In collaboration with Paul Burke, Dr. Essie Johnson (Principal at Brandon EPIC Center) and Mr. Cornelius Bobo (Principal at North Tampa EPIC Center) arranged for all faculty and staff (including instructional personnel, classroom aides, security, and administrative staff) at both academic institutions to come together in preparation for the upcoming academic year. In addition to Hillsborough County Public School staff, JusticeWorks FL team members were invited to participate to start fostering strong collaborative relationships with Hillsborough Public School staff.
All participants were encouraged, through a series of activities and breakout training sessions, to get to know one another and begin building professional relationships to ensure that everyone is “working together as one to achieve excellence and success” for the students of those sites.
Due to the great work being done at the EPIC Centers, there were a number of community businesses and members who were happy to sponsor portions of the agenda. Bill Currie ‘Ford’ provided physical space and accommodations for all the staff as well as a monetary contribution of $5,000 to encourage the growth and expansion of the great initiatives happening at the EPIC Centers. In addition, breakfast and lunch were graciously provided by local restaurants (McDonalds and The Village Inn – respectively).
Program Director, Jose Borras-Osorio; Director of Evaluation & Quality Assurance, Marc Maddy; Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, Wynne Tye; and Regional Director, Renee Kresge
Behavioral Interventionist, Dorothy Mwanga; Director of Evaluation & Quality Assurance, Marc Maddy; Program Director, Jose Borras-Osorio; School board member (former chair) and Hillsborough County educator of 51 years, Doretha Edgecomb; Behavioral Interventionist, Ashley Williams; and Behavioral Interventionist, Albert Lee.
We are appreciative of the great partnership we’ve gotten from Hillsborough School District and are excited to work to improve attendance, promote family engagement, and have students successfully return to their mainstream schools, and graduate!