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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024 MarAprilCity Sketches MARCH / APRIL 2024 Farmers Market Returns for Spring Earth Day Mobile Bay Fairhope Public School Commission Update Arts & Crafts Festival The Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival Foundation is proud to announce that the 72nd annual Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival will take place March 15, 16, and 17, 2024, in beautiful downtown Fairhope. Recently named one of the TOP 10 art shows in the nation and featured by Southern Living Magazine, this prestigious festival showcases more than 200 artists from across the country and attracts three hundred thousand locals and visitors to Downtown Fairhope each year. An Eastern Shore tradition for more than seventy years, there’s something for everyone at the Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival! In addition to visiting artists’ displays, guests will enjoy live entertainment and delicious cuisine from the food court and have the opportunity to explore downtown’s unique local shops and restaurants during the three-day event. Young Festivalgoers will also enjoy the children’s tent located on Church Street, which has crafts and activities planned each day, as well as face painting and appearances by the newly named 2024 Dogwood Trail Court. For more information on shuttle services, event maps, participating artists list, and more, please visit FairhopeArtsandCraftsFestival.com. NEWS HIGHLIGHTSMARCH / APRIL 2024 City Sketches On Saturday, March 23, the Easter bunny has planned to make an appearance in front of the Fairhope Museum of History. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., he will be available to pose for photos with children. Parents are welcome to bring their own cameras to capture the special moment. Fairhope’s Outdoor Spring Farmer’s Market is set to take place every Thursday between April 4 and June 27 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. It will be located behind the Fairhope Public Library andwill showcase a variety of local vendors including farmers,bakers, florists, Baldwin County produce, honey, plants, andbaked goods. The market promises to be a fun outing for all ages,with live music and activities for kids to enjoy. Do not miss out onthis opportunity to support local businesses while enjoying thebest of what the area has to offer! At Fairhope West Elementary, our innovative STEAM program is igniting students’ curiosity and enhancing their skills across digital literacy, math, ELA, and science. This hands-on approach to learning begins with teamwork challenges like solving puzzles to open a Breakout Box, teaching students the importance of collaboration. Our young learners are diving into the world of robotics, coding various types, including Beebot, Ozobot, mTiny, Lego Spike, and VEX, and further developing their coding skills with platforms like Scratch and Microbit. Their creativity is fostered through building Lego bridges, creating art, and exploring electrical circuits with squishy circuits. A unique feature of our program is the outdoor classroom/reading garden, where students learn in the embrace of nature. This blend of technology and outdoor education at Fairhope West Elementary is preparing our students for a bright, innovative future. Principal, Jenny Breazeale JL Newton is appreciative to the citizens of Fairhope for providing 3-mill funding. These funds are used at JLN for the salaries of 11additional employees including a STEAM teacher, math coach,literacy & technology coach, intervention teacher, two part-timeintervention teachers, social worker, and four instructional aides. These employees provide an invaluable service to all students that would be impossible to duplicate without 3-mill funds. Students receive instruction in whole and small group settings and are provided with individualized help in reading and math. Additionally, a social worker is employed to address the psychological and social well-being of students. Again, JLN thanks thecitizens of Fairhope for making it possible to provide extra support for our students and teachers. It takes a village to educate a child and our Fairhope village is working hard to make sure our students receive the best education possible! Principal, Tonya Harrelson Easter Bunny Hops into Fairhope 46th Annual Spring Fever Chase 10K & 2-Mile Fun Run March 16, 2024 Come and participate in the 46th Annual Spring Fever Chase, a 10K and 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk, hosted by Thomas Hospital. The event is scheduled forSaturday, March 16, and will take you through scenic downtown Fairhope,offering beautiful views of Mobile Bay. For more information, visit www.springfeverchase.org. Easter Sunrise Service Celebrate Easter morning at the Fairhope Municipal Pier Rose Garden. Join the Eastern Shore Optimist Club for a memorable Easter Sunrise Service on March 31 at 6:30 a.m. Bring a comfortable folding chair for seating. Farmers Market Returns for Spring Earth Day Mobile Bay Celebrate Earth Day at South Beach Park at Fairhope Municipal Pier on Saturday, April 20. The event will feature an array of earth-friendly exhibitors and activities designed to captivate and entertain attendees of all ages. Admission is entirely free, and we encourage you to join us from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. as we learn, connect, and honor our magnificent planet. FAIRHOPE PUBLIC SCHOOLS COMMISSION UPDATE How your dollars are making a difference in Fairhope classrooms Fairhope West Elementary School J Larry Newton School The Fairhope Public Schools Commission (FPSC) wasformed in 2020 as a direct result of the 3 mil tax that was passed in 2019. The FPSC is tasked with distributing the 3 mil tax dollars, and the commission works closely with the individual school administrators/principals to help ensure that the funds are used in areas with the greatest need. The funds are divided equally among the five Fairhope schools including: Fairhope West Elementary, Fairhope East Elementary, J. Larry Newton Elementary, Fairhope Middle,and Fairhope High. Over the years as Fairhope has grown and property values have increased, the amount of 3 mil revenue has also increased. Since the first year of inception, we have seen the revenue collected increase from $2.2 million in 2020 to just over $3.5 million this fiscal year. This has allowed creation of a reserve or “rainy day“ fund, which would allow us to keep the resources and staff that we have been able to acquire, in the event of potential future economic uncertainty. At the same time, we have also been able to increase distributions to each school, which directly improves the quality of education and resources available to our children. Sincerely, Paul ‘PJ’ Hannon 2023 FPSC Chairman The revenue from the 3 mil contributions has allowed our schools to increase educational staff including math and reading coaches, paraprofessionals, social workers and other professional educators to meet the individual needs of more students. We have also been able to further expand support for STEAM labs, art and enrichment supplies/equipment, teacher professional development, ACT prep, etc. The bottom line is this money has allowed the schools to add staff and programs that would not have otherwise been possible. David Johnson Paul Hannon, III Carrie Mackey Shaunda Matthews Carrie McLemore Joe Kelley Danielle Mashburn-Myrick Hill Robinson Miranda Schrubbe Tricia Gunnells Corey Martin, City Council FAIRHOPE PUBLIC SCHOOLS COMMISSION Fairhope High School was named a 2023 AP Honor Roll School – Bronze status by Advanced Placement College Board. Of 256 eligible schools in Alabama, only 18 schools achieved honor roll recognition. This award honors schools that demonstrate a clear andeffective commitment to equitable access to advanced coursework. This is yet another example of support from our community enabling us the opportunity to grow our academic and enrichment programs. Principal, Jon Cardwell Fairhope High School City Sketches On Saturday, March 23, the Easter bunny has planned to make an appearance in front of the Fairhope Museum of History. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., he will be available to pose for photos with children. Parents are welcome to bring their own cameras to capture the special moment. Fairhope’s Outdoor Spring Farmer’s Market is set to take place every Thursday between April 4 and June 27 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. It will be located behind the Fairhope Public Library andwill showcase a variety of local vendors including farmers,bakers, florists, Baldwin County produce, honey, plants, andbaked goods. The market promises to be a fun outing for all ages,with live music and activities for kids to enjoy. Do not miss out onthis opportunity to support local businesses while enjoying thebest of what the area has to offer! At Fairhope West Elementary, our innovative STEAM program is igniting students’ curiosity and enhancing their skills across digital literacy, math, ELA, and science. This hands-on approach to learning begins with teamwork challenges like solving puzzles to open a Breakout Box, teaching students the importance of collaboration. Our young learners are diving into the world of robotics, coding various types, including Beebot, Ozobot, mTiny, Lego Spike, and VEX, and further developing their coding skills with platforms like Scratch and Microbit. Their creativity is fostered through building Lego bridges, creating art, and exploring electrical circuits with squishy circuits. A unique feature of our program is the outdoor classroom/reading garden, where students learn in the embrace of nature. This blend of technology and outdoor education at Fairhope West Elementary is preparing our students for a bright, innovative future. Principal, Jenny Breazeale JL Newton is appreciative to the citizens of Fairhope for providing 3-mill funding. These funds are used at JLN for the salaries of 11additional employees including a STEAM teacher, math coach,literacy & technology coach, intervention teacher, two part-timeintervention teachers, social worker, and four instructional aides. These employees provide an invaluable service to all students that would be impossible to duplicate without 3-mill funds. Students receive instruction in whole and small group settings and are provided with individualized help in reading and math. Additionally, a social worker is employed to address the psychological and social well-being of students. Again, JLN thanks thecitizens of Fairhope for making it possible to provide extra support for our students and teachers. It takes a village to educate a child and our Fairhope village is working hard to make sure our students receive the best education possible! Principal, Tonya Harrelson Easter Bunny Hops into Fairhope 46th Annual Spring Fever Chase 10K & 2-Mile Fun Run March 16, 2024 Come and participate in the 46th Annual Spring Fever Chase, a 10K and 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk, hosted by Thomas Hospital. The event is scheduled forSaturday, March 16, and will take you through scenic downtown Fairhope,offering beautiful views of Mobile Bay. For more information, visit www.springfeverchase.org. Easter Sunrise Service Celebrate Easter morning at the Fairhope Municipal Pier Rose Garden. Join the Eastern Shore Optimist Club for a memorable Easter Sunrise Service on March 31 at 6:30 a.m. Bring a comfortable folding chair for seating. Farmers Market Returns for Spring Earth Day Mobile Bay Celebrate Earth Day at South Beach Park at Fairhope Municipal Pier on Saturday, April 20. The event will feature an array of earth-friendly exhibitors and activities designed to captivate and entertain attendees of all ages. Admission is entirely free, and we encourage you to join us from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. as we learn, connect, and honor our magnificent planet. FAIRHOPE PUBLIC SCHOOLS COMMISSION UPDATE How your dollars are making a difference in Fairhope classrooms Fairhope West Elementary School J Larry Newton School The Fairhope Public Schools Commission (FPSC) wasformed in 2020 as a direct result of the 3 mil tax that was passed in 2019. The FPSC is tasked with distributing the 3 mil tax dollars, and the commission works closely with the individual school administrators/principals to help ensure that the funds are used in areas with the greatest need. The funds are divided equally among the five Fairhope schools including: Fairhope West Elementary, Fairhope East Elementary, J. Larry Newton Elementary, Fairhope Middle,and Fairhope High. Over the years as Fairhope has grown and property values have increased, the amount of 3 mil revenue has also increased. Since the first year of inception, we have seen the revenue collected increase from $2.2 million in 2020 to just over $3.5 million this fiscal year. This has allowed creation of a reserve or “rainy day“ fund, which would allow us to keep the resources and staff that we have been able to acquire, in the event of potential future economic uncertainty. At the same time, we have also been able to increase distributions to each school, which directly improves the quality of education and resources available to our children. Sincerely, Paul ‘PJ’ Hannon 2023 FPSC Chairman The revenue from the 3 mil contributions has allowed our schools to increase educational staff including math and reading coaches, paraprofessionals, social workers and other professional educators to meet the individual needs of more students. We have also been able to further expand support for STEAM labs, art and enrichment supplies/equipment, teacher professional development, ACT prep, etc. The bottom line is this money has allowed the schools to add staff and programs that would not have otherwise been possible. David Johnson Paul Hannon, III Carrie Mackey Shaunda Matthews Carrie McLemore Joe Kelley Danielle Mashburn-Myrick Hill Robinson Miranda Schrubbe Tricia Gunnells Corey Martin, City Council FAIRHOPE PUBLIC SCHOOLS COMMISSION Fairhope High School was named a 2023 AP Honor Roll School – Bronze status by Advanced Placement College Board. Of 256 eligible schools in Alabama, only 18 schools achieved honor roll recognition. This award honors schools that demonstrate a clear andeffective commitment to equitable access to advanced coursework. This is yet another example of support from our community enabling us the opportunity to grow our academic and enrichment programs. Principal, Jon Cardwell Fairhope High School Contact your elected officials Public MeetingsListings The Fairhope Planning Commission MEETS AT 5PM | City Council chambers FIRST MONDAY OF EACH MONTH The Fairhope City Council MEETS AT 6PM | City Council chambers THE SECOND AND FOURTH MONDAYS FairhopeAL.gov | 251-928-2136 Sherry Sullivan, Mayor Sherry.Sullivan@FairhopeAL.gov Corey Martin, City Council President Corey.Martin@FairhopeAL.gov Kevin Boone, City Councilmember Kevin.Boone@FairhopeAL.gov Jack Burrell, City Councilmember Jack.Burrell@FairhopeAL.gov Jimmy Conyers, City Councilmember Jimmy.Conyers@FairhopeAL.gov Jay Robinson, City Councilmember Jay.Robinson@FairhopeAL.gov Mayor & City Council mailing address: City of Fairhope P.O. Drawer 429 Fairhope, AL 36533 36th Annual Mayor’s Golf Tournament benefiting FEEF Come join us on Friday, April 5 at the Quail Creek Golf Course for the annual Mayor’s Golf Tournament, a beloved tradition in the business community. This event offers a wonderful opportunity to take a break from work and support your local schools. For more information, visit www.feefonline.org. Fairhope East students have been learning through doing in the STEAM Lab! Our fifth graders have researched and designed the best methods to clean up an oil spill and learned all about the dangers of oil spills to the natural environment. Third grade students completed a unit on natural hazards and went through the engineering design process to create levees to protect a city from flooding! The smallest members of our crew are now computer programmers! Our kindergarten and 1st grade students read Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet. The book tells the story of the master puppeteer who invented the first balloons for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our students then coded robots to parade through the streets of New York complete with balloons and buildings. At Fairhope East, our learning is STEAM-powered! Principal, Christina Stacey Fairhope Middle School excels in academic excellence, thanks tostrategic use of local funds. Significant funding goes towards the employment of instructional aides and fostering personalized studentsupport. Our academic opportunity classroom teacher has reducedour student failure rate, and the employment of a full-time social worker contributes to a positive school culture. Intervention teachers target students needing extra academic support. Participation inongoing professional learning forour teachers ensures high teachingstandards and best practices. Thesecomprehensive approaches, backedby local funding,reflect Fairhope’scommitment to student success,evident in its recent recognition asthe third-highest performing middleschool in the state. GO PIRATES! Principal, Angie Hall Fairhope East Elementary School Fairhope Middle School