FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools

Today's FUTURES Classroom Grants Highlight comes from Ms. Edwards at Online Learning

In her own words:
In our fiber arts lab, I worked with students on two hands-on projects that introduced basic sewing and weaving skills. Using the purchased materials, students learned to hand‑sew felt donuts by cutting felt shapes, stitching around the edges with needles and thread, adding stuffing, and decorating them with felt “icing” and sprinkles. The project supported student achievement by combining hands-on learning with curriculum-aligned skills, resulting in stronger engagement, improved skill development, and a measurable increase in student confidence and independence during classroom activities.

26-27 grant cycle opens July 1st! https://bit.ly/TeacherClassroomGrants for more information!

It was our pleasure to host the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations annual Summer Leadership Conference here in Daytona Beach earlier this month. 25+ education foundation leaders and valued partners spent two days in conversation and collaboration around how to continue supporting our local public school systems. Special thanks to The Shores Resort & Spa for hosting and the Marine Discovery Center for providing a fun outing.

Welcome to Summer Fun Fact Friday! Stay tuned each Friday to hear about what we've done for this past school year!

Today's FUTURES Classroom Grants Highlight comes from Ms. Ford at Manatee Cove Elementary School.

In her own words:
Piano instruction was implemented 4th and 5th grade classes, as well as in 3rd–5th grade Mild and Multi VE classes. Instruction began in a whole-group format and transitioned into small-group learning to support differentiated instruction. Initial lessons focused on piano fundamentals, the history of the instrument, and basic music theory. Students also developed their ability to read the five-line music staff using the treble clef. As instruction progressed, small-group time allowed students to self-assess their playing abilities and focus on individual learning needs. The impact of this project was that students were exposed to a new instrument while strengthening their overall music fluency. The piano proved to be highly adaptable for ESE classes, allowing me to reach and support a broader range of learners.

Thank you Ms. Ford, for implementing a successful grant project! 26-27 grant cycle opens July 1st! https://bit.ly/TeacherClassroomGrants for more information!

Today's FUTURES Classroom Grants Highlight comes from Sweetwater Elementary Pelicans with Ms. Pokorny!

In her own words:
A group of Sweetwater 5th graders read the book “From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler” by E.L. Konigsburg. This project allowed our students to read a high-interest novel that has been recommended by the FLDOE. It was the perfect vehicle for practicing our benchmarks that go along with literary texts. Student achievement is impacted anytime students are interested in their reading material. They showed growth in each of these benchmarks and were very engaged.

Thank you Ms. Pokorny, for implementing a successful grant project!
26-27 grant cycle opens July 1st! https://bit.ly/TeacherClassroomGrants for more information!

Today's FUTURES Classroom Grants Highlight comes from New Smyrna Beach Middle School with Ms. Hughes!

In her own words:
Your generosity and kindness have enhanced art experiences in so many ways this year and for years to come. Students created school-based art shows, art journals, fashion, ceramic sculptures, digital art, and more. Thank you for supporting student learning, creativity and exploration in visual art at our school and so many others. The joy and accomplishments that you brought to our students are beyond words.

26-27 grant cycle opens July 1st! https://bit.ly/TeacherClassroomGrants for more information!

Volusia County Schools Electives & Special Programs

Thanks to the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County for hosting this year's Teacher Resource Store Mini-Conference, in partnership with the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations.

Over two days representatives from various education foundations across the state, including FUTURES, gathered to share resources, ideas & best practices for providing free classroom supplies to teachers & students! We plan to bring what we've learned to our school district to better serve Volusia County Schools teachers! Be on the lookout for exciting updates!

If your business would like to host a Summer Supply Drive to help us restock the store, contact us!

If you would like to take part in our school supply drive, you can easily do so through our Amazon Wishlist. Simply visit https://buff.ly/9u67Bt4 to make your contribution.

Today's FUTURES Classroom Grants Highlight comes from Campbell Middle School with Ms. Nuñez!

In her own words:
This project had a significant impact on student engagement, collaboration, and cultural understanding. Students demonstrated increased motivation and ownership of their learning as they connected academic content to real-world Hispanic cultures. They improved their Spanish vocabulary through authentic use of language in discussions, presentations, and artist statements.
The final mural and presentations showed clear evidence of student growth in creativity, cultural awareness, and communication skills.

Thank you Ms. Nuñez, for implementing a successful grant project!
26-27 grant cycle opens July 1st!

VCS Multilingual Learners

Today's FUTURES Classroom Grants Highlight comes from Mr. Thomas at Holly Hill School

In his own words:
With the purchase of the keyboard, I was able to give students the opportunity to experiment with playing and creating music with modern technology. Although students had seen and heard lots of musical instruments, they were able to experience them with just one instrument that could make various sounds. I was able to accompany students during class warm-ups and students were able to have individual time to work on adding sounds to various lessons. With this experience, my hope is to continue exposing students to modern sounds in Music. My hope is that students will seek out additional ways to hear and create new sounds.

Thank you Mr. Thomas, for implementing a successful grant project! 26-27 grant cycle opens July 1st!

Volusia County Schools Electives & Special Programs