Charlotte County Schools in the News
Astronaut's Visit Commemorated for Permanent Display at Neil Armstrong Elementary
PORT CHARLOTTE, FLA. (August 24, 2010) – During Tuesday’s Charlotte County School Board meeting, Florida International Air Show representatives Bucky McQueen and Fred Buckingham presented Principal Angie Taillon of Neil Armstrong Elementary with a commemorative plaque in honor of the school’s 2008 rededication ceremony featuring NASA Astronaut Randolph J. Bresnik (Lieutenant Colonel, USMC).
The 36� x 48� plaque chronicles Bresnik's November 2009 mission aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis. The plaque will hang on display in the lobby of Neil Armstrong Elementary School, alongside the NASA spacesuit donated by Owen-Ames-Kimball Company and Reynolds, Smith & Hills Architects installed as part of the 2008 rededication, for future generations to enjoy.
The combined outreach and financial contributions of the Florida International Air Show Committee and Owen-Ames-Kimball Construction made Astronaut Randy Bresnik's 2008 attendance at the school's rededication possible.
Named in honor of Neil Armstrong, first man to set foot on the moon, the original school building was built in 1971 on 11 beautiful acres in a residential neighborhood. On August 13, 2004, the school fell victim to a destructive hurricane. Hurricane Charley destroyed the physical structure of Neil Armstrong Elementary but not the strength of its staff and students. The school was moved into a temporary modular campus on the grounds of Port Charlotte Middle School. The newly rebuilt school was formally rededicated on April 7, 2008. Neil Armstrong Elementary School is the only elementary named for the famed astronaut in the state of Florida.
Lindsey Barfield
Florida International Air Show
Gulf Coast Community Foundation Underwrites Grant to fund STEM programs.
The Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice is partnering with Sarasota and Charlotte County schools to improve education in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The foundation will underwrite a $2.5 million dollar grant that will be shared among 5 schools in the South Sarasota and North Charlotte county area, including Lemon Bay High School, and LA Ainger Middle School. Read more about this announcement at www.sunnewspapers.net
Crossroads Wins Carl D. Perkins Grant
Crossroads Wilderness Institute (AMIkids Crossroads) is a local residential juvenile program designed to help troubled teens become productive and successful members of our community. Crossroads was recently awarded the Carl D. Perkins grant for the 2010-2011 school year. The $72,000 grant will fund "green" programs, allowing teens the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge of environmental preservation, and green living. Read this article at www.sunnewspapers.net.
For more information about school news, or if you would like to post news information to this page, please contact:
Mike Riley
School and Community Relations Officer
941-255-7430
Michael_Riley@ccps.k12.fl.us