Page 9 - Hobe Sound Reflections - January '23

Hobe Sound, Page 9

School News from page 8 that had not yet been adopted this
Western Governors school year,” said Lisa Rhodes,
executive director of EFMC.
When Rhodes shared the news
University Helps Port Salerno with Lauren Gifford, principal of
Elementary Score 100 Percent PSE, the two coordinated a surprise
announcement for the staff.
By Jackie Holfelder Gifford explained, “It was
A very special new partnership between the Education very hard for me to keep this a
Foundation of Martin County (EFMC) and Western surprise for a couple of weeks. I
Governors University (WGU) has resulted in the teachers cannot thank Western Governors
and classrooms at Port Salerno Elementary School (PSE) University enough for their
achieving 100 percent adoption for the first time. generosity and the Education
The Education Foundation’s district-wide Adopt-a- Foundation of Martin County for
Class program is decades old and allows for individuals or their continued support of our
businesses to “adopt” or sponsor a class for $100 annually. students and teachers.
The funds are used by teachers to purchase educational This is the first time in PSE
enrichment resources for the benefit of their students. history that we are 100-percent
For the first time ever, each teacher at Port Salerno adopted. I am thrilled that all
Elementary has received at least one $100 adoption as our teachers will be able to
part of the program. purchase additional items to Kate Cotner, EFMC board president; Lisa Rhodes; Lindsey Ferschke; Tracey Miller,
“We are so thankful for our new partnership with Western support the educational needs of MCSD Assistant Superintendent of Academics; Lauren Gifford; David Shaffer, PSE
Governors University (WGU) and their commitment to their students. Their smiles and assistant principal; Nicole Bagley, PSE assistant principal
support our local educators. When I met with Lindsey excitement during the surprise
Ferschke, strategic partnership manager, and explained the announcement were very touching.” serves more than 142,578 students nationwide with more
need for additional support for Port Salerno Elementary, Western Governors University was established in 1997 than 300,000 graduates in 50 states. In Florida, WGU has
she immediately agreed to adopt the 33 classrooms at PSE by 19 U.S. governors with the mission to expand access to more than 7,180 enrolled students and 14,800 graduates.
online, high-quality, affordable higher education and now Celebrating its 25th anniversary, it is recognized as a
highly effective postsecondary education model. Learn
more at wgu.edu.
Kimberly K. Estep, WGU’s Southeast Regional vice
president said, “We are delighted to have helped PSE
achieve its goal of having every classroom adopted.
For more on how you can help support Martin County
classrooms, visit www.EducationFoundationMC.org or
call (772) 600-8062.
Photos by EFMC

Lindsey Ferschke with Jackie Davis and Maureen Adams,
PSE teachers Kate Cotner and Lindsey Ferschke

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