AUGUST 5, 2016
NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION IS HEADING BACK TO SCHOOL
Just in time for the sales tax holiday weekend, the Greater Pinellas Point Civic Association (GPPCA) is heading to Maximo and Lakewood elementary schools to show their support. The GPPCA – along with matching funds from anonymous donors and business partners like Sharon Ally, Branch Manager of BB&T Bank and Dan Fiorini, owner of Tyrone Frame and Mirror – raised $1100 for the two principals to disburse to teachers as they see fit. The effort was spearheaded by Tom Lally who is a community activist and Secretary of the GPPCA. “Whenever possible associations, local businesses, and residents should consider supporting local schools with their talent, time, or treasure” Lally said, adding “this should be just the beginning of what we do for our schools”. The schools were chosen for support by Ryan Cobin, a health care executive and member of the GPPCA Board of Directors. “I am still shocked that our entire neighborhood is zoned for two of the five schools featured in the Tampa Bay Times article ‘Failure Factories'” Cobin said. “I hope our members see this [support] and say ‘that is not enough’ and ask the principals what else do the students need, or sign up to be tutors or volunteers at the schools”. Florida teachers are given about $270 to spend on school supplies for the entire year. They frequently go over that amount and the difference comes out of their own pockets. The GPPCA is committed to improving the quality of life in our neighborhood, and it begins with our youngest residents.
