- November 25, 2024
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The Port Orange and South Daytona Chamber Education Team hosted a Principals and Pastors Reception to bring the principals, pastors and Education Committee together and discuss pressing needs for the upcoming school year on Wednesday, July 24, said Tricia Phillippi, the Education Committee chair of the Chamber.
“We suggested the idea of the education team working in a collaborative effort with local churches on one or two upcoming drives to produce more effective results,” Phillippi said.
Some needs mentioned by local principals were standard school supplies. However, they also mentioned a pressing need for ear buds, dry eraser markers and hand sanitizers. Another pressing matter that was discussed was the need for underwear, socks and shoes for pre-K to high school students.
“Andrea Hall, principal of Spruce Creek elementary noted they are in special need of male mentorship,” Phillippi said. “They have many children who are missing a male role model in their lives.”
Feedback from the principals and pastors was very positive, Phillippi said,
“The Education Committee was extremely proud to host this event and is excited to keep the positive momentum going," she said. "We will begin strategizing and implementing ideas to provide solutions on the topics discussed."
The Education Committee meets once a month and has an active team of over 20 business chamber members. The purpose of the committee is to keep the business members connected to the local schools, whether it be through providing services, volunteering, offering internship opportunities, or being there as a support system to our schools, Phillippi said.
The committee serves as another path of communication to address student needs in the committee. They are committed to raising awareness and ensuring the schools are receiving support.
“It takes a village, and I am proud to be part of this village,” Phillippi said. “I am truly overwhelmed and feel blessed to be part of a committee and a community in which the people are so vested, supportive and eager to help.”
