Dear Friend: The beginning of the school year is one of the best times to participate in stimulating educational activities and take advantage of new services available to educators, students and their families. The following activities and services provided by the State of Florida are great opportunities to facilitate learning and participate in the improvement of education in our state.

Free State Park Admission September 11-13 to Celebrate Literacy--The governor has designated September 2009 as Florida State Parks Literacy Month to encourage reading in our state parks. In recognition of National Library Card Sign Up Month, park visitors who bring a library card, a book checked out from a library, or donate a new or gently used family-friendly book will be granted free admission from September 11-13.Visit floridastateparks.org or call 850-245-2157 for more information.

For information on how to obtain a library card, visit pbclibrary.org/cardfaq.htm if you live in Palm Beach County and browardlibrary.org/lcapp.html if you live in Broward County.

College and Career Planning Tools Available to Middle and High School Students--As part of Florida’s Career and Education Planning course requirement for middle school students, the Florida Department of Education provides middle school and high school students with access to an electronic Personal Education Plan (ePEP). ePEP allows students and parents to create a high school plan for achieving college and career goals, offers assistance in selecting appropriate courses, and tracks a student’s progress toward meeting his or her goals. To sign up for ePEP or to find more information on college and career planning, visit FACTS.org.

Public Input Needed for Florida’s Application for Federal Education Funds--The Florida Department of Education is looking to the public for innovative ideas to include in their competitive grant application for federal education funds. Portions of the $4.35 billion “Race to the Top” education fund will be awarded to states on the basis of past achievements in education and plans for future improvements. The submission deadline is September 11. To submit your ideas, click here.

As always, I appreciate the opportunity to be of service to you. Please do not hesitate to contact me or my staff if you have any questions or concerns. Our district office number is (561) 470-6593.
Kelly Skidmore, State Representative, District 90

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