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MYCP Wins $6,100 State Farm Grant

ISLAMORADA, FL (821 words) – Thanks to donated funds from Monroe County Education Foundation (MCEF), Monroe Youth Challenge Program (MYCP) applied for and was awarded a $6,100 State Farm grant for Monroe County School Distirct officials announced this week. The State Farm grant is set for a hurricane mitigation project at the Plantation Hammock Preserve north of Founder’s Park with all planning and native-tree planting to be done by 50 students at Montessori Island Charter School in the fourth, fifth, and sixth grades.

 “While MYCP and partner agency Monroe County Extension Service wrote the grant, credit is due to the initial resources from MCEF that made this project possible. This kind of project will make memories that last a life time for a kid and give their education experience lasting value. Someday they’ll drive by the park and tell their kids about the trees they planted. That’s student success,” said MYCP Chief Administrator Sunny Booker.

This is the first time MYCP has received this grant. Other partners who provided matches include University of Florida Monroe County Extension Service, Village of Islands Public Works, Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, Monroe Youth Challenge Program, Monroe County School District, and Village of Islands Public Works.

Of the 50 students scheduled to work on the Plantation Hammock Preserve project, 11 have been identified as team leaders because of their participation in the Seasons of Service (SOS) in-classroom club that was designed through the collaborative effort of MYCP, University of Florida Extension Service, and the American Red Cross. SOS is led by Assistant Principal Bridget Dangel. In this club, students study topics of interest that are supported by partner agencies.

After surveying their peers for skills and interests, the SOS student leaders plan to assign members to different teams to accomplish the tasks required. The Plantation Hammock Preserve must be replanted in native trees. The classroom science curriculum provides education on the importance of native trees in the environment, the history and horticulture practices for native trees. Students are to receive instruction on how to use Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to identify exotic-invasive species and locations on the property appropriate to plant natives. Students will probably use Global Information Systems (GIS) to complete the maps. A 4-H curriculum has been selected to teach GPS/GIS technology in the classroom.

Community partners and participating agencies should be guest speakers to teach about their respective jobs, perspectives on mitigation, response and recovery. Those include, but are not limited to the matching funds partners plus Emergency Management, Department of Parks and Recreation, members of the Village Landscape Committee, NOAA, Nature Conservancy, and the Marine Sanctuary.

Next month, students are expected to create a map of the property, conduct soil sample activities to identify appropriate planting locations, develop a presentation for the Islamorada Village Landscape Committee, complete introductory training in use of cameras and photography, take photos of the PHP, and design a brochure and tip sheet to inform the community about mitigation, recovery and restoration.

In March, students are scheduled to complete most of the planting and begin their portfolios. Students also plant to design and implement an informational workshop/exhibit for neighboring homeowners and media at the school to hand out the tip sheets and brochures as well as other printed information from partners. Students anticipate creating matted photographs to exhibit during an Earth Day Celebration and recognition event in April. Finally, a hurricane simulation activity is to be held for target students at the school coordinated by MYCP District Prevention Coordinator Michele Sutter, University of Florida Monroe County Extension 4-H Agent Kim Coldicott, Monroe County School District Safe School Coordinator Sunny Booker, plus Monroe County Emergency Management and NOAA Weather Station personnel.

By the end of the school year, all planting and community presentations should be complete. A completed portfolio is expected from each student participant. In summary, the projected outcomes as a result of the program, reported via student surveys, are that students:

• And/or their families will implement one new strategy to prepare for hurricanes as a result of the program.
• Know how to find a position using GPS technology.
• Understand Geospatial referencing data is used in science, commerce, and leisure.
• Know the benefits of planting native trees as a hurricane mitigation strategy.
• Can design a plan to plant natives.
• Comprehend the importance of planting natives as restoration in the recovery process for a public park damaged by hurricanes.
• Report an increase in at least two skills related to leadership, public speaking, or community service.

Monroe County Education Foundation President Dan Kratish said, “Since its inception, MCYP has been a part of MCEF. Each year they have increased student involvement and we are very pleased with the results.”

Monroe Youth Challenge Program is a project of the Monroe County Education Foundation to foster acceptance, respect, and success in the youth of Monroe County. For more information call Michele Sutter at (305) 852-1664 or go to www.monroe.k12.fl.us/mycp.