WHAT WE DO
The John B. Gorrie Foundation is separate from the PTA and exists to support the school by purchasing educational tools that the district and/or state are unable to provide; supporting sustainable multi-year educational projects; and funding large-scale site improvements. These programs support a higher learning experience and promote extra enrichment outside the boundaries and budgets of our public school system.
HOW WE DO IT
The John B. Gorrie Foundation consists of a volunteer board of directors that meets monthly with administration and a teacher representative to understand the current and future needs of our school. All funding decisions are made with a majority vote, with the support of administration and staff.
To fulfill our mission, we rely on the generous support of our Gorrie families and community partners. The Foundation raises funds for all projects and programs through the annual Gorrie Gala, which has been supporting the school for over 20 years. The Gala is the largest fundraiser of the year and is attended by over 300 parents, administration, teachers, staff, and community partners.
ONGOING SUPPORT AND FUNDING
Ongoing support the Foundation provides to the school includes:
*MUSIC: Funding the salary for Strings specialist Mr. Timothy Dow to ensure all children grades K-5 have access to violin instruction. Gorrie is one of a small number of schools in our district that offers this instruction. Strings instruction has been shown to improve coordination and concentration, build confidence, provide a creative outlet, and improve memory and posture!
*ART: The Foundation counteracts district budget cuts by partially funding our art program so it is full-time. We are so lucky to have Karen Barmore lead our art program! She is full of creative ideas, and works to install permanent art around campus using student creativity so our students have a lasting legacy at the school.
For example in 2021, our 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade artists were inspired by contemporary Cuban artist, Jose Fuster, as they designed and painted these ceramic tile selfies that now decorate the main stairway in a beautiful mosaic!
*EDUCATION: Funding technology advances, need-based tutoring, and a reading coach as requested by administration.
*M.A.G.I.C. Enrichment Clubs: Offering fee-based enrichment clubs (scholarships available) to enhance the experience of our children.
*TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK: The Foundation, with the PTA, funds the budget for Staff Appreciation Week.
PAST ACHIEVEMENTS
*Classrooms of the FUTURE: In 2022, the administration, teachers, PTA, and Foundation met on-site with technology consultants for months to devise the perfect comprehensive plan to transform our classrooms into literal *classrooms of the future*! We also worked closely with the district to ensure maximum integration of our new tech to support our teachers and enhance the education of every student at Gorrie. This was implemented in two phases:
*Classroom of the Future FURNITURE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: The 2023 Gala and MAGIC proceeds are funding a $180K furniture improvement for our students, including new desks & chairs for grades 2-5. The Foundation hopes to improve other grades and classrooms through funding in the 2023-2024 school year. The furniture was requested by administration and staff and will enhance collaborative learning and replace old furniture which was in disrepair. Our useable furniture will be donated back into the school system to be repurposed and used by other schools.
*Classroom of the Future TECHNOLOGY UPDATE: The 2022 Gala, in conjunction with the PTA, funded a $170K technology improvement for our school. This included 25" Newline 75" Ultra-HD LED Multi-touch Displays (one for every classroom), one-to-one devices (chromebooks) for all students grades 3-5, and repurposing other laptops for one-to-one devices for grades K-2.
*GORRIE GROWS: The Foundation funded the initial investment to establish the Gorrie Garden in January 2019. In 2022, the Foundation approved an additional $10K+ capital investment into the Garden, approving its expansion with an outdoor classroom, weather investigation tools to help support science curriculum, new benches, a succulent display, bird feeders & cedar bird houses, solar water fountain, pollinator plants, and art beautification through child sculptures. The Garden hopes to become accredited by the National Wildlife Foundation as a Certified Wildlife Habitat, replenishing resources for wildlife such as bees, butterflies, birds, and amphibians. Year-to-year garden endeavors are run through the PTA, and you can follow the Garden's progress on Instagram at @gorriegrows.
*ARTIFICIAL TURF: Beginning in the summer of 2020, the Foundation has installed artificial turf on the main field, in the outdoor lunch areas, by the Coliseum, and by the basketball courts. The artificial turf has enhanced the children's days and has allowed all grade levels to enjoy outdoor learning areas. In addition, in conjunction with the McLamore Family Foundation, the primary playground received artificial turf in 2022.
*MEDIA CENTER RENOVATION: In 2020, the Foundation completed a renovation of our Media Center which transformed it into a state-of-the-art learning center, complete with a MakerSpace, Collaboration Hub, Reading Lounge, "Trees of Knowledge" with permanent student art, and a flexible classroom hub.
*TECHNOLOGY UPDATE PART 1: The 2019 Gala funded a major technology improvement, culminating in the purchase of 150 student laptops, 45 teacher laptops, and 31 document cameras.
*COLISEUM: The inaugural purchase of the Foundation was a multi-year funding endeavor which culminated in the purchase of additional land and building of the Coliseum, Gorrie's magnificent indoor gym.
*OTHER IMPROVEMENTS: Other improvements and investments in the school include sound-absorbing ceiling tiles in the cafeteria; resurfacing of the basketball court; expansion of our Gorrie Garden to include a blueberry garden, seedling table, composting bin, and a worm farm; educational tools including Inner Explorer Program, BrainPop, Committee for Children Program, Worldly Wise; Classroom Projectors; Student Hearing Aids; Large Format Projection Screen & Projector for Coliseum & Movie Night Events; Kindness Bathroom Beautification Project; First Grade Flower Tables.
