Atlantic Beach Elementary School

	FABE



	Library Birthday Club



	School Improvement Plan

Friends of Atlantic Beach Elementary (FABE)

What is FABE and what does it do?
FABE, or Friends of Atlantic Beach Elementary, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization established to support our local elementary school. In recent years, system-wide educational budget shortfalls have impacted the ability of our local school administration to provide for educational enrichment, campus maintenance as well as necessary educational programs and materials. The formation of Friends of Atlantic Beach Elementary (FABE) was inspired by parents and community members who desired a mechanism for the local community to provide on-going financial support for our school.

Why do parents need to raise additional money for the school?
Unfunded mandates such as the classroom size amendment have placed unrealistic financial demands on local schools, teachers and classrooms. When budgets are cut, often the first areas impacted are enrichment programs including music, art and physical education. It has been the expressed vision of local parents that they would like to continue these programs for their children.

Who contributes to FABE?
Each year FABE receives generous donations from parents and grandparents of students who attend ABE as well as community members who are committed to ABE. In addition, FABE has a valuable partnership with the City of Atlantic Beach and the City of Jacksonville. Both entities have committed a portion of their annual budgets towards specific projects at the school.

How are FABE projects selected?
Based on contributions received, project priorities are established through FABE with guidance from the principal, ABE School Advisory Council (SAC), the PTA and parents.

FABE provides an annual giving campaign of more than $50,000 to Atlantic Beach Elementary. Without FABE, the following programs would have been discontinued or provided less frequently in our neighborhood school:

Cultural Arts - visiting artists, Spring Arts Festival
Technology - computers and instructor salary
Physical Education - additional P.E. instruction with Coach Penny
Teacher Assistants - salaries for assistants/aids

Campus Physical Improvements
Over the years FABE has provided the resources to improve the "curbside" appeal of the school. Last year, FABE coordinated the fundraising drive for new playground equipment, new track and athletic field.

What are the projects for the 2006/2007 school year?

$10,000 towards purchasing books for classroom libraries
$20,000 towards salaries for teacher assistants and P.E. with Coach Penny
$15,000 towards campus maintenance (mowing athletic field and front of school, seasonal plantings, irrigation expenses, etc.)
$5,000 towards cultural arts programs and the Spring Arts Day

Who is on the board?

President: Jill Jackson
Vice President: John Fletcher
Treasurer: DeJean Melancon
Secretary: Katie Rider
Other board members include Kelly Elmore, Joe Revis, Laurie Melancon, Eleanor Ashby, Mike and Cyndi Poland and E.K. Cottrell.

When and how can I contribute?
Donations are accepted at anytime throughout the year. They may be sent to FABE, 1015 Atlantic Blvd. Suite 238, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233.

How can I get involved?
Call Jill Jackson at 246-7072.

Important Information: FABE's solicitation registration number is CH14396. FABE does not at anytime employ professional fund raisers. 100% of all funds received benefit Friends of Atlantic Beach Elementary.