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Park Ridge Elementary

Pompano Beach, FL

Park Ridge Elementary School is being recognized as the Broward County TutorMate School of the Year 2018-2019. Park Ridge Elementary is completing its first year as a TutorMate School.  The school joined TutorMate due to the tireless efforts of Ms. Faithlyn Brown, whose advocacy for the program enabled four Park Ridge Elementary first grade teachers the opportunity to partner with JP Morgan Chase and Cisco this year. It would not have been possible, however, without the trust and support of her principal, Mr. Joseph Balchunas. Mr. Balchunas’ commitment to the TutorMate program sets Park Ridge Elementary a part. He is truly dedicated to the students and stakeholders at Park Ridge Elementary, and made sure to thank both Cisco and Chase tutors for their time and effort over the course of the year.

The teachers at Park Ridge Elementary have enthusiastically adopted the TutorMate program. They work to incorporate TutorMate in their classrooms, teaching their students to maintain the program with great independence. The teachers have also built enduring relationships with their tutor groups through frequent correspondence. Tutors feel connected to their classrooms and to their students. Likewise, the teachers feel deeply thankful for their their tutors’ help this year. To show their appreciation, Ms. Brown and Mr. Watts’ classrooms prepared songs for their tutors, which they performed before the entire first grade. Furthermore, all of the teachers collaborated to create a thank you video, which they showed tutors during the end-of-year celebration.  Furthermore, the tutors really went all out!!!! JP Morgan Chase tutors rented a party bus and drove from Jacksonville, Florida (approximately 5 hours) to celebrate with the kids. Students enjoyed a dance party with their tutors and the Florida Panthers’ Mascot! Cisco tutors arrived with birthday balloons and a cake, expanding the end of year celebration to include a birthday party for a first grader. This was possible because of the relationships built over the course of the year.
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Park Ridge Elementary School went above and beyond in their first year as a TutorMate School! They built a lasting partnership with Cisco and JP Morgan Chase that benefited their first graders. The consistent support from administration and passionate educators enacting the program in their classrooms makes the choice in School of the Year obvious. Congratulations, Park Ridge Elementary!




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Click here to learn about Broward County Public Schools' TutorMate Classroom of the Year!
© 2019 Innovations for Learning
  • OUTSTANDING SCHOOLS
    • East Coast
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    • West Coast
  • OUTSTANDING CLASSROOMS
    • East Coast
    • Midwest
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