September 2007
Community Paper
copyright ©2007 by Community Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.

NOTE: The College Park Neighborhood Association will be hosting School Board member Anne Geiger at the next CPNA meeting on Monday, Sept 10th. The meeting starts at 7 pm at the College Park Community Center and Ms Geiger is scheduled to speak at 8 pm. For more information about CPNA, see www.collegeparkorlando.org.

LETTER FROM ANNE GEIGER, OCPS SCHOOL BOARD
If you haven't heard, through the hard, intelligent work of teachers, staff and students, Lake Silver Elementary joins Princeton Elementary as an "A" school!!!!!!! Bravo! (Another College Park area school, Killarney Elementary, also earned an "A"!) Our children are fortunate indeed!


After an extra-long summer, College Park public schools are poised to embark on a successful 2007-08 academic year. Orange County Public Schools has the expectation that every school will maintain a culture of achievement that is safe, professional and welcoming. As evidenced by College Park public schools, the key to success is a strong leader principal at the helm, a well-supported, well-trained teaching team and a positive, productive relationship with parents and the community. A superb support system is in place through our loyal Partners-in-Education, PTA's, School Advisory Councils, and Edgewater High School Foundation.

Our children's rigorous academic experience is deepened and broadened through the work of teachers of music, art and drama, and the directors of band, orchestra and chorus. The Marine Corps Junior ROTC at Edgewater and a variety of middle school and high school clubs provide additional avenues for developing academic, career, social and leadership skills.

Outside the classroom, many children benefit from after-school programs at Lake Silver, Princeton and the College Park Community Center, and at Lee Middle through the cooperative agreement with the City of Orlando. Student athletes develop their skills and talents throughout the year, with the guidance of dedicated parent coaches for our youngest children and accomplished coaches and trainers in middle school and high school. Student artists, designers and actors have a variety of opportunities to develop and express their talents. Many students, at each level, seek ways to serve others by coming to the aid of their peers and share their time, talents and treasures with the neighborhood and greater community. I am continually impressed with the big hearts, minds and souls of our children and how they strive to lead, succeed and make a difference in our world.

On the facilities front, Princeton Elementary's main building renovation is complete. College Park is fortunate to have this historic structure in our neighborhood and Princeton students have the unique experience of walking the halls of an institution that has been part of the city fabric since 1927. The project, by Wharton-Smith, was just given the prestigious Excellence in Construction Eagle Award for Historic Renovation by the Central Florida chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors organization. Planning for further campus renovations is scheduled to begin in 2011.

Lake Silver Elementary School's auditorium has been refurbished with a fresh coat of paint, new seating and new stage curtains. Painting has been performed throughout the school. Maintenance is a big priority at Lake Silver and the campus looks fabulous! Planning for Lake Silver's full renovation is scheduled to begin in 2011.

Design details are being finalized for Lee Middle School's renovation, with substantial improvements anticipated for the whole campus, including a hefty amount of new construction.

Edgewater High School's renovation plans, followed closely by a dedicated group of Edgewater supporters and the College Park Neighborhood Association, are in the design development phase. A community meeting was held last spring to give a first peek at design options under consideration. A second community meeting will be held soon so that the community can see further design development, and be able to offer additional input and have any questions answered.

Killarney Elementary School, a feeder school into Lee Middle, will also be substantially renovated. Design plans are now being finalized.

Along with other revenue sources, the bulk of financing for these essential renovations comes from revenues from the half-penny sales tax passed by voters in 2002. Thank you to the community for placing trust in Orange County Public Schools to build, renovate and maintain the caliber of school facilities needed for a 21st century education!

While our schools serve many neighborhood children, we also serve children from other neighborhoods. If you as a school-age parent or College Park neighbor are interested in becoming a classroom volunteer or mentor for a child who may not have the level of family support needed for reaching full potential, contact me or drop by one of our schools and ask how you can volunteer. You will be amazed how rewarding it is. Becoming what we call an "Additions" volunteer is a painless process. To get a head start, go to www.ocps.net and follow the "Community" links to fill out an on-line "Additions" form. (By the way, our Web site has been rebuilt, is easy to navigate and full of useful, accessible information.) If you are a parent of a College Park public school student, don't forget to join the PTA! Schools are also looking for parents and citizens to serve on School Advisory Councils.

Orange County Public School's vision is to be "the top producer of successful students in the nation." With everyone on board in partnership together, that vision can become a reality. 2007-08 is going to be a fantastic year!

Final thought - Read to your child and if you have a teen, encourage him or her to read! It will make a world of difference in what they know, understand and dream! Our children are our future!

Don't hesitate to contact me if you have questions, concerns or ideas.
Anne Geiger, OCPS School Board, District 6, Orange County Public Schools
407.317.3236 - 407.399.1768; E-MAIL geigera@ocps.net
445 West Amelia Street, Orlando, Florida 32804