Page 83 - Superintendent Annual Report 2023-24

Program, resulting in the distribution of 3,114 additional bags alongside the regular weekly distribution. Furthermore, the
Pan-Florida Challenge doubled its Family Weekend Backpack Meal distributions ahead of Thanksgiving, and winter and
spring breaks, ensuring ample support for needy families. On such a large scale, these collaborative efforts aimed to support
students and their families, significantly impacting the community's well-being.

Blood Drives in the District
The District had an exceptional opportunity to inspire students and
staff to save lives in the second year of our five-year partnership with
OneBlood, Inc. As of March 2024, 70 blood drives were conducted across
26 high school campuses and District facility sites. Students and staff
from across the District donated 3,124 units of blood. This collaboration
directly benefited 9,372 patients as each donation helped to save up to
three lives.

The District’s partnership with OneBlood, Inc. educates students on OneBlood Big Red Bus
the vital impact of blood donation in saving lives and instills a sense of
community responsibility. Furthermore, this partnership extends its support by providing the District with an Educational
Assistance and Scholarship Program, which has helped many students pursue higher education. It also provides additional
funds to the Department of Risk & Benefits Management for efforts in employee wellness. Lastly, this partnership offers job
shadowing opportunities to medical academy students.

The Fulton-Holland Educational Services Center Bistro
In FY24, the Bistro introduced innovative concepts such as the Bistro Express
Cafe, offering a mobile cart equipped with a Keurig coffee machine and a delightful
array of pastries and desserts for staff meetings.

Noteworthy events throughout the year at the Bistro included the annual
Thanksgiving luncheon on November 16 and a special Hanukkah meal on
December 15. Collaborating with Employee Wellness, the Bistro contributed to the
Winter Fest celebration in December by providing two nutritious seasonal dishes.
The department’s nutrition educator also teamed with the registered dietitian at
the District Onsite Clinic to offer interactive healthy food games. The Bistro was excited to welcome students from all over
the county in support of Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day on April 25.

Growing Our Own Farm Field Trips
Beginning in December 2023, the Department of School Food
Service organized farm field trips for 250 students across five
middle schools. The students embarked on a journey beyond
their classroom walls, touring a local farm, a unique hands-on
experience. Carefully designed to integrate sensory exploration of
agriculture with academic standards, the trip blended education
and adventure seamlessly.

At Stitt Ranch in Clewiston, students didn’t just observe; they were
active participants in the learning process. They explored vibrant
green corn stalks, sugarcane, green bean plants, and cabbage while
delving into plant biology, agriculture, and nutrition. They witnessed
corn harvesting and picked ears from the stalks, marveling at the
transition from field to table, claiming it was the best they ever tasted.
During lunch, students sampled sugarcane and fresh green beans Rows of cabbage at Stitt Ranch, Clewiston
from the farm, sparking discussions about plant life cycles and nutrition and further engaging them in the learning process.

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