that Governor Ron DeSantis has awarded Pinellas Education Foundation $100,000 to support Pinellas County Schools recover from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Our CEO Kim Jowell and PCS Superintendent Kevin K. Hendrick were honored to accept the check earlier today, alongside Hillsborough Education Foundation, Pasco Education Foundation, Inc., MANATEE EDUCATION FOUNDATION INC, and Education Foundation of Sarasota County. This will help sustain our collective efforts to support students and teachers in the hardest-hit areas. These funds will provide additional support to educators and school operations through district-level education foundations, ensuring that teachers have the resources they need to continue providing a quality education for every student. Thank you, Governor Ron DeSantis, and Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr.! Together, we’re helping our community return to a sense of normalcy and supporting our teachers as they guide our students forward.

DEADLINE EXTENDED: In light of the recent impacts from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, we’ve extended the application deadline for the Walker’s Rising Stars Scholarship Competition to Sunday, October 27, 2024. We know it’s been a challenging time for many of our students, and we want to ensure that everyone still has the opportunity to showcase their incredible talents. Pinellas County Schools Juniors and Seniors can audition virtually in the categories of Dance, Instrumental, Theater, Visual Arts, and Vocal Performance. This yearlong journey helps students sharpen their skills and compete for scholarships to fuel their future. Don’t miss your chance to shine! Get all the details and apply today at pinellaseducation.org/wrs

Watch Superintendent Hendrick on the Today Show discussing hurricane impacts on our district and the return of students to school today. Pinellas County Schools served as emergency shelters for our county, housing approximately 18,000 people between Hurricanes Helene and Milton. District and school-based employees have been working tirelessly to ensure schools are ready to welcome students back. Our community has been through so much over the past few weeks, and for many, the impact has been devastating. As Mr. Hendrick mentioned, everyone’s mental health has been affected during this challenging time, and part of recovery is getting back into a routine. Our #1 goal is to help restore a sense of normalcy and stability for our students, families, teachers, and community. We are continuing to ask for financial contributions to help us respond to the critical needs of students and teachers in real-time. Classrooms were flooded, schools were displaced, and essential supplies are needed to restore learning environments. Please consider donating to our hurricane relief fund. Every contribution will directly support teachers, students, and Pinellas County Schools employees impacted by the storms. If you donate today, your donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $100,000. Donate online at https://lnkd.in/eBUNftEQ Watch here: https://lnkd.in/e_xFHFhX

Our school district has been hit hard by back-to-back hurricanes—first Helene, and now Milton. The impact is widespread, leaving even more students without essential supplies and teachers continuing to rebuild their classrooms. We need your continued support and have a unique opportunity to double your impact! A longtime supporter of Pinellas Education Foundation has generously offered to match all donations dollar-for-dollar, up to $100,000. Every donation helps restore a sense of normalcy and stability, which is essential for the well-being of our students and families. Together, we can rebuild our schools and support students, teachers and Pinellas County Schools employees in need. Donate today at https://lnkd.in/gM3rzuzH

We will remain closed today, Friday, October 11. Thank you.

Pinellas Education Foundation will be closed today, Monday, October 7 through Thursday, October 10, due to the anticipated impacts of Hurricane Milton and to ensure the safety of our staff. We will share updates when our office reopens. For emergency information, preparation and storm updates, please visit: https://lnkd.in/egiRUVV3 Please stay safe during the storm.

Join us tomorrow, Monday October 7, from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Bay Pines Texas Roadhouse to support our Hurricane Helene Relief efforts. Dine in or place a to-go order at the St. Pete Bay Pines Texas Roadhouse and Texas Roadhouse will donate 10% of your total purchase to our relief campaign. Thank you Hollins High School PTA for helping set this up! We hope to see you there. Let's continue raising funds for our incredible Pinellas County Schools teachers and students!

Reminder: Monday, October 7th is the last day to register to vote! This is your opportunity to support the Pinellas County Schools Referendum. The school district needs your vote now more than ever. Our students are worth the investment. Register to Vote: votepinellas.gov Learn more about the Referendum: https://lnkd.in/e7u3x428

This time last week, our community assessing damage from the severe impact of Hurricane Helene. Two schools in our district experience significant flooding and over 1,600 students and over 100 teachers were displaced. There are many organizations doing great work - but our mission is to support students and teachers. Help us fully restore classrooms and give students what they need to succeed. Every dollar will directly support teachers, students and Pinellas County Schools employees impacted by the storm. Donate today at https://lnkd.in/edSRCAcy

💥Attention Pinellas County Schools Seniors!💥 Pinellas Education Foundation is now accepting applications for Senior Scholarships to support your continuing education at a university, community college, technical or arts school. ✔️Complete one application ✔️300+ scholarships awarded ✔️Scholarships ranging from $500-$20,000 To learn more and apply, visit https://lnkd.in/gAMaBQNz