Supporting Educational Enrichment in Daphne's Schools

2006-07 Jubilee Breeze Articles (City of Daphne magazine)


Planting SEEDS . . . Growing Dreams –
Building Community through Daphne’s Educational Enrichment Foundation

by: Denise D’Oliveira, APR - SEEDS’ Communications Coordinator
date: December 2006

SEEDS’ mission is to promote a lifelong love of learning among the children of Daphne by providing enrichment opportunities at school and in the community and by advocating for educational improvements and innovation.

When the SEEDS (Supporting Educational Enrichment in Daphne’s Schools) mission statement was developed in 2005, founding members added some clarifying comments that underscore the foundation’s fundamental commitment to building community:

Who We Are:

SEEDS is an independent, non-profit education foundation that brings together citizens of all ages who value learning and share a vision for education’s role in Daphne’s future.

What We Believe:

We believe we can unite as a community to provide world-class educational opportunities for our children.

SEEDS has been working ever since to:

  • develop enrichment resources for our schools and strengthen communication among them;
  • encourage innovation in the classroom and partnership between teachers and the community;
  • engage citizens on issues of importance to the quality of education in Daphne and involve them in new volunteer roles.

What We’ve Accomplished Together So Far:

  • Since 2005 over $19,000 has been distributed to teachers in the five Daphne public schools and at Christ the King Catholic School as part of the SEEDS’ Classroom Enrichment Grant Program. Generated by the foundation’s two annual community fund-raisers, these enrichment dollars have funded creative proposals developed by Daphne teachers to expand our children’s horizons and improve academic achievement. Applications for an expanded 2007-’08 SEEDS’ Grants Program are now being accepted.
  • Following two years of advocacy work by SEEDS and extensive efforts by the DHS leadership team, Daphne High was authorized in 2006 by the Board of Education to become one of two Baldwin County high schools to apply for the International Baccalaureate Program – a rigorous pre-university curriculum that is offered in selected schools throughout the world for highly motivated secondary students. The application process is now under way and, if all goes according to plan, IB will be available to local students by the 2008-‘09 school term.
  • Daphne principals now regularly have the opportunity to exchange information about developments on their campuses and ideas for strengthening student learning at SEEDS’ Bi-monthly Networking Luncheons. Over the past two years, these meetings have resulted in improved communications about numerous issues of importance within the Daphne schools and community.
  • One such result has been the development of the TEAM Up for Daphne Character campaign. At the suggestion of our principals, SEEDS invited local community leaders to learn more about the many ways in which the Daphne schools are encouraging the development of positive character among students. The Daphne Character Coalition was formed subsequently by interested citizens who have committed to Teach, Enforce, Advocate for and Model good character for the children in their circle of influence.
  • As one of SEEDS’ signature fundraisers, “The Mamma Mia Cook-off – A Celebration of Daphne’s Italian Heritage” has become a new fall tradition on the Eastern Shore. Held on the second Saturday in November, the colorful event brings together amateur chefs from many Daphne neighborhoods who vie for hometown bragging rights in the spirited annual competition. Now in its third year, the 2007 Mamma Mia Cook-off is set for Saturday, November 10th.
  • The Classic Rock 5K and Fun Run, the foundation’s springtime fund-raising event, now regularly attracts over 1,000 running enthusiasts , students, parents, educators and other friends of SEEDS. The Classic Rock Post-Race Party – complete with live classic rock music, free food and exciting children’s activities – is quickly becoming a favorite attraction on the local spring racing calendar.
  • SEEDS continues to convene interested Daphne citizens in special Focus Groups and Public Meetings as issues of educational interest emerge within our community. To date such meetings have addressed the impact of growth on local schools as well as new school construction plans.

What’s Ahead?

With the success of SEEDS’ fundraising and grant writing efforts to date, research and development of The Lyceum, a community learning network focusing on humanities-related studies, is now under way. Identified early on as a long-term signature project for the foundation, The Lyceum will provide after-school, summer day camp and classroom enrichment opportunities for Daphne children in areas such as language arts, history and drama.

For more information about all the ways in which you can become an active supporter of SEEDS call us at (251) 656-SEED (656-7333). JOIN US!

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